74th Rhode Island Four-Ball Championship
By Joe McDonald
RIGA Senior Writer
NORTH KINGSTOWN – The late-October sun was beaming, the clouds were barely visible in the bright blue sky, and Narragansett Bay was calm in all its mystique as boats sailed across the water with ease.
It was quite a contrast to the weather Mother Nature handed the golf world all summer, so it was a perfect day to complete the 2023 RIGA season.
“We’ve waited for this all year,” Potowomut’s Rick Angeli said of the perfect conditions.
It ended with Bobby Leopold and Tyler Cooke winning the 74th Rhode Island Four-Ball Championship Wednesday at Quidnessett Country Club. They finished 64-68 -- 132 (9-under) en route to victory.
It’s the fourth time Cooke and Leopold have won this event, including back-to-back seasons. Fred Campanella and Angelo Santilli won the event five times (1955, 1961, 1963, 1964 and 1967).
"I love playing best ball with this guy," Cooke said. "He's an unreal partner, so I feel like I have to play up to his level . . . we're an unbelievable team. We've never made a double (bogey) until 13, which was awful. We were in shambles, but it was impressive we birdied the next three holes in a row to come back. It's a great feeling, it really is."
This event was originally scheduled for early spring, but it had to be postponed due to severe weather. It was a challenge to secure two courses for two days until Agawam Hunt and Quidnessett CC stepped up and hosted the tournament. Fortunately, it was near-perfect golf weather for two days. The Four-Ball Championship is considered one of the most popular events on the RIGA circuit. After it was postponed, golfers sent emails, text messages, and continually asked when and if it would be played.
Golfers didn’t care where it was played, as long as they had a chance to compete, knowing the weather could be brutal. It wasn’t. These players were spoiled and the golf was incredible.
“What a beautiful day to play golf,” said Quinnatisset’s EJ Wholey.
Fellow Quinnatisset member, Tim Murray, concurred.
“This weather, and this golf course, is stunning. It’s beautiful. This is so much better than work; don’t tell my boss,” he said with a laugh. “This place is gorgeous, what a track, and the views – stunning.”
Overall, it was a successful season for the RIGA. Leopold won the 118thRhode Island Amateur Championship at Montaup CC, which celebrated its 100th anniversary this year. It was also the fourth time he won the event, becoming only the sixth person to accomplish the feat, joining Daniel Fairchild, Robert W. Allen, Cameron P. Quinn, John Burke and Brad Valois.
Kirkbrae’s Larry Lafauci, Jr., accomplished his goal of winning back-to-back Rhode Island Mid-Amateur Championships with a victory at Quinnatisset. Connecticut native David Pastore won the 91st Rhode Island Open at Connecticut National. Harry Dessel won the 40th Rhode Island Stroke Play Championship at Valley CC. Wannamoisett’s Darren Corrente won the Rhode Island Senior Amateur Championship at Pawtuckett CC. He also won the senior division at the John P. Burke Memorial Tournament at Green Valley CC, while Cam Moniz, of Swansea CC, won the overall title.
The team of Phillip Norton and Andrew Tait won the Senior Four-Ball Net Championship at Ledgemont Country Club. West Warwick's Rob Grossguth and Mike Petrarch won the 30th Senior Four-Ball Championship (Gross) at Crystal Lake Golf Club.
On the junior side, Max Jackson won the 104th Rhode Island Junior Amateur Championship to become a three-time winner of the event.
When asked to describe the overall 2023 season, Murray said: “Spectacular. We played some really, really good golf courses. Montaup for the (Rhode Island) Amateur was spectacular. Not only was it their 100th anniversary, the course was in such great shape. We played Quinny for the Mid-Am and the greens were lightning fast. (Quidnessett) is beautiful and the Mulligan we played at Crestwood (Country Club) and that’s in great shape. Everything we played this year was really, really good. I commend the RIGA for securing these courses, because it’s not easy.”
Legendary RIGA starter, Joe Pieranunzi, who turns 84 on Thursday, celebrated by spending some quiet time along the water during the round. He works tirelessly all season, helping in every capacity. He deserves some downtime.
“Tomorrow, I’m sleeping in.” he said.
Despite the unseasonable weather in 2023, it was still a fantastic season. Certainly, one we’ll never forget. Thanks to everyone who participated and supported the RIGA this season, including all great courses in the state that hosted our events. We look forward to 2024.