Purchase, N.Y.-It was just last week reigning New Jersey State Open Ed Whitman of Knickerbocker CC shared the lead after the first  round of the Met Area’s premiere event, The Met Open at Hudson National, only to finish in a tie for 21st place. Today, Whitman found himself in a similar position in the MGA/Senior Open after posting a first round 69, along with Kevin Morris of Westchester Hills. This time however, he held on for the win after posting a one-under-par 70 to edge defending champion Darrell Kestner of Deepdale by one stroke and first round co-leader Morris by two in the championship which was presented by Canon, US, for the second consecutive year.  Whitman, who came to the final hole tied for the lead with Kestner at two-under- par for the tournament, clinched the victory with a clutch 10-foot birdie putt on 18 for a final round 70 and a 139 total. Kestner, playing one group ahead, finished at 140 (70-70), while Morris posted rounds of 69-72 (141), the only other players under par for the tournament.  Low amateur prize went to Jim Graham of Winged Foot with rounds of 72-74 who finished in a tie for 7^th with Tom Joyce of Glen Oaks.

Whitman said the victory was a long awaited one, as he has been playing in MGA events for more than 30 years.

Forty-three players remained in the field today after Monday’s cut to the low 40 and tied from a field of 176.