MGA: Massachusetts Golf Association Illustration Illustration

News Release

For Immediate Release: September 10, 2002

 It was no surprise who finished atop the pack at the 2002 Massachusetts Senior Championship, which was held this week at Woodland Golf Club. For the fourth time in the history of the event and for the third straight year, Edward Fletcher (Quashnet Valley CC) raised the trophy high after defeating James Drohen (Crystal Springs GC) in a one-hole playoff.

Fletcher, the 2001 MGA Senior Player of the Year, was once again steadfast in the face of a challenge as he made birdie on the 301-yard, par 4 1st hole to claim top honors in the playoff. Drohen put himself in contention this afternoon by posting a Day 2 low score of 1-under par 71 to finish at 3-over par 147 for the tournament.

Meanwhile, Fletcher found himself one stroke back of the lead after registering a Day 1 score of 2-over par 74. The reigning Massachusetts Senior Four-Ball champion chipped away throughout the final day of play, however, and found himself on the 18th tee with a chance to tie for the lead (with a par) or win outright (with a birdie). Although he was unable to make birdie, Fletcher did force Drohen back onto the course with a par on Hole 18. It didn't take him long to lay claim to the trophy for the fourth time in five years. With his victory, Fletcher became the only golfer in the 42-year history of the event to capture four titles.

The road to the finish was slightly different for Drohen. After finishing Round 1 at 4-over par 76 and making bogey on the second hole of day on Tuesday, Drohen soon found a rhythm. Following that bogey on the 2nd hole, Drohen birdied the 3rd hole and made eagle on the par-4 6th hole.

First round leaders Daniel Hostetter (Oyster Harbors Club) and Del Kinney, Jr. (Wyantenuck CC), who shot identical scores of 1-over par 73 on Monday, struggled on the final day to finish in 10th and 17th place, respectively.

Day 2 Championship Notes:
• As part of the Massachusetts Golf Association's year-long centennial celebration, the 43rd playing of the Massachusetts Senior Championship will take place at the Brae Burn Country Club on September 22-23, 2003.
• The Massachusetts Senior Championship is open to any amateur golfer who is 55 years of age or older, who holds membership in an MGA Member Club and who has a Handicap Index not exceeding 6.4.

Highlights From September 9, 2002:

Daniel Hostetter (Oyster Harbors Club) and Del Kinney Jr. (Wyantenuck CC) shot identical scores of 1-over par 73 today for a share of first place following the first day of competition at the Massachusetts Senior Championship, which is being contested at Woodland Golf Club this week.

Hostetter and Kinney escaped the first nine holes at even par, but the challenging back nine setup disrupted their attempt at even par for the round as both registered bogeys en route to their final score of 1-over par 73.

Right behind the co-leaders is a host of players at 2-over par 74. Included in this group is defending and three-time champion Edward Fletcher (Quashnet Valley CC). Fletcher, who is coming off a recent victory at the Massachusetts Senior Four-Ball Championship, was 1-over par on both the front and back nines and finds himself still in contention for a record fourth-straight title heading into Round 2 of play.

Also tied for third place at 2-over par 74 are: James Gerrish (Franklin CC), Ben Getchell (Framingham CC), Bob Heenan (Newton Commonwealth), Fan Gaudette (Wyckoff CC), Jacques Wullschleger (Sankaty Head GC) and Alexander Lindsey (Kelley Greens GC).

The entire field of players will return to Woodland GC on Tuesday to compete in a second and final day of competition. Following Round 1, the entire field was re-paired according to score. The leaders - Hostetter and Kinney - are scheduled to tee off at 1:30 p.m.