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Massachesetts Junior: Kushner wins by 4
MGA photo
MGA photo

WEST NEWTON, Mass. (July 31, 2008)--Under sunny skies at Brae Burn Country Club, Bradley Kushner (CC of New Seabury) capped off what has been an exciting and successful journey at the Massachusetts Junior Championship. Two years after finishing first in the Pre-Junior Division, Kushner claimed the ultimate prize… the 2008 Massachusetts Junior Championship title.

Kushner, who plays out of the Country Club of New Seabury and resides in Mendham, New Jersey, solidified himself as part of Bay State golf history this afternoon by posting a final round score of 1-over par 73. His three-day total of 3-over par 219 was good enough for a four-stroke victory over second-place finisher Dan McQueen (Bellevue GC).

As a result, Kushner's name will now be placed alongside golfing greats such as Frederick Wright, Raymond Ouimet and James Driscoll, all winners of this historic, 90-year-old event.

Heading into today's third round, Kushner held a three-stroke advantage. Despite the pressure of being the two-day leader, Kushner maintained his composure especially during the early stages of the round. After making two bogeys and one birdie on the front nine, the 17-year-old quickly distanced himself from the rest of the field by making birdie on three of his next four holes. Although he could not keep up that phenomenal pace (he posted four bogies and one birdie through his final five holes), his play was solid enough for the victory… his first-ever MGA Championship win.

McQueen made a valiant charge at Kushner on Wednesday by registering a 2-over par 74 but it was simply not enough. The Topsfield resident, who finished with a three-round total of 7-over par 223, was even par at the turn, but saw his hopes for the title fade away after a costly double bogey on the 445-yard, par 4 11th hole.

Thomas Sennett (Taconic GC), Taylor Peck (Norfolk GC) and John Brennan (The Orchards GC) finished in a tie for third place with scores of 12-over par 228, while Anthony Dilisio (Salem CC), the 2007 Massachusetts Father & Son Champion, came in sixth along with Dan Fanion (The Ranch GC) and Christopher Melvin (The Harmon Club). Last year’s runner up, Josh Salah (Bass Rocks GC), was ninth with a score of 15-over par 231.

Pre-Junior Division (Ages 14-15): As it began, so it ended for Bob Marulli (The Orchards GC), who maintained his lead in the Pre-Junior Division and captured the title following a final round score of 3-over par 75. Marulli, who finished with a 10-over par 226, won the division by four strokes over Michael Werenski (The Orchards GC).

Werenski is no stranger to this event as he finished in third place in the Boys Division in 2007. Today's final round score of 1-over par 73 for Werenski marked the best score posted by a Pre-Junior competitor in this year's competition.

Boys Division (Ages 13 & Under): Matt Antonacci (Elmcrest CC) scored a come-from-behind victory in the Boys Division thanks to a final day score of 11-over par 84 and three-day total of 32-over par 251. Antonacci bested Athan Goulos (The Meadow at Peabody GC) – who had held the lead through the first two days – by three strokes.

John Beadle (MGA Links at Mamantapett), who plays out of MGA Links which is the home of the MGA's junior facility in Norton, finished in third place with a score of 41-over par 260.

--Story courtesy MGA

View results for Massachusetts Junior Amateur

ABOUT THE Massachusetts Junior Amateur

State championship for Massachusetts boys. The competition will feature two 18-hole rounds of stroke play over the first two days, with the low 16 advancing to match play.

View Complete Tournament Information

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