Vannucci Leads Mid-Am at Allegheny CC
SEWICKLEY, Pa. - Troy Vannucci had never seen Allegheny Country Club prior to Wednesday’s opening round of the 28th Pennsylvania Middle-Amateur Championship, presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods. But 18 holes later, the course left a pretty good impression, as Vannucci fired a 5-under par 65 to lead the championship.
“First of all, it did not disappoint,” said Vannucci, of Philadelphia Publinks. “It’s a beautiful place. I know it’s a great place with a lot of history and I just told myself to go out there and play golf.”
Whatever his plan was, it worked. Vannucci carded just a single bogey against six red numbers to lead by one stroke over a group of four players. That included birdies on the 17th and 18th to finish his round.
“I just had really good numbers in on those holes,” said Vannucci. “I was above the hole on both of them and just tapped it and they went in.”
Vannucci’s lead, however, will be challenged by a host of players, including Austin Lemieux, whose score of 66 (-4) was certainly a familiar one to his legendary family. Joining Lemiuex at 66 are Brandon Raihl of Philadelphia Cricket Club, Jimmy Ellis of South Hills Country Club and Kevin Koerbel of Longue Vue Club.
Koerbel and Ellis both used some local knowledge on the course. Koerbel cited playing the course when he attended Deer Lakes High School and the school team played Sewickley Academy all four years at Allegheny CC. Ellis, meanwhile, competes annually in the Allegheny Better-Ball.
“Last time I was in this position, I lost in a playoff to Mitch Mercer so I need for that to not happen again,” said Ellis, referring to the 2019 edition of the championship at Longue Vue GC.
Raihl, meanwhile, had not stepped foot onto Allegheny until a Tuesday practice round. But despite the practice round (“I didn’t play well at all then.”), Raihl had a successful opening 18 on Wednesday.
“I had pretty much everything going for me,” said Raihl. “I hit my irons straight and felt good with the putter. I committed to a line and was able to make some putts.”
Seven players are tied for 6th place at 2-under par 68, including five-time champ Sean Knapp of Hannastown Golf Club.
The final round will take place on Thursday. The Pennsylvania Golf Association would like to thank the staff and membership of Allegheny CC for the hospitality shown in the championship. Thanks as well to DICK’S Sporting Goods for sponsorship of the event.