Headline: Matt Parziale Named 2009 Richard D. Haskell MGA Player of the Year; Robert Linn and Nick McLaughlin Also Receive Player of the Year Honors
For Immediate Release: December 9, 2009
Norton, MA —It was a year to remember for Matt Parziale (Thorny Lea GC). Weeks after capping off an All-American collegiate career at Southeastern University (FL), Parziale returned home and dominated the local amateur scene en route to capturing 2009 Richard D. Haskell MGA Player of the Year honor.
Through the six-month season, the 22-year-old Parziale collected a total of 832 points which was 121 points better than second-place finisher and nine-time Richard D. Haskell MGA Player of the Year Frank Vana, Jr. (Marlborough CC).
What makes this feat even more impressive was the fact that Parziale earned those points in just three months as he made the decision to enter the professional ranks at the end of July.
"It's hard to remember when a player was able to collect so many points in such a short period of time," said Jesse Menachem, the MGA's director of rules & competition. "Although we are sad that we won't be able to welcome him back to defend his player of the year crown next season, we wish him the best of luck representing the Bay State as a playing professional."
The season began quietly for Parziale as he finished tied for fifth at the Massachusetts Four-Ball Championship and fourth at the always-competitive Norfolk County Classic. It was at the 2009 Massachusetts Open Championship at Belmont Country Club, however, when Parziale made a statement to the rest of the local amateur field. At that marquee event, he posted a final round, day-low score of 3-under par 68 to jump from a tie for 8th place into second place overall against a field of the region's top amateur and professional players. His final round score allowed him to collect a prestigious title – that of low amateur. He continued that momentum into the very next week as he did something that very few Bay State golfers have been able to do – he advanced to the quarterfinals of the Men's North & South Amateur Championship held on Pinehurst No. 2 (NC).
With all eyes on the 22-year-old from Brockton, Parziale made a surprisingly early exit at the Massachusetts Amateur Championship as he was defeated in the first round of match play. He quickly made up for that disappointing finish. One week later, he posted a three-day score of 5-under 283 to capture the 2009 New England Amateur Championship title by three strokes. It marked the first time in four years that a Bay State golfer had won that title.
"It feels good, but it hasn't settled in just yet," said Parziale following his NEGA victory at Portsmouth Country Club (NH). "I wanted to have a good summer and so far it's been awesome."
Parziale capped off his amateur career in late July by fending off a charging Vana for a one-stroke victory in the 42nd Francis Ouimet Memorial Tournament. Days after accepting his first career Ouimet title, he packed his bags and headed south to try his hot hand at a professional golf career.
This marks the first time in nine years that a Richard D. Haskell MGA Player of the Year has moved onto the professional ranks. Jim Salinetti – a three-time MGA Player of the Year – turned professional following the 2000 season.
Vana, the perennial amateur standout, finished second overall with 711 points during a season in which he advanced the finals of the Massachusetts Amateur Championship for the fifth time in his storied career. In eight of the last nine years, Vana has finished either first or second in the MGA Richard D. Haskell Player of the Year standings.
Click here to see the 2009 Richard D. Haskell MGA Player of the Year Final Standings
SENIOR PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Robert Linn (Berkshire Hills CC)
While many try to avoid getting older, one player – Robert Linn (Berkshire Hills CC) – is enjoying every moment of his advancing age. During his first year of eligibility on the senior amateur circuit, the 55-year-old Linn established himself as one of the best in the region. Linn earned a total of 679 points this season to earn the title of 2009 MGA George M. Cohen Senior Player of the Year.
His dizzying summer of success kicked off in high gear when Linn carded an even par 72 at the Golf Club of New England (NH) for medalist honors at 2009 U.S. Senior Amateur Qualifying. He did not stop there as he went on to advance to the second round of match play at Championship Proper which was held at Beverly Country Club (IL) in September. He was one of only two Bay State golfers to advance to match play at a USGA event this year.
His next triumph came at the 2009 New England Senior Amateur Championship where he played 2-under par golf through his final seven holes at Wyantenuck Country Club to secure the New England Golf Association title by three strokes. Other highlights from the season included a T3 finish at the Massachusetts Senior Amateur Championship, a fourth-place finish at the Berkshire Hills Singles Invitational and a qualifying spot at the Massachusetts Amateur Championship.
He also – just two years ago – was victorious at the Worcester County Amateur where he became the oldest winner and the first champion from outside Central Massachusetts in the tournament's then 22-year history.
Click here to see the 2009 George M. Cohen MGA Senior Player of the Year Final Standings
JUNIOR PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Nick McLaughlin (Far Corner GC)
Playing well beyond his years, Nick McLaughlin (Far Corner GC) came through with one of the biggest wins of his young career at the 2009 Massachusetts Junior Amateur Championship. At the age of 15, McLaughlin competed alongside his fellow Pre-Junior Division competitors. Hopes of winning that divisional title turned into something much bigger as his three-day score of 6-over par 222 turned out to be good enough for him to win the overall title. Playing from the same set of tees as the junior division players, McLaughlin became only the third Pre Junior Division player in 17 years to capture the overall title.
McLaughlin, a sophomore at St. John's Prep (Danvers), has continued his domination. Just last month, he captured the Division 1 individual state championship by 6 strokes at the Golf Club at Turner Hill in Ipswich. As a result of his strong play this year, McLaughlin was named the 2009 Christopher Cutler Rich MGA Player of the Year.
Click here to see the 2009 Christopher Cutler Rich MGA Junior Player of the Year Final Standings
These three competitors – as well as all of the 2009 MGA champions – will be honored at the MGA's Annual Salute to Champions which will be held on Thursday, January 7 at Wellesley Country Club.