NANTUCKET, MA – The Cape Cod Chapter took to the seas this past week, as 27 teams made their way to the Grey Lady for the 35th edition of the Island Classic at Miacomet Golf Club. With two pristine days of weather and flawless course conditions at Miacomet, it is no wonder why the Island Classic continues to be one of the most highly anticipated events on the Chapter schedule.
Two days of Pro-Am play resulted in a knotted leaderboard, as teams representing the Bay Club, The Club at New Seabury, and Hyannis GC all tallied 21-under totals to tie at the top. Thomas Rourke and his Hyannis crew had the overnight lead to themselves after an impressive opening round of 11-under, but were unable to separate themselves from the pack in round 2. It was Andrew Stolze (New Seabury) and John Paesani (Bay Club) who had their teams in full chase mode, needing to overcome a three shot deficit in the final round for a chance at victory. Both teams were up to the challenge, and turned in nearly flawless scorecards of 13-under that vaulted them into a share of first place. Ultimately, Paesani and his team of Jim McEleney, Mark Palm, and Sam Toomey won a card-off to obtain the title.
Stolze made sure that there was no card-off in the Individual Professional competition, as he ran away with the win in wire-to-wire fashion. Thanks to a trio of round 1 birdies on holes 3, 4, and 5, he carded a 2-under 70 and grabbed the 18 hole lead. He kept his foot on the pedal and rolled in six birdies on day 2, besting his first round score by one to finish at 5-under total and 5 shots clear of second place.
In the blind draw Pro-Pro competition, Paesani was matched up with co-worker Pat Hurrie to create Team Bay Club, which proved to be a force to be reckoned with. The two only made one bogey in the blind Four Ball format and finished at 9-under to win by a shot. In true “ham and egg” fashion, Hurrie made a slew of 27 pars to keep the ship steady, while Paesani’s 7 birdies and an eagle pushed them deep into red numbers.
With another successful Island Classic in the books, the Chapter is already looking forward to the 2025 version! The Cape Cod Chapter would like to thank its wonderful hosts at Miacomet Golf Course- Director of Golf, Mike Haberl, PGA, GM Sean Oberly, and Superintendent Ryan Scotto!