Shagin Medals at Westlake, 22 Qualify for Mid-Amateur Championship
JACKSON, N.J. – Twenty-two players are moving on to Union League National Golf Club to compete in the 41st Mid-Amateur Championship after a qualifying round at Westlake Golf & Country Club on May 20. Todd Shagin of Arcola Country Club fired a score of three-under par, 68, to earn medalist honors.
Starting on the par-five 10th hole, Shagin came out firing with an eagle followed by a birdie on No. 11 to bring him to three-under through two holes. That would prove to be the difference for Shagin who trade two bogeys for two birdies the rest of the way on his way to the top of the leaderboard.
“It certainly helped. I’ve never seen the course before, so it was nice because I looked at it as a bit of a cushion for things I didn’t know about the course later in the round,” said Shagin. “I had a little of everything working for me. I hit a lot of greens, which always helps and then had a few putts you don’t expect to normally make went in.”
Coming in behind Shagin at two-under par, 69, was Baltusrol Golf Club’s, Thomas Urciuoli. Urciuoli rode a strong second nine with three birdies to a his first qualifying spot in the Mid-Amateur Championship.
“My front nine I was playing well but I had a lot of birdie putts and missed opportunities. On the back it was nice to see the ball start to go in. I started hitting my lines a little better with the putter and really started rolling it well. It was a good feeling out there.” said Urciuoli. “I turned 25 a couple of years ago, but this will be my first time playing so I’m really looking forward to it.”
Rounding out the players finishing under par was Clifford Lindholm of Montclair Golf Club at one-under par, 70. Despite two bogeys early, Lindholm was able to right the ship with three birdies and bogey-free golf down the stretch.
“I played a little tentative at the start. Sometimes when I make a couple of bogeys at the start it actually frees me up to be more aggressive,” said Lindholm. “It’s a course you don’t want to overpower so I told myself to stay patient out there and the birdies will come.”
Westlake served as the final qualifying sites for the 41st Mid-Amateur Championship at Union League National, which will host its first NJSGA major championship from June 4-6. The final field of players and tee times for the championship will be available at njsga.org.
NJSGA Social Media
For the latest updates and news, visit njsga.org or follow New Jersey State Golf Association on Facebook, X and Instagram at @NJSGA1900.
