Stamberger Wins 38th New Jersey Senior Open Championship
UNION, N.J. – Michael Stamberger, an amateur out of Manasquan River Golf Club, bested the field on Wednesday with a final round 2-under par 69, to claim the 38th New Jersey Senior Open at Suburban Golf Club. Stamberger’s childhood course became championship grounds for Stamberger.
“That was a lot of fun,” Stamberger said. “I’ve been playing here since I was 12 years old. It’s amazing to see the changes that have taken place out here and it’s a lot of fun to be here.”
With a two-day total of 3-under par 139, Stamberger powered through the final day of the tournament, firing off five birdies en route to the Emery Thomas Trophy.
Stamberger’s two birdies on holes 8 and 9 tied him with Baltusrol Golf Club’s Gregg Angelillo heading into the turn, but the Brielle-native pulled ahead and finished with a clutch birdie on the 18th hole after sticking an approach shot 10 feet out from the hole.
“I used to, sometimes, think poorly,” said Stamberger. “I thought really well today. Bob Housen sent me a text this morning, he said, ‘play smart.’ I don’t know why, but it stuck with me.”
Heading into the second round, Stamberger and Angelillo were even while Jamie Slonis of Tavistock Country Club, held a share of the lead after round one. Stamberger and Slonis finished first and second, respectively, and Angelillo finished third at 1-under.
After six holes, Angelillo took a one-stroke lead with two birdies and four pars, finishing the event with a two-day total of 2-under par 140. Stamberger persisted to tie Angelillo with a clubhouse-best 3-under total through nine.
“It was tough driving, but [the 10th hole] got me going a little bit,” Stamberger said following his round.
Stamberger carried through the final holes with steady play, allowing a childhood course to become a championship winning memory that he’ll remember forever. Stamberger is just the fourth amateur since 2010 to win the Senior Open.
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