By Joe McDonald

RIGA Senior Writer

 

PORTSMOUTH – You know you’ve had a successful tournament when there are only two cars in the parking lot and one is yours when you arrive at the course for a championship round. 

 

That will be the case for Harry Dessel and Bobby Leopold, who will play in the championship of the 118th Rhode Island Amateur Friday morning at Montaup Country Club. Leopold, 39, is a three-time winner, while Dessel, 20, will attempt to win his first one. After they both finished their respective semifinal matches, Dessel’s father, Bill, pulled Leopold aside and jokingly said, “See you at 8:30 tomorrow.” 

 

Of course, the final match begins at 7:30 a.m. 

 

Earlier Thursday morning, Leopold defeated his brother-in-law, Tyler Cooke, 4&2, in the quarterfinals. Leopold then beat Mike Caparco, 5&3, to advance to the final. Dessel defeated Michael Hamilton, 1-up, in the quarters before beating Max Jackson, 5&4, in the semis. 

 

It should be an interesting 36-hole match between Leopold and Dessel for the championship Friday. Leopold believes both golfers play similar games, meaning they hit the ball straight, don’t make many mistakes, have a solid short game and putt well. That was on display during stroke play when the two played in the same group for two rounds and it carried over into match play for both of them. 

 

“We know what to expect from each other,” Leopold said. “It’s not going to be easy. Nothing is easy when it comes to the final, especially when it’s 36 holes and every hole is a grind. I don’t know what to expect, but it’s going to be fun.” 

 

Given Leopold’s winning resume, many would think his experience should be the deciding factor against the rising sophomore at Lafayette College. 

 

“I also have a lot of scar tissue,” Leopold said with a laugh. “I remember the first time I played the State Amateur in 2009 and I won it. I didn’t know how hard it was.”  

 

Dessel, who started match play as the No. 3 seed, has become friends with Leopold and they’ve played several times over the last few years. 

 

“I’ve got to play really good tomorrow to have a chance,” Dessel said. “I’m just going to have to play great . . . There’s no other tournament I want to win other than this one. This is definitely the one I care about the most, and for some reason I always play my best at the Rhode Island Am. It’s my favorite tournament and I really hope I win tomorrow.” 

 

Dessel, a former standout at Moses Brown, isn’t a rookie when it comes to state tournaments. He’s played in several Rhode Island Amateur championships, including the Junior State Amateur. His game has developed over the years, and having a full season of college golf experience has really made the difference this summer. Before he decided to attend Lafayette, Leopold’s advice was simple: “You’re better finding a college where you can play, not the college that looks good on paper.” 

 

Dessel played in almost every match for the Leopards as a freshman as the team reached the Patriot League Men’s Golf Championship in the spring. 

 

“The experience he had playing almost every event for Lafayette is brilliant,” Leopold said. “You can’t replace competition with anything else. That has helped him grow and helped him become a better player just by playing for the team and representing.” 

 

Many spectators who attended both rounds Thursday were focused on the Dessel vs. Jackson match since it was a rematch of the 2021 Junior Amateur Championship. Jackson defeated Dessel two years ago at Rhode Island Country Club, which is his home course This time it was Dessel’s turn. 

 

“Harry’s always been one of the best players I’ve played against,” Jackson said. “He played his normal game, and I was a little out of sorts.” 

 

Even though Jackson was disappointed with the loss, he was proud of the fact he beat two former champions – Tommy McCormick and Brad Valois – to advance to the semifinals. 

 

“I really didn’t have it today,” Jackson said. “I had a lot of bad, lazy swings. I didn’t play too well, and Harry was hitting the ball really well, so just like that he was 4-up thru five and against a really good player like that you can’t put yourself that deep in a hole. Harry played a great match.” 

 

On the course, Dessel was focused and determined. As he walked into the parking lot at Montaup, he was greeted with hugs from family members. He was smiling and proud of this moment, but he’s not done. 

 

“I am happy,” he said. “Hopefully I can get it done (Friday), that’s the important one.”