Mark Costanza Runner-up in 40th U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship

Photo Courtesy of USGA/Chris Keane

SIASCONSET, Mass. - Reigning New Jersey Player of the Year Mark Costanza fell to Stewart Hagestad of Newport Beach, California in the U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship finale on Friday morning at Sankety Head Golf Club in Nantucket, Massachusetts.

Halfway through the final 36-hole match, Hagestad took a 5-up lead over Costanza, but the New Jersey product battled back in the second 18, trimming Hagestad’s lead to just 1-up through 31 holes.  

"It was huge," Costanza said of his near comeback. "At one point I was 7-down, right, so to get it to five, then I wanted to get it to three. I said if I could get it to three at the end of the day yesterday would have been great. But to get it to five was satisfactory and gave me a chance. I knew I needed to get off to a good start."

Despite falling short of becoming a USGA champion, Costanza is proud of his accomplishment and is set to travel to Italy on his honeymoon.

"I can say that I'm really proud of myself and I'm happy to be able to fly to Italy tonight and enjoy the next week and not see a golf club for a while, for a week."

Costanza's Road to the Finals

Stroke Play: T16 (70-69 -1)

Round of 64: Mark Costanza, Morristown, N.J. (139) def. Thomas Parker, North Palm Beach, Fla. (141), 4 and 3

Round of 32: Mark Costanza, Morristown, N.J. (139) def. Nathan Colson, Mequon, Wis. (137), 2 and 1

Round of 16: Mark Costanza, Morristown, N.J. (139) def. Brett Viboch, Sacramento, Calif. (139), 4 and 3

Quarterfinals: Mark Costanza, Morristown, N.J. (139) def. Andrew Bailey, Cleveland, Ohio (138), 5 and 4

Semifinals: Mark Costanza, Morristown, N.J. (139) def. Nicholas Maccario, Haverhill, Mass. (142), 2 and 1