News Release

For Immediate Release: October 11, 2007

Headline: Team Massachusetts Jumps Out to Early Lead at 74th Tri-State Matches at Point Judith Country Club

Narragansett, RI – Team Massachusetts took an important step towards claiming its fourth straight Tri-State Team Matches title today by jumping out to a 9 1/2 point lead over Rhode Island and Connecticut.

The 74th playing of the annual Tri-State Team Matches is being held this week at Point Judith Country Club in Narragansett, Rhode Island. Since 1907, teams from Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut have come together each fall to compete for the regional title. Individual amateur golfers are selected each year by the respective state golf associations.

The first of two days of play began on Thursday under rainy, cold conditions. The 10-man teams competed in foursomes matches during the afternoon hours. Team Massachusetts collected 22 1/2 points, while Rhode Island finished with 13 and Connecticut with 9 1/2 points overall.

Leading the way for Massachusetts were the duos of Frank Vana, Jr. (Marlborough CC) and Jack Kearney (Elmcrest CC) and Doug Clapp (Old Sandwich CC) and Brendon Ray (Ledgemont CC), who both collected 5 1/2 of the possible 6 points during their foursomes matches.

John Hadges (Thorny Lea GC) and Brian Higgins (Franklin CC) also posted a strong day by earning 4 1/2 points. The senior team of Alistair Catto (The Orchards GC) and Joe Keller (Oyster Harbors Club) as well as reigning Massachusetts Mid-Amateur Champion Phil Smith (Vesper CC) and John McNeill (BAGS) finished with 3 1/2 points, respectively.

Team Rhode Island received strong performances from the senior duo of George Donnell (Quidnessett CC) and Tom Goryl (Wannamoisett CC) with a team-leading 4 1/2 points and Andy Calcione (Valley CC) and Shane Rice (Valley CC) with 3 1/2 points.

Rob Tedoldi (Talwood CC) and Dave Szewczul (Tunxis Plantation GC) paced Connecticut with three points in their match.

The competitors will take part in a second and final day of singles matches on Friday afternoon. A champion will be crowned following the conclusion of that round.

In the event's 74-year history, Connecticut leads the way with 39 titles, while Massachusetts has been steadily gaining in the title race with 24 championships. Massachusetts won this event in 2004, 2005 and 2006.