Murphy bests Gannon’s Cole by one stroke to win Senior Amateur Championship

PEABODY – It has been more than two decades since Paul Murphy (Charles River CC) has won an MGA title. However, 21 years after winning the Massachusetts Mid-Amateur Championship, he was victorious once again ? this time at the 2009 Massachusetts Senior Amateur Championship at Salem Country Club.Battling a field of the state’s best senior amateur golfers, Murphy rose to the top once again as he posted a score of 1-under par 73 on Wednesday to post a two-day score of 2-over par 146.This put him one stroke ahead of Lynn’s Mike Cole (Gannon Municipal GC), who carded an even-par 72 Wednesday to move into sole possession of second place with a two-day score of 3-over par 147. In 2004, Cole advanced to the finals of the Massachusetts Amateur Championship, where he was defeated by Frank Vana Jr.Yesterday, Cole took on his senior counterparts for the first time in his career. This year marked the first year that Cole, who turned 55 just 17 days ago, was eligible to compete in senior amateur events.Among the other local golfers competing were Chuck Costello (Ferncroft CC), who finished 13th with a 150. Cy Kilgore (Tedesco CC) tied for 19th with a 152; Tom Randele (Sagamore) and George Burke (Salem CC) tied for 78th with a 163; Leon Remis (Kernwood) and Bill French (Olde Salem Greens) tied at 96 with a 167.NOTES: A special guest enjoyed lunch at Salem Country Club during the second day of the Massachusetts Senior Amateur Championship. Johnny Pesky, known affectionately as “Mr. Red Sox,” made a special visit to the clubhouse with friends.Another former Red Sox player who came close to competing for this year’s Massachusetts Senior Amateur Championship title was Dwight Evans. Although registered to qualify at Marlborough Country Club, “Dewey” withdrew prior to the event. The Reading resident who holds a 4.1 handicap index is a member at Salem Country Club.Two spectators roaming the course yesterday afternoon were Steven Dilisio and his father Dana, members of Salem Country Club. Young Steven captured the Boys Division title at the 2009 Massachusetts Junior Amateur Championship. Two years ago, Dana partnered with his other son, Anthony, to capture the 2007 Massachusetts Father & Son Championship.Eight years ago, Salem Country Club opened its doors to the 2001 US Senior Open Championship that was won by Bruce Fleisher. The success of that event was unquestioned as it – according to a recent GolfDigest article – reaped more than $1 million for Salem Country Club and provided a $30 million economic boost to the North Shore and surrounding communities. It was marked a special moment in golf history as Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus made their final Massachusetts competitive appearances together.Prior to the 2001 US Senior Open Championship, Salem Country Club played host to the 1932 US Women’s Amateur Championship, 1954 US Women’s Open Championship, 1977 US Senior Amateur Championship and 1984 US Women’s Open Championship.If the membership at Salem Country Club has its way, the club will open its doors to the 2016 US Senior Open Championship. Earlier this month, the membership approved an initiative that would allow the club to formally submit an invitation to the United States Golf Association to conduct a sixth USGA Championship. According to GolfDigest and MassGolfer magazine contributor Gary Larrabee, acceptance of the invitation within the next 90 days is all but assured by the USGA’s executive committee. The dates for the 2016 Senior Open are July 28-31. Salem would become only the second club to host two Senior Opens, along with Saucon Valley in Bethlehem, Pa., site of this year’s US Women’s Open Championship.