John Clare’s dominance at the Golf Max Central New York Open continued June 22 as the Camillus native won his third straight title in decisive fashion at Tuscarora Golf Club.

 

Clare carded back-to-back rounds of 65 to earn the three-peat with a 12-under-par 130 total, six strokes ahead of 2014 champion Mark Tucker (70-66—136). This is Clare’s fourth CNY Open title overall. He also won in 2015 as an amateur.

 

The CNY Open, which is open to amateurs, is the first major of the season on the Central New York PGA schedule. The tournament drew a full field of 75 golfers. The 36-hole stroke play tournament sponsored by Golf Max is a double point event for the CNY PGA Omega Player of the Year and Bradley’s Jewelers Cup standings.

 

Clare got off to a strong start with four birdies on the front 9 and played well the entire of the day. Clare, who turns 25 on June 27, finished with 15 birdies against only three bogeys.

 

Clare’s pro career on the Latin American PGA Tour is currently on hold due Covid-19. He’s hoping tour events will restart in September. Until then, Clare plans to stay close to home and keep his skills sharp by working on his game.

 

Johnny Gruninger, of Syracuse, was the top amateur finisher at 3-under par 139. Gruninger, who won the overall 2020 CNY PGA Junior Open title in June, finished tied for third with John Duthie (Robert Trent Jones GC).

 

Two-time defending Central New York PGA Assistant champion Dan Molter (Binghamton Country Club) placed fifth (73-67—140). Josh Holling (Corning Country Club), last year’s runner-up, finished sixth.

FINAL LEADERBOARD