PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The New England PGA hosted the third Stroke Play Series event of the season on Tuesday, August 20th at Triggs Memorial Golf Course in Providence, R.I. The first hour of tee times saw some rain, but the skies cleared, and temperatures were perfect for a competitive round of golf in the late summer. A total of 87 New England PGA of America Golf Professionals came out to compete in the event.
David Jankowski, PGA (Golf Garage VT) and Brendon Ray, PGA (Point Judith CC) finished the round at the top of the leaderboard, shooting 4-under, 68s for a share of first place.
Jankowski made the turn at even-par with one birdie on his scorecard. As the sun came out, he went on to add two birdies on the back nine and an eagle on the par-5 15th hole to finish at 4-under.
“There are a few holes out here that are a little long…with the north wind and rain they were playing a little longer,” said Jankowski. “The gameplan was just to get them in the fairway and be patient…I was able to manage my ball pretty well,” he continued. “The course was in good shape and the greens were rolling pretty nice…overall it was a good day.”
Ray made the turn at 2-under with three birdies on his scorecard. He had three birdies in a row, the par-4 8th and 9th holes and the par-5 10th hole to start the back nine strong. An eagle on the par-5 13th hole moved him to 5-under. A bogey on the par-5 15th hole put him at 4-under and Ray held on through the final three holes, parring them all, to finish in the tie for 1st place.
“I got through the first four holes at even par,” said Ray. “The middle part of the course is usually pretty scorable, so I was able to take advantage of that,” he continued. “Hole 13 was a good one… par-5, had a good drive, and made the putt for eagle to keep the momentum going, so that was the highlight of the day.”
Eric Barlow, PGA (Winchester CC), Rich Berberian Jr., PGA (Vesper CC), Greg Kelly, PGA (Myopia Hunt Club), and Ed Kirby, PGA (The Aquidneck Club) all tied for third place, shooting 3-under, 69s on the day.
Thank you to Triggs Memorial GC host PGA Professional, Robert Tramonti and the entire Triggs Memorial GC 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, SCNS Sports Foods, New England Golf Cars, Comparison Insurance, and the PGA TOUR.