CNYPGA Seniors Reclaim Sovik Cup Over SDGA Seniors

The 39th playing of the Sovik Cup brought together two of Central New York’s most competitive senior golf contingents as the senior amateur members of the Syracuse District Golf Association (SDGA) faced off against the Senior CNY PGA Professionals at Tuscarora Golf Club. Looking to defend its 2024 title, the SDGA eventually fell to the CNY PGA with a 17–13 defeat, despite a valiant effort from competitors of the last three matches. 

Related: Results

Now nearly four decades strong, the Sovik Cup features six groups of two-player teams, with each match consisting of a head-to-head singles point and team match play across the front, back, and overall for a total of four points available per group.

The final results of each match included: 

Tim Hume & Mark Tucker 3.5 – Chris Smithers & John Harrington 1.5

Eric Manning & Jeff Reader 5 – Brian Evans & Denny Nicholson 0

Nick Serafino & Alan Savage 3.5 – Joe Babcock & Bruce Levinson 1.5

Steve Campanaro & Andy Myers 0 – John Wessels & David Smith 5

Bruce Martins & Joe Tesori 2.5 – Randy Young & Tom Fletcher 2.5

Mel Baum & Robert Marton 2.5 – Richard Volcko & Greg Bilyeu 2.5

With three matches decided by narrow margins and two ending in ties, there was no shortage of great matches throughout the day. The CNY PGA put together strong performances early on in the rotation that ultimately carried the team to the decisive 17–13 win. The SDGA had won three of the last four Sovik Cup matches leading into this year’s battle. 

With this result, the overall Sovik Cup record now stands at CNY PGA 22–15–2. The Sovik Cup is in honor of Greater Syracuse Sports Hall of Famer Larry Sovik, who won six Syracuse District Amateur Championships in his career.