lohud Golf Leaderboard: Chris Calabro and Violet Robbins prevail at Canno Invitational
Golf continues to boom in the Lower Hudson Valley. This is the landing spot for course spotlights, news and results from across the region. Check back as the post will be updated frequently during the spring and summer.
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August 17
Calabro and Robbins win Canno Invitational titles
Chris Calabro (Hawthorne/Knollwood) shot a 69 at Metropolis to win the 16th Canno Invitational, which annually features 16 of the regions current and former top high school players. The former Manhattan College standout finished three shots ahead of defending champion Eric Mehlman (Harrison) and four shots ahead of Matthew Ferrari (Croton). "Chris has played in most of these so it was good to see him win it," Canno said. Violet Robbins (Fairfield, Conn.) won the girls division in a lengthy playoff with Julia Kret (Tuckahoe) after shooting 81 from 6,100 yards. The duo made three straight pars in the playoffs, then matched each other in a chip-off and putt-off before Robbins made a 15-footer to secure the trophy. "It was our first, full girls field and it was an amazing ending with all the players watching," Canno said.
August 16
Bensel holds off Heins to win Met PGA Senior Match Play
Frank Bensel (Century) made enough birdies to overcome a strong start from Bobby Heins (Old Oaks) and post a 5-and-3 victory in the final of the Met PGA Senior Match Play Championship at Spook Rock. The White Plains native went extra holes in the Round of 32 and 16 to get by Ray Ford (Rolling Hills) and John Bushka (Aspetuck Valley). Bensel dispatched Mal Galletta (Griffith E. Harris) in the quarterfinals and and Greg Bisconti (St. Andrew’s) in the semis before taking on the 72-year-old who recently won the Westchester Senior Open champion. "I knew coming in to play against Bobby was going to be a challenge, he's been playing great,” Bensel said. “I've played with him so many times, he's such an incredible player and competitor. He got out to a really good start. I knew I would make birdies if I stayed patient. I was hitting the ball well and I putted well. I made three in a row on the front to get to 1-up and made some on the back as well.”
Results: 2023 Met PGA Senior Match Play Championship
August 10
Downey storms back to win NYS Men's Amateur
August 8
Peter takes Women's Met Open title
Lauren Peter (Carmel/Whippoorwill) closed with a 1-under 72 at Essex Fells Country Club to capture the Women's Met Open Championship by two shots. The recent Ohio State grad finished with a 1-under total of 145, rolling in birdies at Nos. 14 and 16 to seal the win. Catherine McEvoy (Innis Arden GC) was the runner-up after matching Peter's final-round 72.
Results: Women's Met Open Championship
Carpenter sleeps again on NYS Am lead
Ben Carpenter (GlenArbor/Yale) held steady when the winds kicked up, closing out with a birdie to grab a two-shot advantage heading into the final round of the 100th New York State Amateur Championship. The first-round leader, who already has a Connecticut State Amateur title (2022), carded a 73 at Wykagyl Country Club on Tuesday and is two shots ahead of Fletcher Wunderlich (MGA eClub/Iona), who shot a 69, and Ryan Rittberger (Garden City GC) and Jeremy Sisson (Skaneateles CC). Wunderlich, a Florida State transfer, is a caddie at the host club.
Results: 100th New York State Amateur
August 7
Carpenter has early lead at NY state am
Ben Carpenter (GlenArbor/Yale) shot a 5-under 67 at Wykagyl Country Club and was the leader in the clubhouse when play was suspended at the 100th New York State Amateur due to darkness. Heavy rain on Monday pushed tee times back two hours. Ben Loomis (Winged Foot/Vanderbilt) signed for a 69 and James Allen (Scarsdale Golf Club/Penn State) was also 3-under with three holes to play. They were in a group tied for third.
First round: 100th New York State Amateur Championship
Heins adds to WGA haul
Bobby Heins (Old Oaks CC) shot a 4-under 68 at St. Andrew's Golf Club to win the Westchester Golf Association Senior Open by a shot over Greg Bisconti (St. Andrew's). The 72-year old was the runner-up last year. He owns six Westchester Open titles. Defending champion Shaun Powers (Fairview), James McCann (Spook Rock), Phil Wildermuth (Pelham) and Craig Thomas (Metropolis) tied for third at even par. Michael Karger (Century) was the low amateur for the second year in a row after carding a 76.
August 6
Cavaliere is runner-up at Met Am
Christian Cavaliere (Hudson National) went on a tear in match play, advancing to the final of the 121st Met Amateur Championship before falling 2 and 1 to Josh German (Sewane) in a tight 36-hole final at Friar's Head. The match was even following the morning round. There was plenty of back and forth after lunch, and German took control with a birdie on the 16th hole after Cavaliere sent a drive wide right. A par on the next hole closed out the win.
August 2
Balin wins Met PGA Professional Championship ... again
Danny Balin (Valhalla/Fresh Meadow) rolled in four birdies of the final six holes to complete a 5-under round of 67 at Brae Burn Country Club and won the Met PGA Professional Championship for the fourth time. He finished with a 12-under total of 204 earning a spot in the 2024 PGA Professional Championship in Frisco, Texas. Mike Ballo (Westchester CC) and Alex Beach (Westchester CC) finished one shot back and will also be heading to the national championships along with Casey Pyne (Stanwich), Dylan Newman (Meadowbrook), Matt Dobyns (Meadowbrook), James Giampaolo (Fairview CC), Greg Bisconti (St. Andrew's GC), Peter Ballo (Connecticut CC), Tom Cooper (The Creek), Frank Bensel (Century CC), Chris Gabriele (Quaker Ridge GC), Jason Caron (Mill River) and Peter Kampmann (Manhattan Woods).
Results: Met PGA Professional Championship
Miller is Woodstock Open runner-up
Michael Miller (Brewster) gave a strong title defense with a 4-under 66 at the 88th Emerson Resort & Spa Woodstock Open, but finished three shots behind winner Nick Dilio (Silo Ridge). Dave Fusco (Patriot Hills) was in a group tied for third at 2-under at Woodstock Country Club.
July 28
Ken Fernandes (Chappaqua) won the 55th MGA/Metlife Boy’s Championship at Gardiner’s Bay Country Club, dispatching Edward Molloy (Rye) 4 and 2 in the semifinals and Holden Schipper (Lebanon, N.J.) 2 and 1 in the final. The 14-year-old was 2 down after nine, but won five straight holes to lock up the victory.
Results: 55th MGA/Metlife Boy's Championship
Levitt rolls to NYS Junior Girls title
Jordan Levitt (Bedford) shot a 6-under 65 in the final round of the New York State Girls Championship and won by three over defending champion Sophie Li (New York City). Her seven birdies and one bogey resulted in the best round of the tournament. Levitt, 16, finished with a 7-under total of 206 at Lake Placid Club. Amelie Phung (Bonnie Briar CC) was third at 213 and Nina Choe (Pelham CC) was fourth at 216.
Results: 60th New York State Girls Junior Championship
Wang, Chu land in top-five at NYS Junior Boys
Yiwen Wang (Scarsdale) and Leo Chu (Scarsdale) placed fourth and fifth at the New York State Boys Junior Championship at Lake Placid Club. Wang posted a 1-under total of 212 and wound up four shots off the lead. Chu shot a final-round 68 to get to even par for the championship.
Results: 81st New York State Boys Junior Championship
July 26
GlenArbor chosen MGWA Club of the Year
GlenArbor Golf Club was named Club of the Year by the Met Golf Writers Association, joining a roster of past winners that includes Baltusrol, Winged Foot, Bethpage State Park and Sleepy Hollow Golf Club. The award honors the club's longtime commitment to upholding the game's traditions and dedication to conservation. GlenArbor is a frequent host of MGA and WGA championships, conducts numerous golf academies and supports a prodigy program for up-and-coming juniors. The club will be honored during the 71st National Awards Dinner on Oct. 11 at Sleepy Hollow Country Club. Other honorees include Gold Tee Award: Larry Nelson; Paul Dillon Distinguished Service Award: Gil Hanse; Lincoln Werden Journalism Award: Jimmy Roberts; Mary Bea Porter Award: Julio Ugaz; MGWA Family of the Year: David, Barbara and Cameron Young.
Tickets: Metropolitan Golf Writers 71st National Awards Dinner at Sleepy Hollow
July 25
Gilmore is Met PGA Professional of the Year
Mike Gilmore (Winged Foot GC) has been named Professional of the Year by the Metropolitan Section of the PGA and will be honored during the organization's special awards dinner at Winged Foot on Nov. 1. The other honorees are Teacher of the Year: Jack McGown (Hampton Hills); Bill Strausbaugh Award: Stuart Waack (Silvermine GC); Professional Development Award: Kirk Oguri (Pete’s Golf Shop); Deacon Palmer Award: Bob Longo (PGA Life Member); Patriot Award: Tim Stafford (LaTourette); Player Development Award: Gerard Scheer (Aspetuck Valley CC); Youth Player Development Award: Justin Koff (Bethpage State Park); Merchandiser of the Year (Private): Jim Fatsi (Brooklawn CC); Merchandiser of the Year (Public): Scott Klemme (Centennial GC); Sam Snead Award: Gene Westmoreland (MGA/Winged Foot GC).
July 23
Miller finishes T4 at Colorado Open
Michael Miller (Brewster) closed with a 7-under 64 and climbed into a fourth-place tie at the Inspirato Colorado Open, earning a $10,952 payday. He made six birdies on the last nine and finished the championship with an 18-under total of 266 at Green Valley Ranch in Denver. Miller earned an invite via last year's New York State Open win.
Nicholas makes Korn Ferry leaderboard
James Nicholas (Scarsdale) got in via a Monday qualifier and earned a check at the Price Cutter Charity Championship, finishing tied for 67th. He posted an 8-under total of 280, earning $3,930 at Highland Springs Country Club in Springfield, Missouri. Nicholas has appeared in 36 Korn Ferry Tour events and made 18 cuts.
July 14
Peter makes LPGA debut
Lauren Peter (Carmel) made her LPGA debut, earning a spot in the Dana Open in Sylvannia, Ohio via a 4-under 67 in a Monday qualifier. The recent Ohio State graduate carded rounds of 73 and 72 at Highland Meadows Golf Club, missing the cut by four shots.
July 13
Nicholas and Newman T3 at state open
Peicheng Chen (China/St. John's) won the New York State Open with a long birdie putt on the final hole at Bethpage State Park's Black Course. James Nicholas (Scarsdale) and Dylan Newman (New Rochelle) finished in a three-way tie for third.
Story: Dylan Newman's state open run derailed by a 4-iron
Jimmy Roberts earns MGWA honor
Jimmy Roberts (Rye/NBC) was selected to receive the Lincoln Werden Golf Journalism Award by the Met Golf Writers Association and will be honored at the 71st National Awards Dinner in October at Sleepy Hollow Country Club. The White Plains native has so far piled up 14 Emmy Awards. Other honorees include Gold Tee Award: Larry Nelson; Paul Dillon Distinguished Service Award: Gil Hanse; Mary Bea Porter Award: Julio Ugaz; MGWA Family of the Year: David, Barbara and Cameron Young.
July 12
Shirakura gets a top 20 finish at U.S. Adaptive Open
Douglas Shirakura (Somers) finished 20th in the leg impairment flight at the U.S. Adaptive Open at Pinehurst No. 6. The 21-year-old whose right leg was amputated below the knee as an infant due to amniotic banding syndrome, posted a 35-over total of 251.
July 10
Han earns a spot in the U.S. Amateur Championship
Nathan Han (Somers) took medalist honors with a 12-under 132 during U.S. Amateur qualifying at Haworth Country Club. It's another milestone for the rising senior at Columbia, who last spring became the first golfer in program history to qualify for NCAA regionals and earn All-American status. Han is now headed to Cherry Hills Country Club in Colorado next month for the U.S. Am. Jack Woods (Danbury, Conn.) got the second spot.
July 7
Coughlin repeats at Westchester Am
Ryan Coughlin (Westchester CC) held onto the hardware, posting a 7-and-6 win over Jack Woods (Ridgewood CC) in the 36-hole final of the 104th Westchester Amateur Championship at GlenArbor. The 33-year-old former walk-on at Notre Dame did well on the speedy greens, posting a 4-up advantage before lunch. Coughlin quickly extended that lead, going 6-up through 21 holes. Ned Zachar (GlenArbor) earned the senior title in his Westchester Am debut, beating Patrick Pierson (New York CC) 1-up. He evened the match with a birdie on 17 and won it with a conceded par on the last. Mark Vassalotti (Sterling Farms) defeated Steve Gersch (Rolling Hills) 5 and 4 to win the super senior crown.
Results: 104th Westchester Amateur Championship
July 2
Labritz posts a top-five at U.S. Senior Open
Rob Labritz (GlenArbor) had a strong weekend in Wisconsin, closing the U.S. Senior Open with rounds of 66 and 69 at SentryWorld to finish tied for fourth. He wound up five shots in back of Bernhard Langer, who at 65 became the championship's oldest winner. Labritz posted a 2-under total of 282. He ranked T1 in fairways hit for the week and T10 in greens. Labritz also finished in a fourth-place tie at the Senior Open last year.
June 27
Cavaliere falls in playoff at the Ike
Christian Cavaliere (Hudson National GC) was the runner-up at the Ike MGA Stroke Play Championship, falling to Melan Dhaubhadel in a three-hole aggregate playoff. A three-putt bogey on the second extra hole as the difference. The Katonah native finished with a 7-under total of 203 at Brooklawn Country Club. Charlie Berridge (Wykagyl CC) missed the playoff when his final putt of the championship lipped out. He wound up third and Nathan Han (Salem GC) tied for fifth at 3-under.
Results: 68th Ike MGA Stroke Play Championship
Petrillo, Lee qualify for Junior PGA Championships
Felix Petrillo (Harrison) and Emma Lee (Scarsdale) won the Met Junior PGA Championships at Hampshire Country Club. Petrillo, 12, finished with a 2-under total of 140 then prevailed in a playoff. He made just two bogeys. Lee, 16, again won the girls title, posting a 3-over total of 143. She won by a stroke. Both players are eligible to compete in the Junior PGA Championship at Hot Springs Country Club in Hot Springs, Arkansas in August.
Results: Met Junior PGA Championship
Miano third at New York State Am
Taylor Miano (Dobbs Ferry/Mohansic GC) tied for third at the 93rd New York State Women's Amateur Championship, posting a 15-over total of 231 at Corning Country Club. The rising senior at James Madison University opened with a 79 and improved two strokes each of the following two rounds. Isabella Salerno (Westchester CC) was tied for seventh at 17-over and Maryann Grace (Winged Foot) was tied for 10th at 19-over.
Results: 93rd New York State Women's Amateur Championship
June 25
Svoboda makes cut at Travelers Championship
Andrew Svoboda (Larchmont) made the most of an exemption to spend a week back on the PGA Tour. The first-year head professional at Great River Golf Club earned a spot by winning the Connecticut PGA Championship in May and made the cut. Svoboda was 7-under heading into the weekend, He finished tied for 64th after rounds of 73 and 71 on Saturday and Sunday at TPC River Highlands and picked up a check for $43,200.
June 23
Burns earns lifetime achievement award
Colin Burns, who served as general manager at Winged Foot for three decades, was presented with a lifetime achievement award by Prince Albert II of Monaco during the Monaco-U.S. Celebrity Golf Cup. “Golf is a game where lifetime friendships are built and nourished,” Burns said. “I have been blessed to work with thousands of great people in this great game. I am lucky to have spent so many decades doing work to assure people enjoy the game in places they like to think of as home.” Burns was recently appointed chief operating officer of APOGEE, an exclusive private facility under construction in Hobe Sound, Fla.
June 22
Francella wins inaugural N.J. Women's Open
Meaghan Francella (Port Chester) captured the debut New Jersey Women's Open with a 6-over total of 148 at Montclair Golf Club, finishing a stroke ahead of Ami Gianchandani (Watchung Valley CC) and two strokes ahead of Alexs Hios (Rye/Woodway CC). The 41-year-old former LPGA champion is teaching at Philadelphia Cricket Club and recently played in the Shopright LPGA Classic. Francella earned $6,000 for the win.
Results: New Jersey Women's Open
U.S. Open: Cavaliere, Svoboda and Young are ready to go at Los Angeles C.C.
June 14
Nicholas stays hot, captures Westchester Open
James Nicholas (Scarsdale/Westchester CC) outdueled longtime friend and fellow mini-tour player Josh Goldenberg (Scarsdale/Fenway Golf Club) to win the 101st Westchester Open by a shot. Nicholas opened and closed with 63s at Whippoorwill Club and had at least a share of the lead after the first and second rounds while Goldenberg finished up with a course-record 62. They exchanged birdie runs on the last nine before Nicholas birdied the 14th and 16th holes. Goldenberg's last birdie came at the 18th hole, but Nicholas got up and down from the bunker for the par and the win. “It was just back and forth all day,” said Nicholas, who had one bogey all week and had a 16-under total of 194 for the championship. “We were just trying to one-up each other the whole entire day and it was a lot of fun.” Brad Tilley (Sleepy Hollow CC) was third at 10-under and Alex Beach (Westchester C.C.) was fourth at 8-under.
Results: 101st Westchester Open presented by Poland Spring
June 13
A birdie on the 18th hole gave Sofia Nogalo (Hollow Brook CC) the MGA/WMGA Women’s Met Amateur Championship. The recent Ursuline School graduate carded a 4-over 77 at Essex County Country Club, besting Sammie Dolce (Basking Ridge CC) by a stroke. Ellen Oswald (Westchester CC) was third at 6-over.
Results: 21st MGA/WMGA Women’s Met Amateur Championship
June 10
Francella plays Shoprite LPGA Classic
Meaghan Francella (Port Chester) was back in a familiar environment, competing in the Shopright LPGA Classic on a sponsor's exemption. The 41-year-old teaching professional at Philadelphia Cricket Club is a two-time winner on the LPGA Tour. Francella went 77-70 at Seaview Golf Club in Galloway, N.J. and missed the cut by four.
June 8
Nicholas wins the Long Island Open
James Nicholas (Scarsdale/Deepdale) won the 99th Long Island Open, finishing with an 11-under total of 199 at Huntington Crescent Club. He was seven strokes ahead of runner-up Matt Dobyns (Meadow Brook). Nicholas opened the championship with a course-record 61, making nine birdies and no bogeys. Dylan Newman (New Rochelle/Meadow Brook) was fifth at 1-over and Danny Balin (White Plains/Fresh Meadow) was tied for sixth at 2-over.
Results: 99th Long Island Open
June 5
Cavaliere, Svoboda qualify for U.S. Open
Christian Cavaliere has only played a handful of competitive rounds in the last six months while focusing on his Tremont Sporting Co. venture, but he finished third at Final Qualifying for the 123rd U.S. Open Championship and is on his way to Los Angeles C.C. The 25-year-old amateur from Katonah was 5-under on the North Course at Canoe Brook and 1-under on the South Course, finishing with a total of 136. He avoided a playoff for the final spot by one shot. Andrew Svoboda, a former touring pro and Westchester native, got into his fifth U.S. Open via a playoff birde. The 43-year-old finished with a 5-under total of 137. There were seven other players with local ties at Canoe Brook. Luke Sample (Old Oaks CC) was 4-under and is the second alternate. Danny Balin (White Plains) was 3-over, Nathan Han (Somers) was 6-over, James Nicholas (Scarsdale) was 7-over, Greg Bisconti (South Salem) and Alex Beach (Westchester C.C.) were 9 over and Stephen Scialo (Paramount CC) was 21-over.
Results: U.S. Open Final Qualifying at Canoe Brook
NYSPHSAA boys and girls championships
Reigning Section 1 champion Emma Lee was the runner-up at the state girls championship. The Scarsdale sophomore shot a pair of 73s at The Edison Club. Ther were four players from local schools in the top 10. Kevin Wang, a sophomore at Eastchester, was 12th in the state boys championship, finishing at 9-over at Mark Twain Golf Course.
Story: Emma Lee is second at NYSPHSAA Girls Golf Championship
Story: Kevin Wang leads Section 1 with 12th-place finish at NYSPHSAA Boys Golf Championship
May 31
Polo Golf Head Professional Championship
Shaun Powers (Fairview CC) won the Polo Golf Head Professional Championship with a 3-under total of 141 at The Apawamis Club. He closed with a tournament-best 67 and won by four shots, earning a $4,000 prize. Matt Dobyns (Meadow Brook Club) and Danny Balin (Fresh Meadow CC) tied for second at 1-over. Tyler Jaramillo (Fenway) and Carl Alexander (GC of Purchase) were fourth and fifth, respectively.
Results: Polo Golf Head Professional Championship
Metropolitan PGA Women's Championship
Liz Caron (Mill River Club) added a third Metropolitan PGA Women's Championship, closing with a 5-over 77 at The Apawamis Club to win by two with a 14-over total of 158. She also won in 2012 and 2021. Caron won $1,200. Meghan O'Mara (Wind Watch G&CC) was the runner-up. Wendy Modic was third at 7-over.
Results: Metropolitan PGA Women's Championship
Mike Dougherty covers golf for The Journal News and lohud.com. Follow along on Twitter @lohudgolf.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: lohud golf leaderboard, tournament recaps and course snapshots
