Bartolacci takes Senior Player of the Year
BROOMALL, Pa. – Tom Bartolacci, Jr, of Saucon Valley Country Club, earned his second William C. Fownes, Jr. Senior Amateur Player of the Year award with a steady 2015 campaign. Bartolacci amassed 360 points for the year, and squeaked by Edgewood Country Club's Perry Graciano by just 10 points. Bartolacci’s last Senior POY award came in 2009, another year in which Nathan Smith captured the Amateur POY as he did in 2015. Although he did not win an event, he came extremely close in several.
“I’m very appreciative and honored to be named Player of the Year for many reasons. First, to represent such a well-run organization is truly a special accomplishment. Second, there are so many great players in our state. While I didn’t win, I was able to play fairly well and consistently, which was key," Bartolacci said. "Let’s face it, a number of players had solid years … Perry won the Senior Amateur at Longue Vue, Joe Lefavor and Scott Mayne had great years, and Chip Lutz won the U.S. Senior - how great is that? In my mind, they all earned and deserve a piece of this award, and I share it with them."
During the 9th Senior Match Play, hosted by Scotch Valley Country Club, Bartolacci defeated Applebrook Golf Club's Gary Daniels and Deer Run Golf Club's Mayne in two hotly-contested battles that were well-played from start to finish. However, on day two, Bartolacci ran into a hot Paul Schlachter from The Club at Nevillewood, and lost 2 and 1. Schlachter would eventually finish runner-up to Lefavor, of Sunnehanna Country Club, who won the final match 3 and 1.
“The venues we get to play are excellent year after year. This season was no different with Scotch Valley, Country Club of York, Longue Vue and Schuylkill. They were all very interesting, unique and fine tests. It’s so nice of them to share their course and I’m sure I speak for all players when I say we felt very welcomed,” said Bartolacci.
In the rain-shortened 23rd Senior Four-Ball hosted by Country Club of York, Bartolacci teamed with longtime partner Roc Irey, and the two found themselves in a three-way tie at 4-under par with the teams of Mayne and Ron Weaver and Rich Thon and Drew Harmer. The playoff proceeded to go five extra holes, as Weaver/Mayne came out on top.
“Losing the Four-Ball in a playoff was tough, but just being with my partner Roc Irey is a highlight in itself. Country Club of York was such a great host as we were dealt a tough hand with the weather,” said Bartolacci.
At the 56th Senior Amateur, hosted by Longue Vue Club, Bartolacci saw the classic Robert White course for the first time, and admittedly, was not a fan at first. The course provided a stern test for the state’s best senior amateurs, and Bartolacci was a quick study, finishing alone in second place behind the winner, Graciano.
“When I played the practice round at Longue Vue, I had no idea how to play it, it was so tough. But as the days went on, it became such a fun test," Bartolacci said. "Obviously, Perry is a great player from the area and knew the course well, my hat’s off to him. The hospitality and service at the club were second to none."
What’s in the Bag?
Driver – Ping G30 10 degree with a Tour 65 R shaft
Fairway Woods – Ping G30 3-wood (14.5 degree) and 5-wood (18 degree) both with Tour 65 R shafts
Hybrid – Ping Rapture 20 degree
Irons – Ping G25 5-PW
Wedges – Ping G20 50 degree, Ping Tour W 54 degree and Ping Tour W 58 degree
Putter – MacGregor Bobby Grace ‘semi-belly’ (cut down 3 inches to keep our friends at the USGA happy!)
Ball – Titleist ProV1x