NJSGA Senior Interclub Matches Off To Strong Start
The NJSGA Senior Interclub Matches concluded the first round of matches this past week. Defending champion Upper Montclair took an early lead along with Oak Hill, Hackensack, Mendham and Copper Hill, each leaders of their respective sections.
The NJSGA Senior Interclub, for male golfers 55 and older, is an opportunity for completion and camaraderie between NJSGA member clubs. “The NJSGA wants to provide opportunities for our members and member clubs, ” said Kevin Purcell, NJSGA executive director. “The participants had a lot of fun playing other courses and meeting new friends from neighboring clubs.”
Each club submits a roster from which they select an eight man team for each match. Clubs are divided into sections of four clubs. Matches consist of two four-ball matches played at the home course and two played away. Points are awarded for the front nine, back nine and overall match. The club with the most points after the three sectional matches are the winners of section play and will move on to the championship. This year 20 clubs will compete in the Senior Interclub, up from last year when a total of 12 clubs competed.
The Adrian “Bud” Foley Trophy, emblematic of the NJSGA’s inaugural Senior Interclub Matches, is awarded at the season-ending Championship on Wednesday, October 19, at Forest Hill Field Club, Bloomfield (AM Shotgun start).
Every team includes two divisions differentiated by USGA Handicap Index titled the “A” division and the “B” division. The “A” division includes golfers of any Handicap Index, while the “B” division includes only golfers with a Handicap Index of 8.0 or higher (as of 8/15/16). Each team plays with two A division four-ball teams and two B division four-ball squads.
The concept for the Senior Interclub Matches was developed by the NJSGA two winters ago and came together rather quickly. “The inaugural completion was well received by the clubs, ” said Kevin Purcell. “We met with the team captains over the winter, made a few adjustments and we are off to a great start in 2016.”
