PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The NEPGA 2023 Stroke Play Series #5 was held at Triggs Memorial Golf Course on Monday, August 28th. 80 NEPGA Professionals came out on the beautiful late August day to compete in the final Stroke Play Series event of the season, leading to the Avidia Cup Finals on October 3rd.
The event ended in a three-way tie, similar to the 4th installment of the Stroke Play Series held on August 15th. Jason Calhoun, PGA (Brown University) continued his winning streak as part of the trio that shot 5-under, 67s, for a share of first place. Robert Bruso, PGA (Blackstone National GC) and Greg Kelly, PGA (Myopia Hunt) also came in at 5-under.
Jeff Martin, PGA (Wollaston GC) and Eric Barlow, PGA (Winchester CC) tied for fourth place overall, just one stroke behind the three leaders, shooting 4-under 68s on the day.
Calhoun, who has captured a couple other trophies this season, carded four birdies on the front nine today and made the turn at 2-under. He posted three birdies on the back nine, clinching the share of first place with a final birdie on the par-4 18th hole to finish the day.
Bruso had birdies on the par-4 holes 5 and 8 holes on the front nine, but the real standout on the scorecard was his eagle on the par-5 6th hole that put him at 3-under making the turn. Two more birdies on the back, and a steady 7 pars finished Bruso at 5-under, tied for first place overall.
Kelly, who also claimed a share of first place at SPS #4 in Concord, N.H., started the round strong with a birdie on the par-4 1st hole. His scorecard also boasted birdies on the par-3 7th hole and par-4 9th hole, making the turn at 2-under. Kelly went on to secure three more birdies on the back, on 10, 15 and 16, to go along with six pars for the final 5-under, 67.
This was the final installment of the 2023 Stroke Play Series. The 2023 NEPGA Avidia Cup finals will be held on Indian Ridge CC on October 3rd. The Avidia Cup, presented by Avidia Bank, is a season-long points race based upon finishes in Stroke Play Series events and Chapter Championships. The top 54 point-earners will qualify for the Avidia Cup Finals on October 3rd.
Thank you to Triggs Memorial GC host PGA Professional, Robert Tramonti, PGA 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, TagMarshal, SCNS Sports Foods, New England Golf Cars, and the PGA TOUR.
