When NHC/NEPGA travels to Laconia CC for a pro am each year we know the golfing season is coming to an end in New Hampshire. It has been the last event for the chapter for a few years now. It ends another great season for the NHC, it’s PGA Professionals, and all the ams that play in the events during the season. It was a typical fall day that greeted the 25 teams, cool, cloudy, and of course some rain while everyone was playing their final hole. That sums up the summer of 2023. We hope that next summer we have a little less rain, and a little more sun.
The pro contest saw the 2023 NHC Player of the Year Jay Pollini, of Ridgewood, finish out strong with a 1st place finish, shooting a 4 under 68. Jay was the most consistent player on the circuit this year, congratulation on a great year. Dan Kish of The Indoor Golf Club finished at 3 under 69 to come in 2nd. Dan has a strong finish this year winning the previous 2 event before coming in 2nd at Laconia. Laconia’s Chris Houston shot a 71 to come in 3rd. Dan Wilkins, also of Laconia shot an even par 72 to end up 4th. Cory Mansfield of Derryfield shot a 73 to end up 5th. There was a 3 way tie for 6th all shooting 74. Brett Smestad of Rochester, Allison Mitzel of Laconia, and Matt Delois of About Golf tied for that 6th spot. There was also a 3 way tie for 9th place, Jim Gunnare of Crystal Lake, Todd Rollins of Laconia, and Carter White of Laconia all shot 75 to tie for that 9th spot.
The team contest saw Jay Pollini of Ridgewood led his team to 14 under par to take top honors. His team was made up of Josh Johnson, Ryan Martel, and Ben Ekstrom. There was a two way tie for 2nd place, both shooting 12 under. Eric Sandstrum of Keene CC and his team of Bob Lebebvre, Ken Goebel, and Topher Hamblet tied the team led by Dan Wilkins of Laconia and his team of Steve Wainwright, Mike Handrahan, and Mitch Jean.
As the 2023 season comes to an end there are many people to thank. To all the PGA Professionals that play in these events thank you, you make the NHC/NEPGA the highest participation chapter in New England. We have a great group of pros that make these events fun and successful. Thank you to all the amateurs who play each week. Our events wouldn’t be as successful without you. Thank you to all the partners that enhance our events. We are very lucky to have you all. Finally, thank you to all the courses that host our events. We are very fortunate to have the facilities host pro ams for our chapter.
Onto winter and some snowy fun. Can’t wait till the first event of the 2024 season!
Steve Poremba turns 65 and moves to some new tees!
Dan Wilkins hits his 2nd shot.
Jon Ellis rolls one in.