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Allied Association of the MGA

Wykagyl to welcome Westchester Open

ELMSFORD, N.Y. (July 7, 2017) – Westchester’s best club professionals, professional players, and amateurs are set to battle for the 95th Westchester Open Championship Presented by Callaway, July 10-11 at historic Wykagyl Country Club in New Rochelle, N.Y.

The field contains 128 of the area’s top competitors, who are sure to encounter spectacular conditions and a challenging test at Wykagyl—which is hosting the championship for the sixth time.

Related: Pairings

Past Champions
The field contains 12 past champions, including the winners of 9 of the last 10 championships: Rob Labritz (2016), Daniel Balin (2015, 2010), David Pastore (2014), Mike Ballo, Jr. (2012), Greg Bisconti (2011), Craig Thomas (2009), John Stoltz (2008), and Tony DeMaria (2007), plus Carl Alexander (2000), Frank Bensel (2004), Dave Fusco (2001) and Bobby Heins (1981-83, 88, 90, 92),

Back-to-Back
Rob Labritz defended his home turf at GlenArbor last year and will this year look to become the ninth competitor to successfully defend their title in the Westchester Open. Bruce Zabriski is the last to do so, completing the feat in 1997-98 at Ardsley and then Brae Burn.

Amateur Allure
The field contains an impressive list of top amateur competitors, led by recent WGA Amateur champion Christian Cavaliere of Mahopac. An amateur has claimed the title five times, most recently David Pastore, who is in the field once again, but now looking to claim the title as a professional. Paul Pastore, an eClub member, James Nicholas of Westchester, and Tyler Cline of Tuxedo stand among amateurs to watch at Wykagyl.

Back at Wykagyl
Wykagyl is hosting the Westchester Open for the sixth time. It last welcomed the event in 2012, when Ballo Jr., defeated Max Buckley of Westchester in a playoff. Both are in the field once again. Mike Miller of Knollwood and Paul Selvaggio of Westchester tied for fourth in 2012 and are in the field as well.

For the First Time
Adam Rainaud of Winged Foot—an accomplished competitor in Connecticut events during his six years at Black Hall Club—is set to make his first appearance in the Westchester Open. In late June, Rainaud finished tied for fifth in the PGA Professional Championship.

Format

  • Two days, 54 holes of stroke play
  • Field cut to low 40 players & ties (and anyone within five shots of the lead) following Monday’s opening round

Wykagyl Country Club

  • Club’s history dates back to 1898, with the current site established in 1904.
  • Wykagyl professional Robert White became the PGA of America’s first president (1916-1920)
  • Lawrence Van Etten designed the original layout built in 1905, while Donald Ross revised the first nine with the changes debuting in 1920. A.W. Tillinghast redesigned, with his layout debuting in 1931. Coore & Crenshaw completed a renovation in 2006, focusing on tree removal, addition of bunkers and restoration of strategic intent.
  • The LPGA has conducted several events at the club, most recently the JAL Big Apple Classic from 1990-2006.

Coverage

  • 9 and 18-hole updates for the first two rounds (Monday, Tuesday morning)
  • Additional live scoring during the final round, Tuesday afternoon
  • Social Media: @WGA1916 on Twitter with additional content on the MGA’s Facebook and Instagram
  • Scoring, recaps, interviews, and photos on www.mgagolf.org/wga