Paduano Comes From Behind to Win 66th Senior Amateur Championship
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, N.J. - Mike Paduano of Eagle Oaks Golf and Country Club claimed his first NJSGA title as he won the 66th Senior Amateur Championship on September 18 at Beacon Hill Country Club. Paduano, 55, fired a final round 2-under par 69 to shoot the round of the week and come from behind to win.
"I was just trying to have a good tournament,” said Paduano of his expectations for the week. “I didn’t think I really had a chance at winning.”
After shooting an opening round 5-over par 76 on Tuesday, Paduano bounced back on Wednesday, carding six birdies en route to his victory.
"I hit the ball really well all day,” Paduano added. “Yesterday was a little frustrating and I got off to a terrible start.”
His impressive run included a chip-in birdie on the 350-yard par 4 on No. 15, along with a close knock-in birdie putt on 18.
"The chip-in helped a lot,” Paduano said. “I was very surprised that I had a chance to win, I thought I was just playing for second place.”
The win marks Paduano’s first NJSGA title after coming up just short in several events, including a runner-up finish in the 2000 NJSGA Mid-Amateur Championship.
"It’s been a lifetime of waiting,” expressed Paduano. “I’m very happy and to beat a lot of good players in the field is something I am very proud of.”
Harris Podvey finished in second at 4-over par 146, as Stuart Greenberg and William Bello, tied for third at 5-over par 147.
Jamie Slonis who was the first round leader finished in a tie for fifth, shooting a 7-over par 78 on Wednesday.
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