Rhode Island Drops Tri-State Matches
By Joe McDonald
RIGA Senior Writer
WEST HARTFORD, Conn. – Team Rhode Island needs to wait – again.
It’s been 22 years since Rhode Island won the Tri-State Matches versus Massachusetts and Connecticut, and the locals came up short again this season. Team Connecticut finished with the victory Wednesday at 89thTri-State Matches at Wampanoag Country Club.
Rhode Island last won this event in 2001 when it hosted the tournament at Newport Country Club. Rhode Island’s seasoned veteran, Dr. George Pirie, was a member of the last winning team and he competed again this year.
“We just don’t play our best at this particular event,” Pirie said. “I have no answers.”
Connecticut earned 86 points, while Massachusetts collected 67 1/2 and Rhode Island finished with 38 1/2. Massachusetts will host the 90th Tri-State Matches in 2024 (course to be determined).
Still, despite the lopsided loss to Massachusetts and Connecticut, the Rhode Islanders had a blast.
“I wouldn’t miss it,” Pirie said of the event. “Even at my age, I was thrilled to be here and loved to be part of the team.”
Team Rhode Island consisted of Michael Arter, Jamie Lukowicz, Mike Caparco, Dave Marshall, Tyler Cooke, Tom McCormick, Darren Corrente, Brian O’Leary, Dean Parziale, Michael Hamilton, Pirie, Larry Lafauci, Bobby Leopold, Auggie Sottile, Kyle Hoffman and Jonathan Cooper. Players grind all summer for an opportunity to make this team.
“It’s the best to finish the year,” Pirie said. “It’s quite an accomplishment to make the Tri-State Matches and you just go out there and play the best for your team. What’s great about it is the camaraderie, not only within your team, but the other fellows from Massachusetts and Connecticut. I have great friendships I’ve made over the years from these guys and we’re all still together after all these years.”
This season Rhode Island couldn’t capitalize on any opportunity and ran into two tough opponents. At least the locals played a tremendous golf course this week.
Most of the Rhode Island players arrived earlier in the week for a practice round Monday and all were impressed with the Donald Ross course. In fact, Wampanoag will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2024.
The club recently completed an expansive restoration project to the course and players from all three states raved about the site.
“It’s an absolutely beautiful place – spectacular,” Pirie said. “I’ve really, truly enjoyed it.”
