Chesna tops Mid-Am Qualifier at French Creek GC

 Elverson, Pa. – Scott Chesna of Cavaliers CC earned medallist honors with an even-par 71 as overcast and rainy conditions gave way to clear skies at French Creek GC (par 71, 6,516 yards). Chesna led the field of 137 players attempting to earn one of the 35 qualifying spots and ties for the Middle-Amateur Championship set for May 23-24 at neighboring Stonewall.

  Chesna carded three birdies and as many bogeys en route to the only even-par round of the day.

  A noteworthy feat on its own, but it’s especially eye-catching when you take into account that he carded 35 putts on the afternoon.

  “For me it’s usually my putting that carries me,” said Chesna, 35, of Wilmington, Del. “If I make some putts, I’m usually OK. But today I hit it really well.”

  Added Chesna, “I hit the ball as well as I’ve ever hit it through the first 13 holes.”

  Through No. 13 (par 4, 456 yards), Chesna was 2-under par with birdies on holes Nos. 3 (par 3, 195 yards), 8 (par 3, 175 yards) and 10 (par 3, 172 yards). However, he also had trouble with a three-putt on No. 7 (par 4, 361 yards) and would share the same fate on Nos. 14 (par 4, 382 yards) and 15 (par 4, 292 yards).

Gil Moniz, Jr. of Woodbury CC, who had never played the course before, agreed with Chesna’s sentiment.

  “It was hard out there,” said Moniz, Jr. who carded a 1-over-par 72 to qualify second. “There were a lot of blind tee shots and blind shots into the green. I hit it good all day but there were so many shots into the green where I just didn’t know where to hit it.”

  “I’ve played [French Creek GC] two times before,” said DiGiandomenico, who finished with a birdie on No. 18 (par 4, 418 yards). “I think you kind of have to know where you’re going in order to plod yourself around. Overall it’s just a good challenge of golf.”

  Jim Kelleher of Links GC and Patrick Dougherty of Talamore at Oak Terrace CC also finished tied for fifth place with 74s.

  As the day came to an end, the cut-line landed on 78.

  Chris Lange of Overbrook GC became the first player in GAP history to win back-to-back Middle-Amateur Championships after recording a 6-over-par 148 in last year’s contest at a difficult Commonwealth National GC.