Weather Suspends Match Play at Mid-Amateur
JACKSON, N.J. – In the midst of the quarterfinal match play round of the New Jersey State Golf Association 38th Mid-Amateur Championship, play was suspended due to weather. Play at Metedeconk National will resume on Thursday at 7 a.m. ET.
The only quarterfinal match to conclude on Wednesday was an Eric LeFante 6-and-5 victory over Brandon Dalinka. Earlier in the afternoon LeFante earned a 3-and-1 victory over Kieran Purcell of Essex County Country Club.
In the round of 16, Jason Bataille defeated Adam Kugler 5-and-4. Leading by one after five holes, Bataille finished the front nine birdie-par-par-birdie to win four consecutive holes and take a commanding 5-up advantage. Bataille secured the victory with a birdie at the par-5 14th.
Dalinka played a nearly flawless first 13 holes to take a 5-up lead on defending champion Michael Brown, but Brown rallied late to win No. 14, 15, 16 and 17. Both players made par at the last, and Dalinka survived, 1-up.
John Havay of High Bridge Hills took down co-medalist James Arbes 3-and-2 after leading 4-up through seven holes. Havay earned a spot in the match play bracket by way of a three way early-morning playoff after Tuesday play was suspended due to weather.
Anthony Campanile of Deal Golf & Country Club defeated co-medalist and 2021 NJPGA/NJSGA Senior Open Champion Peter Kozubal, 1-up.
After a back-and-forth match, Jonathan Ross of Neshanic Valley picked up a 1-up win over Rumson's Jack Skirkanich.
Two round of 16 matches went into extra holes. Troy Vannucci sealed his victory over Nick Desai with a birdie on the 19th hole. Michael Dimeglio mirrored Vannucci, picking up his victory on the 19th hole by way of a birdie.
Once quarterfinal action concludes Thursday, the semifinals and finals will follow. Three matches have yet to be determined and will resume at 7 a.m.
Quarterfinals Results
Eric LeFante defeated Brandon Dalinka, 6&5
Round of 16 Results
John Havay defeated James Arbes, 3&2
Jason Bataille defeated Adam Kugler, 5&4
Brandon Dalinka defeated Michael Brown, 1-up
Eric LeFante defeated Kieran Purcell, 3&1
Anthony Campanile defeated Peter Kozubal, 1-up
Jonathan Ross defeated Jack Skirkanich, 1-up
Troy Vannucci defeated Nick Desai in 19 holes
Michael Dimeglio defeated Dan Keenan in 19 holes
Be sure to follow live scoring at NJSGA.org, and stay tuned to the NJSGA’s social media platforms @njsga1900 for updates, news, and player interviews throughout the championship.
