Moniz Attempts To Defend Burke Title
By Joe McDonald
RIGA Senior Writer
NEWPORT – Cam Moniz has a plan every time he steps onto the hallowed grounds of Newport Country Club.
It doesn’t matter if he’s caddying, or playing, he wants to experience and enjoy the lore of this historic golf venue. He understands nearly everything about it. Moniz appreciates the fact he’s the defending champion of the John P. Burke Memorial Championship, which is in its 26th year. Burke served as a caddie at Newport Country Club and was considered one of the best junior and amateur golfers in the state before he was killed during World War II.
The Burke is one of the most popular tournaments on the RIGA circuit. In fact, the wait list this season was the largest it has ever been. Players wait all summer for a chance to play in the two-day tournament at Newport CC and Green Valley CC. Even though Moniz caddies at Newport, this championship means more to him because of its history.
“It’s awesome. You’re excited for the couple weeks leading up to it,” he said. “You’re out here, you’re able to work the course and see it. With the rain we got Monday, this place drained out incredibly. It’s always a treat. And it was sunny and 75 today.”
Moniz, 33, has been caddying at Newport Country Club for seven years. Along with six other local caddies, Moniz also worked the U.S. Senior Open last June at Newport CC and looped for Notah Begay III. During his stint as a caddy at Newport CC, Moniz believes he averages about 120 rounds per season. While he’s always focused on the task at hand, he learns something new about the course nearly every time he walks its links-style fairways and greens. Then he attempts to take advantage of that knowledge when he plays.
“It’s funny because you always feel like you have a good grasp on reading the greens, but even today I caught myself out there, thinking: ‘I work here. I should know this read.’ You almost expect to know it, instead of just using your eyes and seeing it. There is an advantage, almost an expectation level when you do know these greens. I have been here for seven years, so when you do know them that well, I caught myself on the first couple holes, stepping back, thinking, ‘just use your eyes here.’”
Moniz finished the first round with an even-par 72 Wednesday at Newport CC before changing venues to Green Valley on Thursday. A season ago, he shot a two-day total of 74-67 – 141 between the same two courses en route to victory.
He was looping Monday at Newport when a player asked him to name his favorite course. Moniz answered without hesitation.
“First thing that comes to mind – Newport,” Moniz said. “It does have the history and it’s not a golf course that’s going to beat you up like crazy. Obviously, if the wind gets going it can get tough. It’s a nice, flat walk. You’re right by the ocean, too. This place is just a gem. It’s just golf in its simplest form, which is awesome.”
For the last seven years, after The Burke concludes, Moniz heads south for the winter and works as a caddie at Dye Preserve Golf Club in Jupiter, Fla. However, he recently decided to stay home this year.
“Change of heart,” he said.
It was a near-perfect day in Newport and all golfers took advantage of the conditions. Austin Cilley and Jeff Delucia finished as co-medalists after each posting a 6-under 66 at Newport CC.
In the senior division, David Marshall, of Quinnatisset CC, shot a 5-under 67 to finish as medalist. Dante Najarian, of Valley CC, and Jeff Dantas, of Cranston CC, finished T2 at 3-under.
Day 2 begins Thursday as the players switch venues.