*2011 Joseph H. Patterson Cup Media Guide | *2011 Patterson Cup Tee Times | *Coatesville CC Qualifier Results | *Spring Mill CC Qualifier Results
A flash of contrast illuminates the 109th Joseph H. Patterson Cup marquee on Aug. 11-12. The Golf Association of Philadelphia’s fourth and final Major of the 2011 season heads to the pristine White Manor CC for the first time. Tournament newcomers and veterans alike will come together in hopes of seizing the Association’s premiere stroke play championship.
Jeff Osberg of Llanerch CC returns to defend his title — two weeks removed from qualifying for the U.S. Amateur Championship. He earned medalist honors in a qualifying event at Rolling Green GC and his home course.
“It [my mindset] is a little different. It’s the first time I’m coming in as a past champion,” the West Chester, Pa. resident said. “Given the week I had last week in qualifying for the U.S. Amateur, my expectations are pretty high. I’m playing pretty well right now. The goal after the first round is to hopefully be somewhere in contention going into Friday. Nothing would be greater than to repeat as champion.”
To make a repeat run successful, Osberg must first conquer a field of 132 that features a plethora of past champions and prominent Player of the Year candidates. Previous titleholders competing this year include Duke Delcher of Sandy Run CC (1976), James Kania, Jr. of Overbrook GC (2009), Chris Lange of Overbrook GC (1989, 1994, 1999), Brad McFadden of Overbrook GC (1992), Michael McDermott of Merion GC (2007), Greg O’Connor of Huntingdon Valley CC (2000), Jamie Slonis of Tavistock CC (2001) and Glenn Smeraglio of Mercer Oaks GC (1998, 2008).
The Patterson Cup, in a sense, represents the climax of the William Hyndman, III Player of the Year chase. Current points leader Andrew Mason of Huntingdon Valley CC holds a 147.5 point-edge over Michael Hyland of Little Mill CC. Both will bring their respective talents to White Manor.
“I’m really looking forward to the Patterson Cup,” Hyland, of Marlton, N.J., said. “The only problem is that I’ve never had a good one, but hopefully, this year’s been so good that the magic will continue.”
Furthermore, the Patterson Cup will determine the Silver Cross Award recipient, emblematic of the player with the lowest aggregate score in the qualifying rounds of the Amateur Championship and Patterson Cup. Mike Meisenzahl of Little Mill CC leads the Silver Cross Standings by two strokes. He tees off alongside Daniel Charen of Makefield Highlands GC and Robert Galbreath, Jr. of Huntingdon Valley CC, who stand within three and two shots, respectively, of Meisenzahl.
Regardless of past or present stature, scoring at White Manor may prove difficult. The Malvern, Pa. track offers challenging carries and elevation changes that will test participants’ length and endurance. It’s a formidable foe, but one that Osberg is prepared to face.
“I really like White Manor. I think it sets up perfect for my game,” he said. “It’s long and fair. The par 5s are reachable for me. It’s a good, classic course. It fits my eye.”
White Manor doesn’t fit Hyland’s eye; he’s never played it.
“I’ve never seen the place,” he said. “I’m going to play it blind and hopefully things go OK.”
The first round of the Joseph H. Patterson Cup begins Thursday at 7:30 a.m. As always, the media and public are welcome to attend.
