2024 Senior Am Round 2 Recap
Frazier and Gavaghan Claim Senior and Super-Senior Titles
HAVERTOWN, Pa. – The 111th Pennsylvania Senior Amateur Championship was able to complete the second round in the Super-Senior Division before inclement weather put an end to play in the Senior Division – with all of Monday’s rounds determining final standings – allowing Jeff Frazier (Carlisle Country Club) to finish as Senior Amateur Champion courtesy of his three-under-par 68 on Monday. The critical stretch of his round was on the back nine, where he birdied holes No. 15, 16, and 17, which was just enough to give him a one-stroke victory.
“Winning the PA Senior Amateur is really big and I’m excited for that,” said Frazier. “I must admit I was looking forward to the challenge of trying to hold the lead and playing with the lead, so it’s unfortunate that others don’t get a chance. But I’ve been on the other end as well, where I’ve been close to the lead and had a round rained out. At the end of the day, a win is a win.”
John Barry (Lancaster Country Club) was the runner-up with a two-under 69, while three players were tied for third with a one-under 70: Rick Stimmel (Connoquenessing CC), Chris Fieger Sr. (Heidelberg CC), and Ronan Culligan (Saucon Valley CC),
All of Tuesday’s action was over in the Super-Senior Division, where James Gavaghan is the 2024 champion after following up his even-par 71 in round one with a two-over 73. After four pars and a bogey on hole No. 3 to begin his day, he rattled off birdies on 6, 7, and 9 to put himself in great position—and ended up winning by three strokes.
The victory means a bit more because of the journey he took to get there – not just this week, but this year. Gavaghan did not play any golf after July 15th of 2023 and wound up having to have back surgery in January of 2024. He only started playing again at the end of April—and just a few months later, is a PAGA title winner.
“I’m just happy to be out here and happy for this accomplishment,” said Gavaghan. “I certainly wasn’t expecting it. I’ve been playing a bit better lately and this week I kept it in front of me pretty well. I made some putts, which is something I don’t do all the time, and had a fortunate chip in on number 7 today after knocking it over the green. I had a really good front nine and kind of hung on for the back nine but I had a good two days. I drove the ball really well and hit some good iron shots.”
Defending champion Brian Rothaus (Five Ponds GC) finished the week as runner-up with a combined total of 147 (+5) and now has finished second in three of the last four years. White Manor CC’s Don Donatoni, a three-time champion who last won back in 2019, clinched third place with a combined 149 (+7). The top five was rounded out by Bob Gill (Fox Hill CC), who shot the best round of the day with an even-par 71, and Steve Meyer (Rolling Green GC), with both players finishing the tournament with eight-over-par 150’s.
Next up on the PAGA schedule is the 108th Open Championship, scheduled to begin next Monday, August 12 at St. Clair Country Club in Pittsburgh, Pa.
The Pennsylvania Golf Association would like to thank the staff and membership of Llanerch Country Club for the hospitality shown during this week’s Championship. Additional thanks, as always, also go to DICK’S Sporting Goods for sponsorship of the event.