Stamberger Claims Top Seed at 40th Mid-Amateur Championship; Match Play Bracket Set
DEAL, N.J. - The highly competitive 40th Mid-Amateur Championship got underway on Tuesday as 16 players advanced to the match play portion of the championship. 2022 New Jersey Mid-Amateur finalist Michael Stamberger earned medalist honors in the stroke play qualifying round, shooting a 2-under par 69 at Deal Golf & Country Club.
For Stamberger, despite four bogeys, six birdies was enough to tab him the top seed in the match play bracket.
“I just played pretty solid, made some mistakes, but I made some nice things happen too,” recalled Stamberger.
As for the next two days, winning is the plan but the 51-year-old has not placed too much expectations on himself.
“One match at a time,” said Stamberger. “I always try and win but just have some fun. I don't play that much tournament golf anymore, so this is fun.”
Pat Wilson, Jason Bataille, Adam Fuchs, Jeremy Wall, and Alex Nielan finished right behind Stamberger with a 1-under par 70.
Wilson, 2022 Metropolitan Golf Association (MGA) Mid-Amateur Champion is making his first appearance in the New Jersey Mid-Amateur since regaining his amateur status after spending several years as a professional. The 32-year-old compiled four birdies on his card.
“It’s great to be back,” Wilson exclaimed. “I love it and to just compete and play more competitive golf is really what I enjoy doing."
Deal proved to be a true test for the field of 65 competitors.
"It's great to play good venues like this, said Wilson. "The course is in great. You have to be careful around the greens, the rough is pretty thick - it’s the defense of the golf course.”
Wall, 27, competing in his first Mid-Amateur Championship is looking forward to the match play portion of the championship, despite his play not being in top shape.
“I felt like my iron play, which hasn't been great, was good today,” said Wall. "I hit the driver ok and just didn't beat myself."
After two weather delays toward the later part of the afternoon, play resumed. In a two-for-one playoff between Troy Vannucci and Justin Chae, Vannucci, 2022 Golf Association of Philadelphia (GAP) Mid-Amateur Champion came out on top, earning the No. 16 seed.
Tee times for the Round of 16 begin at 7:30 a.m.
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