A Brief Look Back at 2012
*Click on the event name to view the recap of that event
The season began with Sean Knapp Capturing his third George Dressler Amateur Public Links, and Jerry Janeski taking the Senior Public Links.
The Senior Match Play broke off from The Sigel and is now played along with a new Super-Senior Match Play Championship. Chip Lutz and Lee Lykens won their respective events.
Andrew Mason and Michael Brown were able to post a great score in the first round of the Better-Ball Championship, before the second round would be rained out.
The Senior and Super-Senior Better-Ball Championship was held at Indiana Country Club. Ed Knoll and Kevin Pusey were able to come-from-behind on a difficult closing stretch to take the Senior Flight, and the team of Lee Lykens and Don Lamb took home the Super-Senior honors.
The Sigel was given a "face lift" in 2012, with a change to the format and a much bigger field. Huntsville Golf Club, in the cold and rain, was no match for Sean Knapp, who posted stroke play rounds of 68-67, to take medalist honors. However, David Brown was able to manage his way through a challenging match play gauntlet.
Zachary Herr would come up just short for a third time in the Junior Championship. Brandon Matthews drained a 17-foot, birdie putt to win the title on the first playoff hole.
Another playoff on the East Course of Hershey Country Club was need in the Father & Son Championship. Pete and Aaron Widdoes rolled in a 6-foot, birdie putt to beat Eric and Irv Williams. Chris and Pete Gebhard took home the Senior Flight trophy, and the team of Austin and Rob Lauver won the Junior Flight.
Andrew Mason became the 7th person in Pennsylvania Amateur Championship history to successfully defend his title. Dan Charen made a strong push during the final round, but Mason proved to be the best, yet again.
Paul Schlachter proved that he's still got it. He won his, record tying (John Guenther, Jr.), 4th Pennsylvania Senior Amateur Championship title. Ed Hennigan fought off Lee Lykens for the Super-Senior Amateur Championship.
Chip Lutz continued his International Senior Amateur run by winning the British Senior Open Amateur and the Canadian Senior Amateur Championships.
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort proved to be a playground for Clayton Rotz, who cruised to the Open Championship title. Sean Knapp and Gregor Orlando tied for Low-Amateur honors.
Nathan Smith became the first player to win 4 USGA Middle-Amateur Championship titles. He is now one of 16 players in USGA Championship history to win 4 titles in one event.
Jack Wallace won the Middle-Amateur Championship at The ACE Club with a pack of players right on his heels.
Team Pennsylvania finished in 4th place at the USGA State Team Championship. Team members were Sean Knapp, Nathan Smith, and Andrew Mason.
Chip Lutz proved to be too good on his home course, LedgeRock Golf Club, in the Art Wall, Jr. Memorial (40 and older). He came from seven shots back to claim his first Art Wall title. Roc Irey and Jeff Poet tied for the Senior Flight and Lee Lykens showed why he is the best Super-Senior (65 and older) player in Pennsylvania.
As you read through these recaps of the 2012 Pennsylvania golf season, two names come up more than others. Those names are Sean Knapp and Chip Lutz. These two guys proved to be the best golfers all season long, and were awarded with the W.C. Fownes, Jr. Player of the Year and Senior Player of the Year, respectively.
We'd also like to recognize a couple "PA Golf Road Warriors". Both of these gentlemen competed in 8 out of 12 possible Championships this season. Kevin Haag and Ed Knoll, both from Deer Run Golf Club, really packed in the PA Turnpike miles this year. Thanks for the support guys!
John McMurdy, Jr. handed over the reigns to the Pennsylvania Golf Association to King T. Knox. Knox will lead the organization in 2013.
We have another fantastic schedule for 2013 and we will showcase some of the best venues in the state! See you next year.