Rich Berberian of Vesper CC tamed the snow flurries, the wind, and the golf course by firing a 3-under par 69 and a four-stroke victory at The Oaks in Somersworth on Monday. Berberian posted four birdies against one lone bogey on his way to the Low Professional honors. Danny Kish of The Indoor Club was alone in second place, firing a 73, followed by Chris Houston of Laconia CC at 75.
A heavy frost greeted the early players for the season opener causing a bit of a delay, but Superintendent Jeremy Stafford and his crew had the golf course ready to go once the temperatures inched above freezing. Twenty-four teams from New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts showed up bundled in layers and excited to get the tournament schedule underway.
Mitch Jefferson of Rochester CC captained his team of Ryan Martel, Kevin Strong and Don Montigny to the top of the Pro-Am Gross leaderboard with a 5-under par 67. Kish and Berberians’s squads were one shot back at 68.
We had a tie atop the Net Competition between Paul Champagne’s Nonesuch River team and Todd Rollin’s Ready Golf group at 8-under par 64. Champagne was joined by Don Lavallee, Skip Bertin and Don Montigny, while Rollins kept it in the family with his brother Scott, son Evan and his loyal teammate Tim Callahan.
Todd Rollins and His Team Had a Great Opening Day of Scoring, Skins and Titleist Closest to the Pins
Thanks to The Oaks PGA Professional Staff, General Manager Ben Alexander, Director of Golf Jon Ellis, Head Professional Patrick Thornell, Teaching Professional Jay Pollini, and all of the crew outside in the cold, and inside the clubhouse.
Oaks Director of Golf Jon Ellis and His Home Team
Oaks Head Professional Patrick Thornell and His Squad
Next week the NH Chapter travels to Campbell’s Scottish Highlands in Salem.