Fasick brothers lead 30th Senior Four-Ball Championship

By Joe McDonald
RIGA Senior Writer

BURRILLVILLE – George Pirie stood on the 18th green, and without knowing anyone else’s score, he knew Jon and Carter Fasick were in the lead.

“They played well today,” Pirie said of the twin brothers. “Everything they hit seemed to go in the hole.”

The brothers carded a 6-under 65 for a first-round lead in the 30th Senior Four-Ball Championship (Gross) Monday at Crystal Lake Golf Club. The team of Luke Gallant and Joe McCoart are in second place at 4-under. There are seven teams tied at 2-under. The championship will be decided Tuesday afternoon.

“It’s always an honor to play in a State Championship,” Carter Fasick said. “I’ve played so much golf with Jon over the years, so he’s easily the first choice for a partner. It worked out nicely.”

The brothers Fasick, 70, have built an impressive resume together on the golf course. They have won four Mass Four-Ball titles together, one Mass Senior Four-Ball Championship in 2018, and the Super Senior Division in 2019. In fact, this is Carter’s first RIGA event. Jon won the Rhode Island Senior Four-Ball Championship (Gross) in 2018 with George Donnell as his partner.

“We rarely even talk to each other, unless we’re going really good, or there’s some confusion,” Carter said of their chemistry on the course. “We’ve played so much golf over the years you kind of know what we want to do, but if something looks a little confusing we’ll discuss it.”

There was zero confusion Monday morning, and as a result they’ll be the final group Tuesday as they attempt to win their first RIGA championship together.

“It was tough starting out,” Jon said. “The first four holes played really tough, but we made four pars and that got us off on the right foot. We didn’t have to chase, or play from behind, so that really helped."

The brothers made only one birdie on the front, but they started rolling on the back with five birdies en route to a 6-under 65. Conditions were tough for the entire field with wind, rain and cold temperatures on this June day. Despite the elements, the Fasicks were able to focus. They also know it won’t be any easier Tuesday.

“I’m sure it will be difficult,” Carter said. “I’ve played this golf course four, or five times, and you can’t make putts, but we made a few today. It’s tough to read the greens and we’ve got a tough road ahead of us."