Headline: David Falcucci Enlists the Help of His Brother To Score Medalist Honors at Day 1 of Massachusetts Public Links Qualifying
Feeding Hills, MA —It was a story of brotherly love at Agawam Municipal Golf Course.
In the first of four days of qualifying for the 2009 Massachusetts Public Links Championship, David Falcucci (Cyprian Keyes GC) enlisted the help of his twin brother Dan Falcucci (Cyprian Keyes GC) and the pair produced sensational results.
With his brother on his bag, David Falcucci posted a medalist score of 4-under par 67 to earn one of the 15 qualifying spots that was up for grabs at the Feeding Hills layout.
"With Dan being exempt for everything this year, I have a permanent caddie for all of the qualifiers," said David, who was referring to Dan's semifinal finish at last year's Massachusetts Amateur Championship which earned him exemptions into the major MGA Championships this season. "We don't play together nearly as much as people think. We play in the [four-ball] tournaments, but outside of that we may play nine holes a week together."
Whether it was his trusty caddie or a hot club, David, a 2005 Bryant University graduate, was able to best a field of 67 competitors by an impressive three strokes. Five other players – Greg Strattner (The Ranch GC), Garrett Beyor (Quaboag CC), Bobby Loguidice (Franconia GC), Dean Godek (Agawam Municipal GC) and Robert Bruso (Blackstone National GC) – carded scores of 1-under par 70 but found themselves finishing well back of Falcucci.
"I felt good and I hit it awesome," said Falcucci, 26, who finished T18 at last year's Massachusetts Public Links Championship. "I hit the tee ball as good as I have in a long time and my irons were halfway decent. I didn't putt as well, as strange as that may sound."
In what is a testament to his accuracy off the tee and sharp shooting from the fairways, Falcucci noted that he did not make any putts over six feet (a rarity for such an impressive round) and three putted from five feet for par on the 475-yard, par 5 10th hole. It does help – however – when you can hit 300-plus yard drives off the tee.
"I feel like I am playing a lot better this season which is good," said Falcucci, who was 3-under par on the par 5s today "I didn't really make anything today; it was just solid all around."
Today's stellar qualifying round will hopefully soothe the sting of failing to qualify for the 2009 Massachusetts Amateur Championship. Earlier this month, Falcucci posted a disappointing 8-over par 80 at Stow Acres Country Club which erased any chances of joining his brother at The Country Club later this month.
Despite the bumps in the road, Falcucci is hopeful for a strong showing throughout the rest of the season. And who knows, maybe he will make an appearance at The Country Club and return the favor for Dan who will be looking to continue where he left off one year ago.
"The last thing we talk about is golf," said David when reflecting on his 18-hole round with his brother. "Sports, women… whatever the topic of the time we'll talk about it. It's good to get your mind off golf for a while."
File that under a brotherly recipe for success.
Like Father Like Sons
Jim Siekierski (Dudley Hill GC) normally finds himself following his sons who have enjoyed successful golfing careers here in New England. One week ago, Jim tracked the progress of his son, Aaron, who made his professional golfing debut at the Massachusetts Open Championship. He also keeps a close eye on younger son Bret who just completed his senior season at the University of Connecticut.
And when he isn't watching and guiding his sons, the 56-year-old Siekierski is busy serving as club manager at Dudley Hill Golf Course. On this day when the skies were unusually friendly, the spotlight shined bright on Jim as he posted a 1-over par 72 to earn a spot at next month's Massachusetts Public Links Championship.
Showing the poise of a seasoned father, Siekierski rebounded from a 4-over par at the turn with a 3-under par 32 through his final nine holes. He needed all three of the birdies posted on that nine as he finished in a tie for ninth place overall and just one shot from having to compete in a playoff for the final qualifying spots.
Jim has one important event on his schedule prior to the Massachusetts Public Links Championship, however. He will – on August 4 – pair up with son Bret to compete in the Massachusetts Father & Son Championship.
2009 Massachusetts Public Links Qualifying
Agawam Municipal Golf Course (Feeding Hills, MA)
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Par 71 (35-36)
Qualifiers
1) David Falcucci (Cyprian Keyes GC) 34-33--67
T2) Greg Strattner (The Ranch GC) 35-35--70
T2) Garrett Beyor (Quaboag CC) 33-37--70
T2) Bobby Loguidice (Franconia GC) 32-38--70
T2) Dean Godek (Agawam Municipal GC) 34-36--70
T2) Robert Bruso (Blackstone National GC) 35-35--70
T7) Dan Fanion (The Ranch GC) 35-36--71
T7) Brian Reid (Hampden CC) 33-38--71
T9) Paul Mitchell (George Wright GC) 36-36--72
T9) Jim Siekierski (Dudley Hill GC) 32-40--72
T9) James Ryan (Worthington GC) 36-36--72
T9) Jason Hanscom (St. Anne CC) 36-36--72
T9) Andy Mai (The Ranch GC) 36-36--72
T14) Francis Gearty (Franconia GC) 39-34--73
T14) Rich Lengieza (Dudley Hill GC) 34-39--73
Alternates
1st) Shawn Santos (The Ranch GC) 36-37--73
2nd) KC Finley (CC of Greenfield) 39-35--74
* The photo above was courtesy of Bryant University.
