Three Former Champions Advance to 39th New Jersey Mid-Amateur Semifinals
Brandon Dalinka, The Ridge at Back Brook
BERNARDSVILLE, N.J. – The semifinal matches are set for the 39th New Jersey Mid-Amateur Championship and three former champions in Brandon Dalinka (2019), Peter Barron (2017) and Michael Stamberger (2008) remain in the field. Ryan Cass rounds out the contingent vying for the Gigi Carnevale Trophy.
“I love just being in contention,” said Dalinka. “The best part of amateur golf is just competing. The fact that I’ve been in contention in this tournament for a couple of years now is just great. I just need to do my best and whatever kind of happen, happens.”
Dalinka defeated four-time Mid-Amateur champion Trevor Randolph in the round of 16. The match was tied through six holes, but Dalinka managed to take control of the match as he won holes No. 7, 8, 11. Randolph fought back on the back nine, winning 12, 15 and 17, but Dalinka sealed his victory on No. 18 with a par as Randolph notched a bogey.
In the afternoon, Dalinka kept his momentum going, notching his quarterfinal victory over Thomas Lee on the 14th hole, as the pair halved the hole.
Quarterfinal Matches are wrapping up here at Somerset Hills!
— NJSGA (@NJSGA1900) June 9, 2022
Brandon Dalinka takes down Thomas Lee 5&4 to advance to the Semifinals ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/I0TCMFsKuI
Stamberger of Spring Lake Golf Club took down 2022 GAP Mid-Amateur Champion and 2021 New Jersey Mid-Amateur finalist, Troy Vannucci in the quarterfinals. The two-time New Jersey Amateur Champion has a special connection to Somerset Hills, winning the 2003 Met Amateur at the Bernardsville club.
"I just like it," Stamberger said of Somerset Hills. "I like that you have to think your way around it, it sets up to my eye very well. It’s one of my favorites."
Cass, the 16 seed advanced to the semifinals after defeating top seed Conor Casey of Somerset Hills in the morning followed by Gregg Angelillo in the afternoon. In his afternoon match, Cass, of Canoe Brook Country Club stormed back from a 3-down deficit to win holes 9, 12, 13, 15 and 16 and close out his match.
“Over 36 holes there was definitely a lot of lapses in some areas and then a lot of positives in some areas,” said Cass. “It’s a lot of golf and it’s very different throughout the day, but I felt like I made some putts when I needed to. This place is amazing so every round I play, it’s just good to be here.”
Barron took down defending champion Eric LeFante in the round of 16. He convincingly defeated his quarterfinal opponent, Zachary Pallis 6&5 in the afternoon. Barron, of Galloway National Golf Club led 5-up as he made the turn and proceeded to close out the match on the 13th hole.
The first semifinal match, Ryan Cass versus Brandon Dalinka will tee off at 7:30 a.m. while the other semifinal match, Peter Barron versus Michael Stamberger will tee off at 7:45 a.m.
Quarterfinal Results
Ryan Cass, Canoe Brook Country Club d. Gregg Angelillo, Baltusrol Golf Club, 2 and 1
Brandon Dalinka, The Ridge at Back Brook d. Thoams Lee, NJSGA E-Club, 5 and 4
Peter Barron, Galloway National Golf Club d. Zachary Pallis, Watchung Valley Golf Club, 6 and 5
Michael Stamberger, Spring Lake Golf Club d. Troy Vannucci, Little Mill Country Club, 2 and 1
Round of 16 Results
Ryan Cass, Canoe Brook Country Club d. Conor Casey, Somerset Hills Country Club, 2 and 1
Gregg Angelillo, Baltusrol Golf Club d. Anthony Campanile, Deal Golf & Country Club, 5 and 3
Brandon Dalinka, The Ridge at Back Brook d. Trevor Randolph, Arcola Country Club, 2-up
Thomas Lee, NJSGA E-Club d. Zachary Brown, NJSGA E-Club, 2-up
Peter Barron, Galloway National Golf Club d. Eric LeFante, Somerset Hills Golf Club, 1-up
Troy Vannucci, Little Mill Country Club d. Chris Lawler, Riverton Country Club,
Michael Stamberger, Spring Lake Golf Club d. Jason Bataille, Raritan Valley Golf Club, 1-up
Zachary Pallis, Watchung Valley Golf Club d. Matt DeVito, Montclair Golf Club, 1-up
NJSGA Social Media
For the latest updates and news, visit njgsa.org or follow New Jersey State Golf Association on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @NJSGA1900.
