88th NJSGA Open Championship Underway

DEMAREST, N.J. Amateur Domenic Gatto, Jr. of Eagle Oaks leads the NJSGA Open Championship following an opening round 69 (-3) at Alpine Country Club today. The rest of the leaderboard is dominated by Professionals, with Mark McCormick of Suburban one stroke back (70) and Danny Barretta of Montclair, David Glenz of Crystal Springs and Mat Kent of Basking Ridge two strokes back (71). A host of other Professionals shot opening rounds of 72. Click on the Live Scoring link above to view full field results.

In spite of perfect weather conditions, scoring was difficult on the par-72, 6,885 yard Alpine layout. Many players are still learning how to manage the severely undulating greens and uneven lies produced by the hilly terrain on this 1928 Tillinghast course.

The second round commences at 7:30 am on Wednesday, with a cut to the 50 low scorers, plus ties, following play. The third and final round will be played on Thursday.
Defending champion Brian Komline of High Bridge Hills opened with a six-over par 78. Chris Dachisen, head pro at North Jersey, carded an ace on the 191-yard, par-3 eighth hole.