PGA of America Golf Associate Matt Campbell capped off a memorable summer season with a victory at the Central New York PGA Assistant Championship presented by National Car Rental on Aug. 30.

 

Campbell (Teugega Country Club) claimed the title after firing rounds of 71 and 65 in the 36-hole competition at the Cavalry Club. The win was his fourth of the season.

 

Zach Vinal (Teugega CC, 69-75–144) finished tied for second with three-time former champ Ryan McGinnis (Turning Stone Resort Casino, 74-70–144). Dylan Plis (CNY PGA Section) took third at 148. McGinnis earned a berth to the 48th annual National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship in November at PGA Golf Club’s Wanamaker Course in Port St. Lucie, Fla.

 

FINAL RESULTS

 

Although Vinal, held a two-stroke lead after the morning round, Campbell overtook him in the final round with a 7-under-par 65. Campbell carded eight birdies against one bogey in his final round and finished at 8-under 136.

 

“I kept it in play very well,” Campbell said. “I had a double and bogey out of 36 holes that was pretty good. This last round I got pretty hot with the putter so that obviously helps.”

 

The 35-year-old Campbell, a Rome native, came back to Central New York this spring from Florida to work with Vinal at Teugega. Vinal, a Syracuse native and the 2007 AIM Champion, is the Director of Golf and Instruction at Teugega after a three-year stint at The Yards in Ponte Verda Beach, Fla.

 

Campbell said his best memory this summer is taking the Assistant job at Teugega, his home course, where he was a member for 20 years.

 

“This is the first time I’ve been at a course working under Zach (Vinal),” Campbell said. “He’s been a great mentor and leader for me. And being home with my family and friends, it’s been amazing.”

 

Campbell’s game and confidence has soared since returning home. This season, won the Assistant Stroke Play, the Assistant Players Championship, the Turning Stone Resort Casino Pro-Team individual title and now the CNY PGA Assistant Championship.

 

Campbell’s 2024 summer performance exceeded his expectations.

 

“I haven’t been playing that well the last three or four years,” he said. “I’ve been coaching and working a lot. But getting back home, getting back to Teugega…this is where I grew up so there is some familiarity there. I started posting some good scores and the confidence has been high ever since.”

 

When the season is over, Campbell’s winter plans include concentrating on achieving his Class A status.

 

“I’m very stoked (about my performance this season),” he said. “I definitely will think about doing Q school again. But it’s not in the cards right now. The confidence is back which had been gone for a while. I’m really happy with how I’m playing and the game feels really good.”