Amateur Championship aims to be Capital Region’s top golf event
This week, the event that is aiming to become the area's premier golf tournament for amateurs takes place. The third annual Capital Region Amateur Championships will be played Friday through Sunday this week on both the men's and women's sides. The men's side consists of 59 players including defending champion Phillip Duell of Mohawk. On the women's side also from Mohawk is the reigning champion Sienna Wheeler.
The men's bracket is attempting to follow in the footsteps of Capital Stroke Play (2002-2020), Tri-County Stroke Play (1981-1997), and the Eastern New York Golf Association (1937-1989) in crowning the area amateur champion. Unfortunately, this year 5 of the top 10 on the Capital Region Golf Association's points list are absent.
In the women's tournament there are 14 golfers signed up, but they make up for that number in quality of players. On top of defending champ Wheeler, CRGA points leader Dannah Smith from Orchard Creek and 2024 champion Samantha Schuffenecker from Shaker Ridge are competing. Smith previously won the State Women's Fourball with Jane Fanning (eClub Capital Region), who is also competing.
Throughout the tournament the men's field will be cut to the low 30 and ties and the women's division to the low 12 and ties after Friday's opening round. Tee times are set to start at 7:30 AM Friday, and 12 noon on Saturday and Sunday.
The event is run by the New York State Golf Association. The tournament obviously includes many of the best golfers in the area, and is aiming to be the Capital Region's top golf event. Given the talent being showcased in this event it very well will be the top event.
