Lafauci, Corrente Crowned Stroke Play Champions
By Joe McDonald
RIGA Senior Writer
SEEKONK – Larry Lafauci’s trophy case is filling up fast.
He defeated Mike Caparco in a sudden-death playoff to win the 41st Stroke Play Championship Tuesday at Ledgemont Country Club. Lafauci, of Kirkbrae CC, adds his recent championship to his resume along with back-to-back Mid-Amateur titles and a Four-Ball Championship. The only one he needs now is the State Amateur.
Lafauci narrowly won, but grinded through the 36-hole round Tuesday before finishing in a tie with Caparco (2-over), which forced a playoff hole. Lafauci’s tee shot landed in the fairway bunker on No. 18 (first playoff hole), while Caparco was in the woods and was forced to punch out. Lafauci was able to hit a clean shot out of the bunker to the middle of the green and only needed to two putt for the win.
Going into the playoff Lafauci said he felt nervous.
“At the end of the day you need to man up, go out there and do it,” he said. “Mike’s a great player and I got lucky.”
Now that he has the Stroke Play trophy in his case, Lafauci can focus on a possible three-peat of the Mid-Amateur Championship Oct. 22-23 at The Misquamicut Club.
“I’m going to take a lot from this. I learned a lot from last year,” he said. “I was at the U.S. Mid-Am in Albany a couple of weeks ago, played really good and just missed by a couple of strokes. I feel good about my game, but you never know. The Mid-Am isn’t until October, so I need to keep working hard, keep grinding away because the job is never done. I hope to get a three-peat, but I think this is a good start.”
In the Senior Division, Darren Corrente continues to roll.
He has won three consecutive senior events, dating back to last season. He’s won the Senior Amateur, Burke Memorial and now the Stroke Play Championship. He admitted he hasn’t been too happy with his game this season, but he performed well during this two-day championship. He shot 3-over (69-76 – 145) en route to victory. An offseason back injury didn’t help his preparation for this summer, but everything finally clicked for him during Round 1 Monday. He was able to hold on Tuesday and finish with the win.
“My game has been so-so, but (Monday) I felt pretty comfortable. I hit a lot of good shots, a lot of good putts (Monday). I came out (Tuesday) feeling pretty good but had a couple of bad breaks early and it crept into my brain a little bit and started to wonder if I could really blow this lead, which I almost did. I battled on the back. . . hung in there and was able to get the trophy.”
Derek Johnson, of Ledgemont CC, finished second at 6-over. The senior circuit in Rhode Island is loaded with seasoned veterans, so any victory at this level is impressive.
“The competition in Rhode Island is unbelievable,” Corrente said. “Every tournament you see guys who put on great performances, guys who work on their game and are serious about it, so it’s an honor. I’m very grateful to have the opportunity and I’m honored to be able to compete with these guys.”
Gavin Walsh, 15, of Ledgemont CC was the youngest competitor in the field and finished 79-75-82 – 236.