The 18th green was surrounded by fellow golfers as Sharyn Costello dropped in a long putt to clinch the New York State Senior Amateur Championship, Wednesday at Shorewood Country Club in Dunkirk.
Costello, of the Cornell University Golf Course, was the lone golfer to break 80 on both days of the competition and finished with a two-day total of 157. In doing so, Costello became the first woman to record the low score in both the 'Senior' and 'Super Senior' divisions.
"It feels great," an elated Costello said after receiving her bounty of awards. "It's never been done before. I putted well, hit my driver well, iron play was average and chipping was really good. I just felt comfortable."
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OBSERVER?Photo by Stefan Gestwicki
Sharyn Costello, of the Cornell University Golf Course, walked away with both the ‘Senior’ and ‘Super Senior’ division trophies Wednesday at the New York State Senior Amateur Championship at Shorewood Country Club.
Carina Watkins, of Beaver Meadows Golf Club, shot the low round of Day 2 with her 78. She finished second overall at 160.
Shorewood Country Club was represented by two members - Kay Poweski and Sue Marsh.
"We're absolutely thrilled to have the New York State senior women here," Poweski commented. "It's an honor."
Poweski admitted to not playing her best golf, but certainly wasn't intimidated by playing against the best in the state.
"Not one bit," she stated. "You just want to do your very best, play golf and enjoy the good times and wonderful golfers."
Micki Walsh, of the Rochester-area Brookwoods Country Club, agreed with that notion.
"I'm a middle-of-the-road golfer," Walsh said. "I just enjoy meeting new people."
Compared to previous years, the number of golfers was down a little bit this year, but everyone associated with the event was very pleased with the tournament and course.
"The weather was awesome and the course is in great shape," Executive Director Bill Moore said at the awards ceremony. "I couldn't ask for anything more. I'm always surprised when someone from the older division can beat everyone, but Sharyn has been right near the lead since she started playing. It's amazing someone can beat people 18 years their junior."
"It was great weather," Costello agreed. "The wind really wasn't a factor that much. Shorewood is a very nice course."
After the awards ceremony, Penny Schiek packed up her clubs on the back of her motorcycle and headed home. Schiek, who finished second in the 50-54 age group, is from the Albany area and travels to tournaments all over the state on her bike.
Final Results:
50-54 Age Group
1) Carina Watkins 82-78-160
2) Penny Schiek 83-80-163
3) Kim Kaul 79-87-166
55-59 Age Group
1) Kitty Colliflower 83-80-163
2) Maggie Kril 82-89-171
3) Tracy Barnard 82-90-172
60-64 Age Group
1) Mary Beth Hourihan 90-84-174
2) Becky Duino 85-89-174
3) Joan Boeheim 90-84-174
65-69 Age Group
1) Sharyn Costello 78-79-157
2) Sharon Johnson 92-91-183
3) Nancy Taaffe 92-93-185
70+ Age Group
1) Gail Brophy 88-88-176
2) Sue Sims 90-89-179
3) Nancy Anderson 92-96-188
