News Release

For Immediate Release: June 17, 2005

Headline: 96th Massachusetts Open Championship to Kick Off at Vesper Country Club on June 20th

Norton, MA – This year marks the 96th playing of the Massachusetts Open Championship. The event debuted in 1905 when Donald Ross captured the inaugural title at Vesper Country Club. Since that time, some of the greatest golfers in the history of the game have earned this prestigious Championship including Walter Hagen, Jesse Guilford, Francis Ouimet, Gene Sarazen, Byron Nelson and Paul Harney.

Defending champion Geoff Sisk of Marshfield CC will look to make history next week as he seeks his record fifth Massachusetts Open Championship title. Sisk, who was victorious in 1995, 1997, 2002 and 2004, will have to best local professional stars such as Kirk Hanefeld and Matthew Donovan as well as amateur standouts Andy Drohen, Michael Welch and Frank Vana, Jr. to win another title.

Also included in this year’s list of competitors will be former champions Charlie Volpone – who won this event in 1971 and 1972 – as well as 1958 champion Bob Toski. This year represents the first time in more than 40 years that Toski, who was the leading PGA Tour money winner in 1954 and a celebrated golf teacher to PGA stars such as Tom Kite, Judy Rankin, Jane Blalock, Pat Bradley, Bruce Crampton and Bruce Devlin, has competed in an MGA championship event.

Championship Proper will consist of 54 holes of stroke play over the course of three days with a field limited to 150 players.

Monday, June 20
First Round, 18 Holes.

Tuesday, June 21
Second Round, 18 Holes.
The forty (40) lowest scorers and ties or anyone within seven strokes of the leader for the first 36 holes will continue play on June 22.

Wednesday, June 22
Final Round, 18 Holes.
Any tie for first place (including tie for low amateur) will be decided immediately by a three-hole aggregate playoff.

The State Open represents the only event on the MGA Championship schedule that is open to both amateur and professional golfers. Amateur competitors for this year’s event must have an up-to-date MGA/USGA Handicap Index not exceeding 2.4. Championship Proper will consist of 54 holes of stroke play.

A total of 150 competitors, including 41 exemptions, are scheduled to compete in this year’s event. The Clarence G. Cochrane Memorial Trophy will be presented to the Champion. A professional purse of $75,000 will be distributed to the low forty (40) finishers and ties. The Commonwealth Cup will be presented to the low amateur. Gold, Silver and Bronze medals will also be awarded.