George Zahringer (MGA photo)
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y. (Sept. 4, 2018) – George Zahringer of Deepdale added to his illustrious career on Tuesday by capturing the 7th MGA Senior Masters Tournament at Fresh Meadow Country Club with a 3-under 67. With the victory, Zahringer extends his record for MGA championships won to 18, having now claimed the title in six different events.
“It’s always special to win an MGA championship and I feel very grateful for having had the success I’ve had over the years,” said Zahringer, who bested the field by five shots. Past MGA President Steve Boyd of Baltusrol took second with a 2-over 72, while 2017 champion Jay Blumenfeld of Mountain Ridge carded 3-over 73 for third place.
For Zahringer, who started on the 17th hole in the 1:00 p.m. shotgun start, some early scrambling pars helped him keep pace early before he dialed in his irons and converted birdies.
“I felt like I made some clutch par-saving putts early in the round,” said the 10-time MGA Player of the Year. “I had a little trouble with my distance control with some wedge shots and missed a couple greens early on, left myself 8-10 footers for par saves and was fortunate to get those in. So, that kind of kept me in the game.”
Zahringer carded birdies on Nos. 7, 9 and 10 as he headed toward his final six holes. While a bogey on the par-3 11th served as just his second miscue of the day, Zahringer came back with quality birdies on the par-3 13th and 15th holes to help solidify his victory.
“Those are two pretty good par 3s and that kind of, I think, sealed the win for me—at least mentally,” Zahringer said of the birdies down the stretch.
“I was a little nervous out there today because I really did want to win,” remarked Zahringer about making his debut in the event as he turned 65 earlier this year. “I probably put a little more pressure on myself than I normally do. I haven’t played a lot of competitive golf this year, so I was a little nervous out there on the golf course.”
Tom Yellin of Stanwich, also playing in the event for the first time, shot 6-over 76 to finish solo fourth, while Ron Vannelli of Forsgate and Tom Fox of Apawamis tied for fifth at 9-over 79.
ABOUT THE
MET Senior Masters
18 hole stroke play tournament open to male
amateur
golfers of MGA Member Clubs who have reached
their
65th birthday by the tournament date. Max handicap
10.
View Complete Tournament Information