Tait, Norton win 30th Senior Four-Ball Net Championship
By Joe McDonald
RIGA Senior Writer
SEEKONK – The 30th Senior Four-Ball Net Championship needed a playoff hole to determine the winner.
After a grueling two days at Ledgemont Country Club, three teams were tied at 12-under after the 36-hole event before Phillip Norton and Andrew Tait outlasted their opponents to claim a state championship title on Wednesday.
On the lone playoff hole, Tait completed an impressive up-and-down out of the green-side bunker on No. 17 for the victory. Pawtucket Country Club’s Robert Chiarillo and Arthur Perry, along with Button Hole’s Cameron Little and Jamestown’s Scott Beattie watched as Tait’s 15-foot, downhill putt rolled in.
His gameplan was simple: “It’s go time,” Tait said. “You’ve got to go for it. I was upset because I missed a putt on 18 to close it out in regulation, then when we went into overtime I was thinking, ‘get it out of the bunker and make the putt.’ I came through, but Phillip was a big help, because he had it sliding a little bit more than I thought it was. Once again, I listened to Phillip, and good things happen.”
When the ball dropped in for a net birdie, the other five players on the green were impressed with Tait’s putt, including his partner.
“It was wonderful,” Norton said. “Neither one of us wanted to play (a second playoff hole on) 18, so it was great to see him get up-and-down. He hit a big drive and a great second shot but ended up with just a bad bounce in the bunker.”
Norton and Tait found their synergy on Tuesday, posting a 9-under for the first round. Admittedly, they weren’t as sharp on Day 2, but they still found a way to win, despite some tough competition.
“We were fortunate because we didn’t have a best stuff today,” Norton said. “The wind picked up and it was cold, but we grinded it out. We’re grinders, that’s what we are.”
The two, who have been friends since their days at Attleboro High School, joked that they could play 36 holes per day, three days in a row with zero issues. They even recalled playing as much golf during annual winter trips to Florida as younger adults. It’s a little different nowadays.
“The body doesn’t want to hold up like it used to,” Tait said with a laugh. “Now, we’re in traction after two days.”
Both are first-time winners on the RIGA circuit.
“I always wanted to play in the RIGA events, and now I have some time, so I wanted to play,” Norton said. “This was a lot of fun and we met some great guys.”
It started to rain just as the playoff ended, so the winners quickly dropped their clubs at their car before legendary RIGA starter Joe Pieranunzi handed Norton and Tait their trophies.
“Honestly, getting the trophy handed to me by Joe P means everything,” Tait said. “I love the RIGA. It’s a great organization.”
The victory was a bit sweeter for Norton because his son, David, who recently graduated from James Madison University, and also works for the RIGA, was on site to watch his father win.
“I can now join my sons who have basketball and lacrosse state championships. Now I’ve got a golf state championship. It means a lot,” Norton said. “Actually, I was going to ask him to caddie for us, but when he had a chance to work that went out the window.” 