AIM Senior Championship

As one of the top senior amateur golfers in the U.S., Kevin VandenBerg competes in many high-profile events around the country. But this week, his golf travels kept him closer to home and he added another trophy to his crowded mantel.

VandenBerg, of Pulaski, captured his first Apogee Investment Management Senior Championship with a three-stroke victory over 2019 champion Jack Weinerth on Aug. 8. After an opening round of 73, VandenBerg stormed back for rounds of 68 and 69 to finish at 5-under-par 210.

“This means a lot,” said VandenBerg, who finished second last year. “This is a good one to have under my belt. It’s nice to play in local things. One of the great things about senior golf is the guys you meet and the relationships you forge.”

The 45^th annual tournament, which was rescheduled to August after being rained out in May, was held at Beaver Meadows Golf Club and Cazenovia Country Club on Aug. 6-8. Two-time defending champion Luke Hobika did not compete this year because of injury.

Over the past 12 months, VandenBerg has picked up senior tournament wins in Florida and Michigan. VandenBerg, ranked among the top senior players in the country, is the reigning AmateurGolf.com Senior Player of the Year and Golfweek Senior Player of the Year. He also was inducted into Michigan Golf Hall of Fame last fall.

While winning the AIM Senior title is VandenBerg’s latest achievement, it didn’t come without some challenges. He said subpar play, especially poor putting, on his home course at Beaver Meadows led to his being three shots off the lead with a 73 behind first round medalist John Milgiore (70).

“It was very disappointing to shoot 73 on the first day,” VandenBerg said. “I didn’t know if I could play much worse. I putted terribly. It was a surprise because I’d been putting pretty well and I’ve been pretty confident in my putting. But you have to just put it in the bag and put it in your rearview window and move forward.”

VandenBerg rebounded with a 69 in the second round to take over first place by a stroke over Milgiore and Weinerth.

“(Thursday) I putted a lot better,” VandenBerg said.

In the final round at Cazenovia CC, VandenBerg got off to a good start, thanks to solid putting.

“I birdied No 2 and No. 4 and played 1-under from then on,” he said.

Weinerth pulled within one shot when VandenBerg three-putted on No. 10 for a bogey. VandenBerg responded with a birdie on No. 11 while Weinerth carded a bogey to increase VandenBerg’s lead to three. Weinerth cut the lead to two with a birdie on 12 but got no closer.

“Aside from the first day, I played pretty well,” VandenBerg said.

Weinerth recorded three straight rounds of 71 and finished at 2-under 213. VandenBerg’s winning total was 5-under 210. Milgiore and John Hughes tied for third at 217.

FINAL RESULTS

In the 36-hole Super Senior Division, Nick Della Penna won the title by a stroke over Richard Volko.

VandenBerg’s firm, Apogee Investment Management, is the title sponsor and the presenting sponsor is Charlie Falgiatano and DeFrancisco & Falgiatano, LLP.

“I’m glad I can help amateur golf in this area,” VandenBerg said. “I’m thankful for the Central New York PGA and all they do.”

AIM Senior past champions
1981 — Horace Meredith
1982 — Joe Russo Sr.
1983 — Joe Pagano Sr.
1984 — Jake Kleist
1985 — Bob Gilbo
1986 — Jack Klink
1987 — Pete Frank
1988 — Walter Knych
1989 — Pete Naton
1990 — Jim Williamson
1991 — Bill Hiestand
1992 — Jim Mathews
1993 — Jack McCabe
1994 — Walter Knych
1995 — Vic Johnson
1996 — Vic Johnson
1997 — Sandy Burton
1998 — Dick Congdon
1999 — Alan Foster
2000 — Mike Garofalo
2001 — Jerry Karpinski
2002 — Joe Oddo Jr.
2003 — Joe Oddo Jr.
2004 — Joe Oddo Jr.
2005 — Tony Smarrelli
2006 — Perry Noun
2007 — Joe Russo Jr.
2008 — Frank Plata
2009 — Alan Foster
2010 — Frank Plata
2011 — Phil Tripoli
2012 — Randy Young
2013—Frank Plata