By Joe McDonald

RIGA Senior Writer

 

PAWTUCKET – While Wannamoisett’s Darren Corrente attempted to win his first Rhode Island Senior Amateur Championship this week at Pawtucket Country Club, his wife, Chrissy, has been patiently waiting for her husband in Rome, Italy. 

 

The couple booked a trip before the 2023 Rhode Island Golf Association’s schedule was released, but Corrente’s wife totally understood his desire to compete in this major event. It turns out his decision to play was the right one. Corrente, 60, defeated Segregansett’s Bruce Barboza in five playoff holes en route to victory. 

 

“I kept thinking how long that flight would’ve been if I didn’t win,” Corrente said with a smile. “I don’t have to worry about that now.” 

 

This was Corrente’s sixth attempt at the Senior Amateur Championship. It was a grind, but it ended with him holding the trophy. 

 

“It means the culmination of a lot of work,” he said. “I practice and put a lot of effort into my game. I try really hard and I have a patient wife, Chrissy. She’s unbelievable. She puts up with a lot with me out there on the golf course.” 

 

He held a one-shot lead going into No. 18 Tuesday, but he three-putted for bogey, allowing Barboza to par the same hole as both finished 1-under to force extras. It was a challenging two days before Corrente sank his winning birdie putt on the fifth playoff hole. 

 

“All I kept thinking about was hit the ball in the fairway,” Corrente said. “It was actually kind of calm. It wasn’t that nerve-racking. For some reason I thought it would be more nerve-racking, but it felt like just two guys out there trying to make a birdie. I was lucky enough to sneak one in.” 

 

Nos. 18 and 10 served as the playoff holes. Each golfer carded a par on the first four holes, before Corrente hit a solid drive on No. 18 that landed in the fairway. Barboza’s tee shot landed in the left rough. Corrente had 94 yards to the pin and stuck his 54-degree wedge to about eight feet. Barboza’s second shot landed above the hole that left him with a challenging putt. He missed before Corrente recorded his birdie.

 

After the win, Corrente again thanked his wife, and credited his Florida golf coaches. 

 

“It’s been a fun few years on this Senior Amateur circuit,” he said. 

 

Along the way, he’s earned the Rhode Island Senior Player of the Year three consecutive years (2020, 2021, 2022) and now he can call himself a state champion. 

 

“It’s the greatest game,” he said. “I’m a golf junkie. I love everything about it. I’m so grateful that my parents got me going when I was young, because it is something you can play forever. I just love the competition. The guys are unbelievably competitive and good. They play phenomenal rounds and I see it all the time. I was just fortunate this week that it was me and I’m able to hoist the trophy.” 

 

It’s a safe bet Chrissy Corrente will have a celebratory bottle of Italian vino waiting for his arrival in Rome. And, even though the Ryder Cup is being played in Rome while the couple is vacationing, Darren said all his focus will be on his family and friends. 

 

Button Hole’s Michael Arter finished the two-day event 70-74 – 144 (6-over) to win the Super Seniors Division. He held off Montaup’s Todd Hagenburg, who finished second after posting 70-75 – 145 (7-over). Button Hole’s Casey Fasick won the Legends Division with a 69-74 – 143.