Los Angeles, CA. - Ronald Vannelli, 56, of Edison, N.J., recorded a 36-hole total 4-over-par 144 to earn medalist honors by a stroke at the 2004 USGA Senior Amateur Championship, being conducted at the par-70, 6,491-yard Bel-Air Country Club in Los Angeles. Vannelli, also advanced to the round of 64 with a 1-up victory over Larry Walsh of Buda, TX. Former MGA President John Baldwin qualified for match play with rounds of 75 – 76=151 but was defeated in his first match by Tony Lehman of Sacramento, CA 6 and 5. Gene Ryzewicz of Westport, CT also made it to match play but was upended by Martin West of Rockville, MD 3 and 1.

 

Stroke play concluded Monday for the 44 players who did not finish their second round when play was suspended Sunday due to darkness.

 

After a double bogey on the par-4, 390-yard 12th hole (the third of his round), Vannelli recorded six consecutive pars before a bogey on the par-5, 482-yard first hole. He finished with birdies on the par-4 seventh and ninth holes for a 1-over-par 71.

 

“I am amazed,” said Vannelli of winning medalist honors. “I'm thrilled to death and honored beyond belief. I'm just honored just to be here, to tell you the truth. I read about all these guys who are here in all the golf magazines, and here I am.”

 

Since turning 50 years old, Vannelli has played in five USGA championships – two Senior Opens, two Mid-Amateurs, and this Senior Amateur.

 

“I seem to be getting better for some reason,” said Vannelli.