Pastore Claims Rhode Island Open Title
By Joe McDonald
RIGA Senior Writer
PUTNAM, Conn. – Connecticut natives David Pastore and Jason Thresher have built a friendly rivalry around New England.
It continued during the 91st Rhode Island Open. The two were among the leaders for the two-day event until Pastore finally finished with a victory, while Thresher finished second Wednesday at Connecticut National Golf Club. Pastore shot 65-64 – 129 (13-under) as Thresher finished three off the lead with 64-68 – 132. It came down to the final few holes when Pastore’s putter gave alive with four birdies down the stretch.
Pastore admitted he only looks at the leaderboard after nine, and not again until the 18th hole. He knew he needed to finish with a birdie, which he did on the par-5 to once again stifle Thresher’s attempt at a win.
“We’ve had a few good battles,” Pastore said. “He’s clipped me once, or twice, and this year I’ve clipped him the two times we’ve played.”
Pastore posted a two-stroke victory over Thresher to capture the 113thMass Open Championship on June 14 at TPC Boston. They continued their strong momentum at the 89th Connecticut Open July 24-26 at Shuttle Meadow Country Club in Berlin, Conn., as Pastore finished second (66-66-68 – 200), while Thresher placed third (67-69-65 – 201). Now, they’ll travel to New Hampshire next week to compete in the Manchester Open at Manchester Country Club.
“I’m always one behind it seems,” Thresher said with a smile. “I’ve known David for five, or six years now. We’ve played a lot of golf against each other.”
Even though Pastore is a native of Stamford, Conn., this was his first event at Connecticut National. He smiled when asked about winning the Rhode Island Open in Connecticut, but admitted he’s played several courses in Rhode Island and enjoyed all of them, including Newport Country Club, Newport National, Wannamoisett, Wanumetonomy. In fact, he competed in the Northeast Amateur in 2014.
Earlier this spring, Pastore played the PGA Tour Latin America, but didn’t have the best results, missing the last four cuts.
“I wasn’t really in great form, but winning the Mass Open definitely gave me some confidence,” he said. “I took a lot of confidence from that win and it’s carried over to a few more events this summer.”
Thresher shared the lead with Max Theodorakis after Round 1 here after they both carded 64s. Both played well in Round 2, but couldn’t respond to Pastore’s run of birdies.
“I had a great start to the event yesterday, but I wasn’t able to finish strong on the last nine holes (Wednesday), but it was a fun event,” Thresher said.
Thresher was on the receiving end of a tremendous sportsmanship moment late in the round. He was on No. 10 and tied with Pastore, who was a group in front. Thresher was searching for his ball in the rough and thought he had lost it as the on-course official was counting down the seconds. Nick Antonelli, who was playing with Thresher, was looking franticly for the ball. Suddenly, he spotted it and yelled to the official, “I got it.” It saved Thresher a stroke at that point.
The countdown was at “three seconds and I was walking back to my cart when my playing partner found my ball,” he explained. “I made par over the trees and it gave me a little momentum, going into the back nine.”
Unfortunately, Thresher couldn’t keep that momentum going as Pastore finished with four straight birdies en route to victory.
After the awards presentation, Pastore asked to say a few words of thanks to all the volunteers, workers and staff at Connecticut National.
“The course was in great shape and it was a treat to play,” he said. “I’ve had a nice run, played well in a few tournaments, so it’s really nice to add another tournament (win) in my home state. It feels great to finish strong and to win, so thank you very much."
Now, it’s onto the next state to conquer.