2-Day Weekend Tournament at Elma Meadows Golf Course Draws Top Local Amateur Talent

Inaugural Event at Grover Cleveland GC in ’12 Featured Playoff for Male, Female Titles

ERIE COUNTY, NY— Today, Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz was joined by Commissioner of Parks, Recreation & Forestry Troy Schinzel and Executive Director of the Western New York PGA  Joe Bertino at Elma Meadows golf course to announce the upcoming 36-hole Erie County Amateur Golf Championships, which will be held on July 6-7 at Elma Meadows.

“With great pleasure, we welcome the Erie County Amateur Golf Championships to Elma Meadows golf course this year after an electrifying event at Grover Cleveland last year that featured sudden-death playoffs in both the men’s and women’s brackets,” said Poloncarz. “I want to thank Joe Bertino and the WNY PGA, who have been great partners to work with in coordinating the top talent that appears in this competition. It’s great golf on a challenging Erie County course, and I hope for another outstanding tournament this year.”

Handicap requirements for the Championships allow a maximum handicap of 8.0 for men and 20.0 for women; golfers must provide proof of a verifiable and valid USGA handicap index, or have their PGA Professional verify their ability in writing. In the event of a tie or ties for Champion in either the men’s or women’s division, as happened last year, a sudden death playoff will determine the Champion.

“The Erie County Parks Department is once again excited to be hosting the Erie County Amateur Championships and expect to build upon last year’s successful and highly competitive event,” said Commissioner Schinzel. “I personally want to thank the Western New York PGA for their assistance and professionalism in partnering with Erie County to coordinate this event.”

“The Western New York PGA is pleased to be coordinating this event once again with Erie County,” said Joe Bertino. “Last year’s tournament provided some great shots and memorable moments, and we look forward to more this year at Elma Meadows.”

During the tournament, players will have the choice between using a cart or a caddie, but will not be able to use both during play. Players who do not have caddies will be permitted to walk as well if they so desire. All play is governed by the Rules of Golf of the United States Golf Association, and the competition will be conducted by officials, staff, and members of the Western New York  PGA.  Click here for the field of athletes competing.

For more information:

On the Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation & Forestry visit   http://www2.erie.gov/parks/

On the WNY PGA Section, visit   http://www.westernnewyork.pga.com