Iwan Leads First Round of the 37th New Jersey Senior Open
LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. – David Iwan, an amateur out of Rumson Country Club finished 4-under par 66 on Tuesday, to own the opening round lead at the 37th New Jersey Senior Open Championship at Cobblestone Creek Country Club.
Iwan started his back nine with five birdies on his back nine to help guide him the opening round.
“It was a good combination of the ball striking and putting,” Iwan said. “I hit both par 5s on the front in two and then two putted both of those for birdie. I also hit a couple good iron shots that got me close.”
Iwan bogeyed two holes on his front nine,
Lou Kubisa, head golf professional at Knob Hill Golf Club, Michael Stamberger of Spring Lake Golf Club and Tom Gramigna of Tavistock Country Club followed suit with a 3-under par 67 to claim a share of second going into the final round.
Stamberger, a former New Jersey Amateur Champion and Mid-Amateur Champion finished his round with five birdies and two bogeys to stay three-under next to Kubisa down the stretch.
Kubisa's round was highlighted by an eagle and a birdie on the front nine.
“If there was ever a round that you could be happy with, but also disappointed at the same time, that would be this one,” Kubisa said following his round. “I probably missed seven putts inside eight to 10 feet for birdie, but I hit it close all day.”
“These greens are tough,” he continued. “They're not huge greens, they're undulated, so you get some really squirrely putts from 20-30 feet, and I avoided that all day.”
Defending champion, Gregg Angelillo, shot an even-par 70, with two birdies and two bogeys. The Baltusrol Golf Club product was 1-under through the front nine at Cobblestone Creek.
“I hit it in play most of the day and was able to make a few putts here and there,” Angelillo recaled. “I think I missed a few makeable birdie putts, but you know, that happens.”
Angelillo started off with a two-stroke lead in the first round of the 36th NJPGA/NJSGA Senior Open at Rossmoor Golf Club last year. He went on to win the Senior Open with a 7-under par 136, to seal the win at Forsgate Country Club.
This year, Angelillo had high praise for Cobblestone Creek.
“It was in fantastic shape,” Angelillo said. “The greens were perfect. They rolled true. They had good speed. If you got it above the hole, you really had to protect against it rolling by a lot.”
The top 40 players plus ties will move onto the final round of the Senior Open on Wednesday, May 28 at Cobblestone Creek Country Club. Tee times begin at 8 a.m.
NJ Golf Social Media
For the latest updates and news, visit njgolf.org or follow New Jersey Golf on Facebook, X and Instagram at @njgolf1900.
