By Joe McDonald

RIGA Senior Writer

 

BURRILLVILLE – The team of Mike Petrarca and Rob Grossguth never felt like they were out of contention during the 30^th Senior Four-Ball Championship (Gross) this week at Crystal Lake Golf Club. 

 

As a result, they remained focused, battled back and finished with a birdie on the first playoff hole to defeat the team of Tim Murray and David Marshall, of Quinnatisset, en route to a state championship. It was an impressive second-round performance for Petrarca and Grossguth, who posted a 7-under during the last 11 holes to force the playoff. 

 

“We were aggressive and played as a team. It was awesome to play,” Grossguth said. 

 

Murray and Marshall had a one-stroke lead thru 17 holes, but Petrarca drained an amazing birdie putt on No. 18 to finish in a tie at 8-under. Petrarca’s ball was just off the green, and Grossguth read it perfectly for his partner. Still, Petrarca needed to make it and he did to force a playoff hole. 

 

“I was going to chip it and he said, ‘Do not chip it, putt it.’ His original read was a little off, and I suggested there was a little more break. He re-read it, gave me a good read and I just hit it where he told me to hit it and it just went in.” 

 

The team’s mindset going into the playoff hole was simple: “Make birdie,” said Grossguth, who hit a perfect draw on his drive to start the playoff. He then hit a gap wedge from 120 yards out to three feet from the hole.

 

“Dave and Tim are great players and they were around the hole all day, so when I saw Robbie’s shot go three feet from the pin I was so happy,” Petrarca said. “I’m glad it was him putting that and not me.” 

 

Both admitted they love to compete, and while Grossguth was standing over his would-be final putt of the tournament, he was nervous. 

 

“I felt it over the putt,” he said. 

 

Petrarca, 56, and Grossguth, 60, of West Warwick Country Club have been lifelong friends, but this was the first time they’ve competed in a state tournament as partners and finished with a victory.

 

“It’s awesome,” Grossguth said. “We’ve known each other for a long, long time. Growing up, he was at our house all the time. We’re good friends. This is just awesome.” 

 

As Grossguth was putting his clubs in the trunk of his car, he thought: “I can’t believe we’re state champions.”