MGA: Massachusetts Golf Association Illustration Illustration

News Release

For Immediate Release: October 3, 2003

Tom Martin (TPC of Boston - MA) entered Friday's final round with a three-stroke lead and held on for a dramatic play-off victory at the 2003 New England Senior Championship, which was held this week at Keene Country Club in Keene, New Hampshire.

Martin, who finished the tournament at 2-over par 146, was forced into a playoff with three other competitors: Bill McInerney (Charles River CC - MA), Jim Ruschioni (Oak Hill CC - MA) and Jim Holbrook (Indian Ridge CC - MA). After Ruschioni and Holbrook were eliminated by making bogey on the first playoff hole, Martin sealed the championship over McInerney on the second playoff hole which was contested on the 212-yard, par 3 8th hole. Martin made a par 3, while McInerney was unable to get up and down to continue the playoff.

Earlier in the day, McInerney drove the green on the 18th hole and sunk an eight-foot putt for eagle to capture a share of the lead and a chance for the title. Holbrook was another player who jumped into contention this afternoon courtesy of a solid final round. The Indian Ridge Country Club member registered four bogies and three birdies - two of which came down the stretch on the 15th and 16th holes.

Meanwhile, Ruschioni cruised along on the front nine and was 1-under par for the day through 13 holes. It was at that point when the 2003 Massachusetts Senior Four-Ball champion struggled a bit as he posted bogies on three of the next four holes. He finished the day at 2-over par 74.

Martin, who posted a 3-under par 69 on day one, finished with five bogies and zero birdies on Friday for a 5-over par 77. Martin's first-round leader counterpart - Bob Spaniotis (Wethersfield CC - CT) - didn't fare as well as his final round score of 6-over par 79 dropped him down to sixth place.

Three former champions of this event competed this year - Edward Fletcher (Quashnet Valley CC - MA), Joseph Monahan III (Winchester CC - MA) and Shawn McLoughlin (Ridgewood GC - CT). Fletcher, who won this event in 2002, was the top finisher of the three as he posted two rounds of 76 which earned him a share of 11th place for the tournament.

Highlights From October 2, 2003:

Tom Martin (TPC of Boston - MA) and Bob Spaniotis (Wethersfield CC - CT) earned a share of the lead following the first round of play at the 2003 New England Senior Championship by firing a 3-under par 69 at Keene Country Club in Keene, New Hampshire.

Martin, who made his way to Keene after competing in the Massachusetts Mid-Amateur Championship earlier this week, was in a groove early on as he posted three birdies and only one bogie to stand at 2-under par 34 through his first nine holes. Three more birdies and one bogie later, Martin found himself atop the standings heading into the final round.

Joining Martin in first place is Spaniotis, who turned in a flawless round that featured three birdies and zero bogies. The Wethersfield Country Club member, who started his round on the 10th tee, posted his first birdie on the 505-yard, par 5 16th hole and then followed that up with two more birdies on the 2nd and 3rd holes.

Still very much in contention at even par 72 is Jim Ruschioni (Oak Hill CC - MA), who is playing in his first New England Senior Championship after turning 55 years old earlier this year. Ruschioni has enjoyed a strong 2003 season as he captured the 2003 Massachusetts Senior Four-Ball Championship last month with partner Paul Nunez and most recently finished in 16th place at the Massachusetts Mid-Amateur Championship.

Three former champions of this event are also competing this year - Edward Fletcher (Quashnet Valley CC - MA), Joseph Monahan III (Winchester CC - MA) and Shawn McLoughlin (Ridgewood GC - CT). Fletcher, who won this event in 2002, is closest to the leader after shooting a 4-over par 76 this morning.

Due to unusually cold weather that is expected to hit the Keene area this evening, the New England Golf Association championship committee made the decision to alter the format of play for Friday's final round. With frost warnings expected to delay play until late morning, the entire field will participate in a shotgun start beginning at 10:30 a.m. Play will be in groups of four and assignments will be made in order that players near the lead will tee off on the first hole.

About the New England Golf Association:
The New England Golf Association (NEGA) is comprised of officers and leaders from the six New England golf associations and conducts three major amateur championships each year: New England Amateur Championship, New England Junior Invitational and the New England Senior Championship.