Who says golf is old and stuffy? Two golfers not yet old enough to buy a beer to celebrate a hole in one swept the Wykagyl CC men’s and women’s championships this year. The venerable New Rochelle club is still rocking with the news that the combined ages of their two champs is 29!
As Wykagyl head pro John Deigan laughingly points out, “They’re seasoned veterans at that young age.”
George Roessler, 14, beat two former men’s club champions, one in the semis and one in the 36-hole final match, which he won 4 and 3. It’s probable his opponents have been shaving considerably longer than George. He also was named the Junior Player of the Year in the 12-14 age group for Long Island by the Met PGA (the family belongs to Maidstone GC as well).
His reaction to the win belied his years: “For so many reasons, it felt great to win the Wykagyl Men’s Championship. First, it is an honor to be allowed to qualify and then win all matches. In addition, the kind congratulations and cheering from the membership are quite special. Lastly, a number of great young players, my friends, provided a lot of support and cheer during the matches. I am very thankful for all of that.”
In addition to getting his name on a huge trophy, winning the club championship gives George an exemption into the 2018 Met Open Championship, which will be held at Wykagyl. It’s highly likely he’ll be the youngest competitor in the field.
Carly Haines, 15, won her first lady’s championship in a final match she wrapped up 4 and 3. She made it to the semi-finals in 2016, the same year her father Jared won the men’s championship. He didn’t compete this year.
Carly had a good year in the Met PGA Junior Tour, winning events at Fenway GC and Hampshire CC and placing third at GlenArbor. Another highlight of her golf season was a trip to Ireland to compete in the 19th annual World Invitation Father & Daughter Golf Tournament at Waterville.
