Owings Mills, Md. – The 96th Senior Amateur Championship at Green Spring Valley Hunt Club brought together a competitive field of top talent, including several past champions such as Tom Winegardner (The Cannon Club), David Nocar (Chartwell Golf & Country Club), Vance Welch (Hobbit’s Glen GC), and Tucker Sampson (Manor CC). But it was Michael Garner, also from Manor Country Club, who claimed the championship in an exciting two-day event.
Day 1 began with Michael Garner shooting an impressive 3-under-par 69 on the par-72 course, which set the tone for what was to come. Garner found his stride on the back nine, firing off four birdies, including a notable streak on Nos. 15, 16, and 17. With Nos. 16 and 17 being par-5s, Garner showcased his power and finesse, particularly in his short game. His excellent play left him as the leader at the end of the day.
Trailing just behind Garner was Tim Dilli of Baltimore Country Club, who posted a 2-under-par 70. Dilli actually had more birdies than Garner, recording six throughout his round. However, a costly double bogey on the par-5 17th hole kept him from taking the lead. Both Garner and Dilli were the only competitors to finish under par after the first day, positioning themselves as the favorites heading into Day 2.
Day 2 began with Michael Garner in the spotlight. He had a steady start on the front nine but stumbled slightly with a double bogey on No. 7. Despite the setback, Garner regained his composure and birdied No. 10, followed by solid par play over the final eight holes to finish with an even-par round for the day. It was just enough to maintain his lead and secure the title.
While Tim Dilli struggled on Day 2 and ultimately finished third, the standout story of the day was Gary Awalt from Hayfields Country Club. Awalt surged up the leaderboard with an eagle on the 6th hole and four birdies to match Garner’s score on Monday. However, his opening round of 74 left him just shy, finishing in second place with a commendable comeback effort.
Also worth noting, past champion David Nocar made headlines with a spectacular hole-in-one on Tuesday. Despite the excitement, Nocar finished in 6th place overall.
It was Michael Garner’s consistent play and timely birdies that allowed him to hold onto his narrow lead and emerge victorious at the 96th Senior Amateur Championship.
The Super Senior Division was equally as exciting as Green Spring Valley’s Henry Blue made a comeback to add a Super Senior Champion trophy to his 2019 Senior Amateur title. After Day 1, Blue sat one stroke behind Pine Ridge’s Larry Storck but Blue’s steady play on Day 2 propelled him up the leaderboard to finish five shots clear of runner-up John Torre from Queenstown Harbor Golf Links. Blue’s rounds of 76-73 were good enough to claim the title.
In the newly added Mid-Master Division, consistency was also key to Patrick Herwig’s victory. The Hayfield Country Club member fired rounds of 72-72 to finish at Even par for the event, two shots ahead of Worthington Manor Golf Club’s Don Phattiyakul. Herwig’s Tuesday morning back nine was highlighted by birdies on the back-to-back par 5s, 16 and 17 to help secure his victory.
The Maryland State Golf Association would like to extend its gratitude to Green Spring Valley Hunt Club for hosting this prestigious event and providing excellent course conditions for all the competitors.
