By Joe McDonald

RIGA Senior Writer

 

Potowomut Golf Club and Rhode Island Country Club could be the setting for a history-making event. 

 

The pair of par-71 courses will host the 75^th Rhode Island Four-Ball Championship May 7-8 as defending champions Tyler Cooke and Bobby Leopold attempt to match an impressive feat that has stood for 57 years. Fred Campanella and Angelo Santilli etched their names into the history books as five-time champions of this tournament (1955, 1961, 1963, 1964 and 1967). Cooke and Leopold have won four times (2015, 2016, 2022 and 2023). 

 

“Crazy to think about that, to be honest,” Leopold said of possibly tying the record. “It would be an amazing accomplishment and would put us one step closer to beating the record which would be even better. But every win we get as a team means a lot, especially as we get older, and we are able to share and celebrate as a family. Doesn’t seem that many months ago that we were grinding to make a comeback at Quidnessett.” 

 

The brother-in-law team will begin its quest Tuesday at Potowomut in hopes of hoisting another trophy Wednesday at Rhode Island CC. 

 

Both courses are in great shape and the field is ready for the challenge as the 2024 RIGA tournament season officially kicks off. 

 

A season ago, this tournament was originally scheduled for early spring, but it had to be postponed due to severe weather. It was a challenge to secure two courses for two consecutive days until Agawam Hunt and Quidnessett CC stepped up and hosted the event. Fortunately, it was near-perfect weather for the two late-October days. 

 

Cooke and Leopold battled back after a double bogey on No. 13 at Quidnessett to finish 9-under and hold off the teams of Mike Caparco/Jamie Lukowicz and Jantzen Vargas/Kevin Silva, who both finished 8-under. 

 

“I love playing best ball with this guy,” Cooke said of his partner and brother-in-law. “He’s an unreal partner, so I feel like I have to play up to his level. We’re an unbelievable team.” 

 

The Four-Ball Championship is considered one of the most popular events on the RIGA circuit. Live scoring will be available on the RIGA website.