Sports - Brophy crowned New York golf champion

Competing in a tournament that was held at the Lake Placid Golf Club, she beat senior women golfers from all over New York State in the 65 years of age and older category.

Most important is her performance against the entire tournament field that included women in the 50 years and up division. Her overall position was fourth-best by only by three women that were 51 years old.

The diminutive Mrs. Brophy is no stranger in the winner’s circle. In 1961 as an 18-year-old McGregor Links Member, the then Gail Purdy, won the New York State Women’s Amateur Championship. She repeated as champion two years later in 1963.

One of most promising young players in the country, she was forced to give up golf when her father became ill and she had to help in the family business (Purdy’s Liquor Store). Then it was marriage and a new daughter that took precedent over the fairways.

In a period from 1980-2000, she never touched a golf club. She returned in 2001, but never played a round of golf. She used the entire years to practice her lost skills.

In 2003, she joined the Saratoga National Club and returned to competitive golf. Her win at Lake Placid was a well-deserved and well-earned victory.

In that same tournament, Suzie Mansfield, of the Ballston Spa Country Club, finished 13th overall. Three other Ballston Spa golfers competed: Joan Taylor tied for 38th, Barbara Ashbee and Mary Assey tied for 50th.

Other local champions: Chris DeNew is the 2007 McGregor Links women’s champion. DeNew defeated defending champion, Linda Bibby, 2-1. Also at McGregor Links: Art Manso, who recently returned to golf, fired and even-par 72 over a very demanding course to claim the overall senior championship trophy.

Manso competed in the Class A, 50-56 age category. Playing in the Class C, 63-69 age category, Jim Carrigan had a gross score of 76 to claim the runner-up spot.

McGregor’s Links

Senior Club Championship

A Flight (50-56): 1 Gross: Art Manso, 72; 2 Gross: Nick Poccia, 77. 1 Net: Ed Esposito, 67; 2 Net: Rock Kirkpatrick, 70; 3 Net: Pat Oles, 70. B Flight (57-62): 1 Gross: Mark Patterson, 78; 2 Gross: Don Bibby, 79; 1 Net: Bill Beers, 68; 2 Net: Tim Richardson, 72; 3 Net: Tom Pronti, 73. C Flight (63-69): 1 Gross: Jim Carrigan, 76; 2 Gross: Terry Loftus, 80; 1 Net: John Garry, 67; 2 Net: Mike Wright, 69. D Flight (70&up): 1 Gross: Yippie Caizzo, 84; 2 Gross: Mort Kelly, 94; 1 Net: Les Stuzin, 70; 2 Net: David Morris, 74.

McGregor’s Links

Men’s Association Final Travers Day – Best 2 of 4 Gross & Net (Pick Horse) - Aug. 25

1 Gross: Nick Poccia, Rich Sheridan, Rich Roberts, Dave Huestis/Horse: Loose Leaf, 135; 1st Net: Jim Carroll, Yippie Caiazzo, Tony Costa, Tom Magner/Horse: Street Sense, 121; 2 Net: Russ Terpening, Bill Beers, “Sanford” OB O’Brien), “Sanford’s Son” (Terry O’Brien)/Horse: C P West, 122.

Airway Meadows

Friday Scramble (Aug. 24)

1, Jeff Sellis, Don Seymour, Jayme Heber, Jake Liptak, -6; 2, Julie Northshield, Jay Skiff, Denny Bouck, Mike Winters, -3. Closest to the Pin #9: Todd McShane (7’9”).

Mechanicville Golf Club

Frog Island League

Low Gross: Michael Serbalik, 39; Rich Duda, 40; John Ciulla, Jr., 40. Low Net: John Zullo, 31; Laurie Phelps, 32; Jim Serbalik, 33. Women – Low Gross: Laurie Phelps, 41. Eagle: Rich Duda – 3rd hole (Par 4) Driver, 64 degree wedge.

Ballston Spa Country Club

Men’s Senior Club Championship Results

Using the quota system, Stan Ziobrowski is the new Ballston Spa Senior Champion

A Flight: Stan Ziobrowski, 24 points; B Flight: Jim Breitinger, 22 1/2 points; C Flight: Jim Bryant, 19 1/2 points; D Flight: Sty Morris, 20 points; E Flight: Bill Baker, 21 1/2 points; F Flight: Gary Lyons, 19 points; G Flight: Bob Macfarlane, 20 1/2 points; H Flight: Mike Radzevich, 19 points.

Coming events: I don’t know how many golfers are aware of this, but the world’s best professional golfers will be in the area during the week of Sept. 19-23, the PGA tour has a tour stop at the Turning Stone Resort in Oneida, a short, pleasant two-hour drive from Saratoga Springs. This will be the closest they will ever get to our area.

With a $6 million purse and $1 million going to the winner, you can bet the top players will be there, including John Daly and Notah Begay. As the Fed-Ex championship continues and some of the players don’t make the cut, you can be sure they will show up at Turning Stone. Turning Stone has a six-year commitment to host the tourney and it’s a wonderful opportunity to watch them up close. For more intormation, call 877-833-7469 or go to www.ticketmaster.com and www.turningstonechampionship.com.