Hirsh Dominates to Capture SDGA Mid-Amateur

Jim Hirsh (NYSGA eClub – Central NY) put on a wire-to-wire performance this past weekend at Lakeshore Yacht & Country Club, capturing the SDGA Mid-Amateur Championship in convincing fashion. Hirsh carded back-to-back rounds of 67 (-5) to finish at 10-under-par 134 for the championship, securing a comfortable victory.

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The event, contested on Lakeshore’s challenging Blue Course, demanded precision off the tee and sharpness on the greens. Hirsh answered the call with two nearly identical scorecards that showcased both consistency and composure under pressure. His 36-hole total of 134 was the clear benchmark, as no competitor was able to match his blend of steady ball-striking and timely putting.

Hirsh wasted no time asserting himself in the championship, coming out of the gates red-hot with a front-nine 31. His round was highlighted by birdies at holes 1, 5, 6, 8, and 9, and he avoided any major mistakes to make the turn at 5-under. The back nine tested him more, with a bogey at the par-5 13th tempering momentum. Still, Hirsh balanced that with a closing birdie on the par-4 18th, posting a 36 coming home for a strong opening-round 67. His play set the tone and gave him the outright lead heading into Sunday’s finale.

With the tournament within his grasp, Hirsh showed no signs of backing off. His second-round front nine was steadier than Saturday’s fireworks, though no less impressive. Birdies at the 1st, 3rd, and 5th rounded out a strong front-nine as he turned in 33. Despite a lone bogey at the par-4 15th, Hirsh rattled off birdies on the 13th and 16th, then sealed his round with one more birdie on the par-4 18th, finishing with another 67.

Across 36 holes, Hirsh posted 12 birdies against just two bogeys, demonstrating remarkable consistency. His putting proved decisive, particularly on Lakeshore’s undulating greens, while his control from tee to green kept him out of major trouble. By shooting identical rounds of 67, Hirsh removed any drama from the championship chase.

Doug DeCarlo (NYSGA eClub - Central NY) finished second place at two-under overall, while Brett Cunningham (Beaver Meadows Golf Club) took home third place at one-under.