Szewczul Locks Up 5th Consecutive
CSGA Senior Player of the Year Title
Dave Szewczul
A
lthough Dave Szewczul of Farmington, Connecticut, lost in the quarter-finals to eventual
runner-up Pat O’Donnell, his week at the U.S. Senior Amateur in Cashiers, North Carolina
is one he won’t soon forget. After shooting 73-73 to claim the 6th seed in stroke play
qualifying, Szewczul went on an unbelievable run. After needing to come back early Tuesday
morning, September 24th to finish his first round match, he defeated David Schultz, of
Canada, 3 and 2.
Szewczul, who was the oldest competitor in last month’s U.S. Amateur, then defeated Jim
Rollefson, of Franklin, Wis., 4 and 3, in the second round before avenging a 2012 Senior
Amateur loss to George Zahringer, of New York, 2 and 1, which catapulted him into the
quarterfinals.
A few tips from his longtime pro, John Nowobilski at Tallwood Country Club in Hebron, Conn.,
paid off for Szewczul, who had never advanced this far in his previous 23 USGA championship
appearances.
“I’ve been keeping it in play and not making any mistakes,” said Szewczul. “He helped me with
a few swing tips and I remembered those.”
Unfortunately for Szewczul, he ran into a figurative buzzsaw in his quarterfinal match against
O’Donnell, eventually falling on thr 14th hole, 5 and 4. Nonetheless, it was an unbelievable
week for the 2012 CSGA Player of the Year. With his finish at the U.S. Senior Amateur, he
successfully captured his record fifth consecutive Senior Player of the Year title.
Connecticut State Golf Association
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