Vannucci, Gianchandani, and Podvey Named 2024 NJSGA Players of the Year
KENILWORTH, N.J. - The New Jersey State Golf Association has announced its Men’s, Women’s and Senior Players of the Year. Troy Vannucci was recognized as the Robert Housen Player of the Year, Ami Gianchandani tabbed Women’s Player of the Year honors, and Harris Podvey captured Senior Player of the Year.
Troy Vannucci, Robert Housen Men’s Player of the Year
Vannucci claimed his second consecutive Player of the Year award after another impressive season. His 2024 season was highlighted by a t-4 finish at the 104th Open Championship at Plainfield Country Club. At the 123rd Amateur Championship at Forest Hill Field Club, Vannucci claimed a t-6 finish to notch yet another solid finish. Vannucci, of Little Mill Country Club was part of the winning NJSGA Compher Cup team this year, as well as a quarterfinalist at the 41st Mid-Amateur Championship hosted by Union League National Golf Club. The 33-year-old captured wins at regional events such as the Eagle Oaks Invitational, the Nassau Invitational, the Bergen County Amateur, and the Patterson Cup.
“It’s very humbling to have my name next to all the greats,” said Vannucci. “New Jersey has a lot of talented players. It really is special. I can’t even put it into words yet.”
Ami Gianchandani, Women’s Player of the Year
Gianchandani earned this award after back-to-back statement seasons, making her the first player to achieve three Women’s Player of the Year honors in NJSGA history. Representing Watchung Valley Golf Club, Gianchandani earned a runner-up finish at the 99th Women’s Amateur Championship at her home club and finished t-3 at the 2nd Women’s Open at Knickerbocker Country Club. A recent graduate of Auburn University, Gianchandani competed in several regional and national events, including the 124th Women’s Eastern Amateur Championship, where she finished third. Gianchandani was also a member of the second place Women’s Metropolitan Golf Association team at the 120th Inter-City Matches for the Griscom Cup.
"I didn’t know I was the first to win it three times,” said Gianchandani. “That is really special to me. Three is a nice number to have.”
Harris Podvey, Senior Player of the Year
Podvey pulled away to claim his first Senior Player of the Year after a runner-up finish at the 66th Senior Amateur Championship at Beacon Hill Country Club. In early September, Podvey, of Knoll Country Club won the Senior Arcola Cup for the second straight season to extend his lead for the award. Podvey qualified and competed in the U.S Senior Open and U.S. Senior Amateur, where he earned a spot in the match play bracket after advancing though stroke play.
“It is something you work for every year,” expressed Podvey. “There are a lot of great competitors out there. I know a number of people that have won it over the years and to be included with them is a huge honor.”
The three award winners will be recognized on Thursday, October 26 at Canoe Brook Country Club in the 20th Annual Celebration of Golf.
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