Essex Fells' Niall Handley fires 69; paces field in Amateur Qualifying at Lake Mohawk
July 9, 2020 - On Thursday, Niall Handley of Essex Fells Country Club fought hard to earn medalist honors, carding a one-under-par 69 at the third of five qualifying rounds for the 119th New Jersey State Golf Association Amateur Championship presented by Provident Bank. His effort came at the challenging 6,243 yard, par-70 Lake Mohawk Golf Club, which he hasn’t played in over a decade.
Handley’s 69 narrowly edged William O’Neill of Spring Brook Country Club and John Felitto of Echo Lake Country Club to earn medalist honors; both fired even-par rounds of 70. Tied for fourth were three players with a two-over-par 72. A total of 17 players are advancing to the championship event that will be held at Arcola Country Club in Paramus from August 3 to August 5.
Two qualifying rounds remain for the 119th Amateur Championship presented by Provident Bank. They will be played on July 11 at Quail Brook Golf Course in Somerset and on July 15 at Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth.
Medalist Niall Handley said that his key to success today was simply keeping the ball in play. “I drove it well and I putted well,” he said proudly after confirming his score. Three birdies on the back nine solidified his position on today’s leaderboard.
Handley is no stranger to tournament golf, having played in numerous NJSGA events. “I know that Arcola Country Club is daunting,” noted Handley, but he is willing to take on the challenge in the 119th NJSGA Amateur Championship presented by Provident Bank August 3-5.
