By Joe McDonald

RIGA Senior Writer

 

EAST PROVIDENCE – The Senior Four-Ball Net Championship is one of the most popular events on the RIGA circuit. This year’s field enjoyed two perfect days at Agawan Hunt and the winners took advantage of the conditions on May 20-21. 

 

The team of Tommy d’Oliveira and Richard Rotelli shot 58-67 – 125 (13-under) en route to the championship, outlasting second-place finishers Edward Caputo and Mark Lapin by two strokes. As members of the Amateur Golf Tour of New England (AGTNE), d’Oliveira and Rotelli always circle the date on the RIGA calendar to compete in this event. 

 

“As soon as it’s announced,” Rotelli said. “We’ve played in it three times and winning it this year is undoubtedly the highlight of our golfing careers. It is such a well-run event and extra special since you are playing with a partner.” 

 

Rotelli credited his teammate for his outstanding play during Day 1, posting a 3-under score on his own ball and helping the team to an 11-under finish on Monday. Rotelli explained the key stretch was a string of five consecutive pars by d’Oliveira on Nos. 10-14, including a 50-foot putt from off the green on No. 14. 

 

“I played well on the last four holes on Day 1 for us to finish strong with a 4-stroke lead going into the last day,” Rotelli said. “Neither of us played as well on Day 2, but we did enough to hang on for the victory.” 

 

It helped that d’Oliveira and Rotelli posted back-to-back birdies on Nos. 11 and 12. The team held a 1-stroke lead going into No. 18 and made an impressive up-and-down to win by two strokes. 

 

“It was an all-world up-and-down for par,” Rotelli said of his partner’s finish. “Several of our AGTNE friends had gathered by the 18^th to watch us come in and helped us celebrate our victory in style. Thanks to the RIGA and Agawam Hunt for putting on an excellent tournament. Tommy and I are looking forward to competing again next year.”