Beat Scratch Challenge Golfers Realize Dream, Play Plainfield C.C.

Stan Reczkowski of Paramus Golf and Country Club, champion of the inaugural NJSGA Beat Scratch Challenge, and runner-up Arthur Scherr of Mays Landing realized a dream when they played prestigious Plainfield Country Club on Thursday, Sept. 15, as their prize for finishing among the best three golfers in the event.

Reczkowski put together his best five scorecards of the summer and totaled 30-under-par (five scorecards combined) against his handicap of 7.4.

Scherr was runner-up at 20-under-par on five combined scorecards, followed by Raymond Hughes of Quail Brook at 19-under-par.

The top three finishers among the state-wide competition won a free round of golf at esteemed Plainfield Country Club in Edison, which hosts The Barclays Championship each four years.

The Beat Scratch Challenge was open to all golfers who have NJSGA/GHIN handicaps at public golf courses that are members of the NJSGA.

The competition began May 12 and continued through Sunday, August 14. There was no limit to the number scores submitted during this time.

“The first year of the Beat Scratch Competition was very successful,” said Rich Kennedy, NJSGA Director of Handicapping and Member Services. “We’re looking forward to a more heated competition next year. We’re evaluating this year and we’re considering making some changes to enable more people to get their scores in.”

“We noticed that of the players competing this year, their handicaps dropped by two or three strokes,” he added.

“Obviously, winning any tournament is an exciting experience. With this format it was particularly exciting since I put together some great scores in a two-week period,” Reczkowski said. “The leaderboard stats that kept track of net score totals was cool. Yes,I’m definitely looking forward to playing Plainfield.”

“The NJSGA did a great job. I had a lot of fun. It was very organized by the NJSGA. I was surprised how many people didn’t know about it,” Scherr said. “It’s a great idea. I’m looking forward very much to playing Plainfield.”