Elliott and Cone ended regulation play in the two-day, 54 hole-event at 10 under 206. Elliott carded a 6 under 66 on his final round that included a brilliant 31 on his back nine. Cone was even better in his final round with a 7 under 65. However, the round of the tournament was turned in by Michael Welch of Granite Lakes. Welch blistered his way to a third round course record 8 under 64 and finished at 9 under 207.

Wannamoisett’s Charlie Blanchard was the low amateur at 214.

Read all about this exciting R.I. Open in our early August issue.

Grillo carded a one over 72 in the morning round while Leopold opened with a 3 under 68. Also qualifying for the U.S. Amateur Tournament to be held at the Chambers Bay G.C. in Tacoma, Washington Aug. 23-29, was 17 year old Sean Kelly of Bradenton, Fla. Kelly posted rounds of 73 and 69.

Read all about the performances of this trio of players in our early August edition.

It’s important to know the abbreviations when posting a score & reviewing scores for local & away events.

Here are a few definitions of score type if you see them posted next to a score: “A” = Away

“AI” = Away Internet

“C” = Combined Nines

“I” = Internet

“P” = Penalty

“T” = Tournament

“TI” = Tournament Internet

And the dreaded “R” after your name means that your handicap is automatically reduced for exceptional tournament performance. This means you have posted two or more tournament scores at least three scores better than the current Handicap Index, and that you are officially a “sandbagger.”

Should legalized gambling be approved by the Massachusetts legislature, she envisions turning the property into a hotel resort and entertainment destination.

Holyoke voters have twice approved ballot questions supporting a casino in town. The state legislature is working to pass a compromise bill that would include either two or three casinos in Massachusetts.

Mohegan Sun Tribal Gaming Authority, of Uncasville , Conn., wants to build a $500 million casino resort in Palmer off Exit 8 of the Mass Turnpike.

To date 45 clubs, organizations or individuals will participate.

According to Executive Director Robert Donovan this event has been the leading fundraising golf marathon in the US for the past 17 years.

Ouimet Fund, President Richard Barrett said, “We are looking to make this our best Marathon ever and are still looking for teams who can play and raise a minimum of $3,000. Over 17 previous Marathons, 720 players have played 90,381 holes – and average of 126 holes per year, and they have raised a total of $3.6 million in scholarship funds.”

Haskell’s love affair with golf began as a caddie at age 10, and evolved to executive director of the MGA, until his retirement in 1997. Dick Haskell was always accessible, positive, cordial and insightful about people, places and things that were important to the history of the game.

Haskell left in indelible impression with those he dealt with on a professional and personal level. Among his many accomplishments, he introduced six new amateur championships statewide.

Haskell was the undisputed authority and driving force of amateur golf in the Bay State and grew the MGA from 172 to 318 member clubs.

Today, the MGA represent nearly 400 members.

Haskell passed at age 84 on July 11 and will be remembered as the lead figure in development of the MGA’s nationally-acclaimed Centennial book – “A Commonwealth of Golfer.”

Dick Haskell will always be remembered as a happy man – always smiling – and always full of relevant golf facts and information, that he always was willing to share with this golf writer since1992, when I got into the golf writing business.

This little ditty about Massachusetts golfers is taken from Haskell’s retirement memoir in 1997: “They don’t smile as much as they should.” Wow, words to live by the next time we tee it up! Let’s enjoy & be grateful for this golf pioneer’s contribution to the game!

For the second time in three years, John Hadges, can call himself the Massachusetts Amateur Champion. And, for the second time in three years, the prototypical 49-year old Baby Boomer beat a talented 28-year old Generation X up-and-comer, Dan Head, in the final match of the most prestigious amateur event on the golf calendar.

The final match on July 16 at the 102^nd Mass Amateur at steamy Myopia Hunt Club, which has hosted four U.S. Open Championships since its opening back in 1894, once- again pitted age vs. youth, successful veteran vs. rookie and skilled shotmaker vs. raw talent. In the end, experience won out as Hadges (Thorny Lea GC) defeated Head (Wellesley CC), 2 and 1, in 35 holes.

“When we first started the match I thought I had the advantage,” said a tired Hadges after his historic victory. “But I quickly realized after starting off that even though I had never heard of Dan, I had my hands full. He is a great guy and very good player. After witnessing his game, I know that Dan will be back here again.”

Over the course of five days of the most competitive amateur golf in these parts, the two weary warriors logged a total of 282 holes of golf. The nearly nine-hour, 36-hole final match was a perfect end to an exciting week as it was a battle that saw 11 lead changes and no player ever gain more than a two-hole advantage from start to finish. The drama, emotion, excitement and pure joy of watching two talented amateurs tangle on this stage are always cherished memories and storylines. To the victor goes the glory, but the unflappable Dan Head had a storybook week and happy ending.

“I am perfectly happy with second place,” said the classy Head, who had a large following from Wellesley CC routing for every good shot. “This is my first time in Match Play so the whole week has been surreal. Every single match I played was a bonus. To make to the finals and go deep with John Hadges is an added bonus.”

John Hadges becomes only the 19^th player to claim two Massachusetts Cup titles since its debut in 1904. He also became the fifth Thorny Lea GC member to win the prestigious title joining Ed Connell (1965), John Tosca (1959,’70), Bruce Douglas (1975,’76) and Steve Tasho (1981, ‘85).

Seemingly out of contention after losing the 10th hole to fall four holes behind, White then proceeded to win the next six holes, two with birdies, to take a two up lead after 16.

Doherty, tourney medallist (76) from Holy Cross, then birdied the par 3 17th with a near ace and got to within one.

White though, clinched her first RIWGA title when she sent a perfect six iron 145 yards to within 18 inches of the cup on the par 5 18th and then rolled in the birdie putt for the victory.

Read all about White’s improbable triumph in our late July issue.

The 19 year-old Morrell, who will be a sophomore at Old Dominion University this fall, carded three rounds of two over 74 and held off veteran Tara Joy Connolly from the Cohasset (Mass.) C.C. by two strokes.

Morrell wasn’t the only Rhode Island golf winner at the New England Tourney. Nancy Chaffee (RICC) won the Legend’s Trophy for golfers 65 and older with rounds of 90, 84 and 90.

Read all about Morrell’s triumph in our July 30th issue.

Hull and Quigley were deadlocked after 36 holes at one under 142. After each of them parred the first two extra holes (one and nine) Hull rolled in a 12-foot birdie putt on the par 5 first hole for the championship.

Hull trailed first round leader Jamie Lukowicz (West Warwick) by one at Triggs. Lukowicz shot an opening round 2-under 70 while Hull came in at 71 and Quigley at 72. Lukowicz finished at 143 as did Swansea’s John Costa III.

Montaup’s Nancy Diemoz won the women’s division crown with a 36-hole total of 165 (83-82) edging Kay Bullock by two strokes.