MOORESTOWN, N.J.– Zachary Dilcher of Hartefeld National won his second Junior-Junior Boys’ Championship in three years Wednesday with a 2-up victory at Moorestown Field Club (par 72, 5,773 yards) over a fierce opponent in Alex Kane of Radley Run CC.
“It was a bit tough because I was hitting a lot of greens but I wasn’t making many putts,” said Dilcher who carded three birdies on the day. “Fortunately I started getting it in the hole when it counted.
“[Alex] is a really great player,” said Kane of his opponent. “He made a couple of clutch shots and really hit [the ball] far all day.”
But Kane stood tough, keeping the match close with three separate back-to-back-to-back par efforts and a birdie on No. 15 (par 5, 405 yards).
Kane, who moves on to the junior level next year, valued his experience at this week’s championship.
“This really gives you a taste of competition,” said Kane of today’s 59th edition of the Junior-Junior Boys’ Championship. “I’m happy with the way I finished.”
Dilcher, also in his final year of the junior-junior level, echoed Kane’s thoughts.
“I think this definitely helps me heading to the junior [level],” Dilcher said. “It’s a huge confidence boost.”
Patrick Nommensen of Downingtown GC edged out Evan Galbreath of Huntingdon Valley CC, 1-up, to take the first flight championship, while Zachary Melnick of Plymouth CC beat out Brendan Papariello of White Manor CC, 6&5, to take the second flight final.
In the third flight match, Mitch Van Ostenbridge of Spring Ford Country Club beat Darren Raudenbush of Pine Valley Golf Club, 4&3, to take that flight’s first place crystal.
Founded in 1897, the Golf Association of Philadelphia (GAP) is the oldest regional golf association in the United States and serves as the principal ruling body of amateur golf in its region. Its 135 Member Clubs and 60,000 individual members are spread across parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland. The purpose of the Association is simple: To promote, protect and preserve the game of golf in the region.
