University of Richmond Athletics
McDade 1st Amateur To Win WGA Open Since 1971
07/10/2013 | Men's Golf
WEST NYACK, N.Y. – Richmond rising junior Colin McDade became the first amateur to win the Westchester Golf Association Open Championship since 1971 when he edged Stanford's Cameron Wilson on the third sudden-death playoff hole Tuesday at Manhattan Woods Golf Club.
McDade became the first amateur to win the WGA Open since Dave Ragaini in 1971 and just the second amateur to win both the WGA Open and WGA Amateur in the same hear. Roger Ginsberg had accomplished the feat in 1962 and McDade had already won the WGA Amateur five weeks ago at Brae Burn Country Club.
“It feels amazing,” McDade said. “I wasn't playing well the last couple of weeks, so I really wasn't sure how this was going to go.”
The Rye, N.Y. native finished the 91st WGA Open at 10-under-par with rounds of 71-67-68. McDade was putting for par on the 18th hole to force a playoff when a weather delay forced a 45-minute delay.
McDade came back out on the course to sink the 2-foot putt. “That was the longest two-footer of my life,” he joked after winning on the third playoff hole.
McDade's name will be etched onto both the WGA Open Championship Trophy and the Frank Ragaini Memorial Trophy for Low Amateur. He joined an impressive list of winners that includes Ben Hogan.
"This is an amazing accomplishment for Colin,” Richmond head coach Adam Decker said. “He beat a fantastic field full of very good players. The names on the trophy next to Colin's are some of the best in the game. I am thrilled for him."
McDade carded an outstanding back-nine 31, including three birdies and an eagle, three shots better than any other player in the final round.
Players Mentioned
