Hamilton claims RIGA title
Lincoln native wins second RIGA title
PORTSMOUTH – Two years ago, Michael Hamilton captured the R.I. Stroke Play tournament that was shortened to 36 holes due to rain.
A 2007 graduate of Lincoln High, Hamilton didn’t have to worry about battling the elements down at Montaup Country Club these past few days. He let his game do all the talking as he captured the 39th Stroke Play by two strokes over Montaup’s Kevin Silva on Tuesday. The champion after posting a stellar score of minus-11 202, Hamilton went the 54-hole distance this time and stood tall at the end en route to claiming his second Stroke Play title.
Claiming one of the RIGA’s majors comes a week and a half after Hamilton made a strong bid to capture the R.I. Amateur that ultimately fell one hole short at Wanumetonomy. Demonstrating that he had turned the page, Hamilton established himself as the player to beat after firing a minus-five 66 Monday, good for a two-stroke lead heading into a busy Day 2 of Stroke Play.
No stranger to playing 36 holes in a single day, Hamilton kept the rest of the field at bay after his morning round of minus-six 65 that included an outstanding seven birdies. He took a four-shot lead into the afternoon round.
Holding a three-shot lead with seven holes remaining, Hamilton opened the door slightly with a bogey at No. 15 that tightened things a bit. He avoided a dramatic finish thanks to a par save on No. 17 that gave him a two-stroke edge with one hole remaining. Hamilton closed his afternoon round at even par (71).
His Stroke Play victory means that Hamilton earns an automatic berth to next year’s Northeast Amateur that’s annually held at Wannamoisett Country Club.