MIDDLETOWN, R.I. – Andrew Stolze, PGA of The Club at New Seabury claimed the top score in the 2023 New England PGA Stroke Play Series opener at Newport National Golf Club on Tuesday, April 18th. Playing in gusty winds and chilling temperatures, the group of 71 Professionals competed over 18 holes and Stolze posted a score of 72 (E) to take home the title.
Robert Bruso, PGA (Blackstone National GC) and David Bennett, PGA (Country Club of Vermont) both shot +2 to finish just behind Stolze, for a share of second place.
Stolze started the day strong with a birdie on the par-5 first hole. After a few tough holes, he finished the front nine strong with an eagle on the par-5 eighth to make the turn at +1. Stolze carded birdies on 11 and 14 to finish the round even, claiming first place in the Stroke Play Series season opener.
Bruso started the round with a birdie on the par-4 second hole. He carded one bogey and seven pars to finish the front nine at an even 36. Bruso started the back nine with a bogey on the par-4 10th hole. A birdie on the par-5 14th brought him back to even, but bogeys on 15 and 16 set him back to +2 overall for a share of second place with a score of 74.
Bennett got off to a hot start with an eagle on the par-5 first hole. He carded two bogeys and a birdie on the front to make the turn at -1. Five bogeys and a pair of birdies on the back nine brought him to 74 (+2) overall in a tie for second place with Bruso.
Thomas Rooney, PGA (LeBaron Hills CC), Bryan Kienke, PGA (Cohasset GC), and Peter Ruymann, PGA (Marshfield CC), Dan Shepherd, PGA (Fall River CC), Ed Kirby, PGA (The Aquidneck Club), and Jim Calhoun, PGA (Brown University) all finished tied for fourth place, shooting 75 (+3).
The 2023 Stroke Play Series continues with its second installment at Walpole Country Club on Monday, May 15th in Walpole, Mass. Professionals can find more information or register by CLICKING HERE.
Thank you to Newport National Golf Club host PGA Professional, Chris Hulme and the entire NNGC staff for hosting the Stroke Play Series event. The NEPGA would also like to thank its presenting partners: AHEAD USA, Avidia Bank, Bushnell Golf, Maui Jim, TagMarshal, SCNS Sports Foods, Cobra Puma Golf, New England Golf Cars, and the PGA TOUR.