By Joe McDonald

RIGA Senior Writer

 

PORTSMOUTH – Championship golf is a different level. 

 

It’s a grind, especially during match play in the blistering heat. The remaining 32 players in the 118th Rhode Island Amateur Championship put on an impressive display of golf Wednesday at Montaup Country Club. It meant playing two, 18-hole matches for those who earned a spot in the Round of 8. In fact, Montaup member Kevin Silva, 39, took center stage as the local favorite. It was a challenging day for him, playing against a pair of teenagers. 

 

First, Silva outlasted Joey Iaciofano, 14, and won the match on No. 18. It was a great match between the two, then it didn’t get any easier for Silva since he had to play defending Junior Amateur Champion, Max Jackson, in the Round of 16. Again, it was great match and it came down to the final hole before Jackson pulled off the victory to advance. 

 

“That’s the beauty of these tournaments. It’s for all age levels. It’s not based on your age, it’s based on your skill level,” Silva said. “Some of these kids are very nice players, but I’m out there competing just as hard as they are. Both kids were excellent putters and they played really nice. They put a lot of pressure on me to make some putts. They made the putts and I didn’t.” 

 

Silva, who has been a member at Montaup for nine years, is proud to represent his home club on this stage, despite the loss. He believes Montaup is proving to be an incredible test for the competitors, and he’s received solid feedback. 

 

“I’m extremely proud of the golf course, extremely proud of the membership. I’m thankful and very grateful for the members to allow this highly-prized championship to be at our home course,” Silva said. “The course is plush and beautiful. I’ve heard nothing but good things from the players. The membership was well behind this tournament and it does make me proud we can host a prestigious championship. We were able to showcase this beautiful place we have here. We’re all proud of it and I’m lucky I get to play it all the time. Now, other people from around the state get to see this beautiful property.” 

 

Several Montaup members walked all 36 holes while following Silva’s two matches. Members also followed other matches and witnessed Bobby Leopold, Tyler Cooke, Jamie Lukowicz, Mike Caparco, Brad Valois, Jackson, Harr Dessel and Michael Hamilton all advanced to the Round of 8. 

 

The day ended with an exhilarating four-hole playoff between Hamilton and John Drohen. It was a total of 40 holes played for each golfer Tuesday as Hamilton closed it out on No. 4. 

 

“It was so exhausting,” Hamilton said with a smile. “It was such a good match because we both played well all day. We both played real solid golf. I am beyond exhausted.” 

 

Wednesday was a perfect example of the challenges players face at this level, at this time of the summer on a perfect golf course. Every player was tired, but for those moving on it’s all worth it. 

 

“Unless you’ve played in these things it’s hard to explain,” Hamilton said. “Things seesaw back and forth. You think you’re going to win, then you think you’re going to lose. That happens for five hours and it’s very stressful, but it’s fun. That’s why we’re here. We wouldn’t be here if we didn’t enjoy it.”

 

It should become even more interesting when the Round of 8 begins Thursday.