LITTLE COMPTON, RI — Sakonnet Golf Club played host the annual Rhode Island Chapter Pro-Pro on Wednesday. With ideal early-season conditions, beautiful views and a strong field, the day did not disappoint.\
Of the 26 teams of PGA Professionals, two teams rose to the top, each posting impressive 6-under-par rounds of 64 to share first place honors. Matthew Hillier and Ed Kirby of The Aquidneck Club matched the stellar play of Shelter Harbor’s Dave Tiedemann and Tyler O’Connor.
Tidemann and O’Connor got off to a blistering eagle-birdie-birdie start playing the first three holes in four-under par. After making the turn in 3-under 31, the duo posted a second consecutive 3-under par split, making birdies on the 12th, 13th, and 17th holes.
Kirby and Hillier had a similar story to their round, making birdie on the first three holes in addition to the 6th hole. Consecutive bogeys on holes 7 & 8 had the pair make the turn one shot behind at 2-under 32. The Aquidneck team played almost a perfect back nine, with birdies on 12, 14, 16, and 17 to tie Shelter Harbor for the victory.
Just behind them, a trio of teams finished in a tie for third at 3-under 67. Host Professional Matt Alwin teamed up with Rodney Soares to represent Sakonnet GC, joined by Chris Hulme (Newport National) & Pete Weatherby (Green Valley CC), and lastly the duo of Tyler Piekarski (Button Hole) & Jason Calhoun (Brown University).
Rounding out the leaderboard was Dave Einstein and James Fox (Hyannisport Club), along with Mitch Jefferson (Rochester CC) and Bobby Williams (Seaweed Golf Co.). Both teams carded 2-under-par 68’s.
The Rhode Island Chapter extends its sincere thanks to Sakonnet Golf Club for once again hosting the Chapter. Special appreciation goes to Head Professional Matt Alwin, PGA!
The Chapter would also like to thank our partners at Callaway and Good Fellow Golf!
