DALTON, MASS (August 30, 2005) -- The team of Jim and Jay Ruschioni (Oak Hill CC) powered through the finish line this afternoon by making birdie on four of their final five holes to post a score of 2-under par 69 and capture their second career Massachusetts Father & Son Championship at Wahconah Country Club in Dalton. This year’s victory ends a nine-year drought for the Ruschionis as they last won this title back in 1996.

The victory did not always appear well in hand, however, as the Ruschionis made the turn at even par 35 following a missed par putt by Jay on the 413-yard, par 4 9th hole. Ensuing bogeys on the 396-yard, par 4 and 396-yard, par 4 10th and 12th holes dropped the duo to 2-over par for the tournament. Showing true champion form, the team quickly rallied with a critical par on the 227-yard, par 3 13th hole and then a birdie on the very challenging 503-yard, par 5 14th hole. The Ruschionis used that momentum to make birdie on the 16th, 17th and 18th holes. Jim, a two-time George M. Cohen MGA Senior Player of the Year, sealed the victory by draining a six-foot putt on the finishing hole.

Capturing sole possession of second place was the team of Kevin and Brandon Sullivan (Wahconah CC), who used their home-course knowledge to post a solid score of 1-under par 70. The Sullivans, who turned in a two-birdie, one-bogey performance, made the turn at 1-under par 34 courtesy of a birdie on the 512-yard, par 5 7 th holes and then registered their second birdie of the day on the 227-yard, par 3 13 th hole. The pair appeared poised to post an even lower score before making a costly bogey on the 490-yard, par 5 18th hole.

Finishing tied for third place with a score of even par 71 were Joe and Gerry Piarulli (Green Hill Municipal GC) and Joe and Antonio Grillo (Edgartown GC). While the Piarullis’ round featured three bogies and three birdies, the Grillos made a leap up the leaderboard towards the latter stage of their round by making birdie on two of their final four holes. This year has been a memorable one for the Grillos, as earlier this year Antonio captured the Pre-Division title at the 2005 Massachusetts Junior Championship.

Championship Highlights: -- This year’s field consisted of 95 teams that advanced to Championship Proper after capturing the Father & Son titles at their respective home clubs. The format for this event is selected drive alternate shot. -- The 2004 champions of this event, Jim and John Renner (Foxborough CC) were unable to defend their title this year as John had to return to Johnson & Wales University (FL) to complete his final year of school. -- The 2006 Massachusetts Father & Son Championship is scheduled to be held at Dedham Country & Polo Club.

For complete results, click on the tournament link above (amateurgolf.com premium membership requested).

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