Eric Manning posted rounds of 73 and 72 to win the National Car Rental/Central New York PGA Assistants Championship on Sept 1 at Yahnundasis Golf Club. Competitors played 36 holes of individual stroke play competition for the title.
The victory earned Manning $1,100 and a berth to the 47th annual National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship in November at PGA Golf Club’s Wanamaker Course in Port St. Lucie, Fla.
Manning (Elm Tree GC) ended the morning session as the first-round medalist with a two-over 73, two shots better that three-time former champ Ryan McGinnis (Turning Stone Resort Casino), who carded a 75.
Despite a double-bogey on the par-5 ninth hole in the second round, Manning made up for it with two birdies on the back nine. He went on to finish with a 1-over 72 for the second round for a 3-over 145 overall total.
McGinnis also carded a 72 in the second round and was Manning’s closest challenger. McGinnis, who earned $900 for second, finished two strokes behind Manning with a 5-over 147 for the day. He carded three birdies against six bogeys and a double-bogey for 36 holes.
Manning has won multiple Assistants Championships in his career. The last time he won the event was in 2020. In addition to his Assistants victory, Manning has been on a hot streak the last two weeks with two second place finishes at the CNY PGA Section Championship (Aug. 21) and the Towsley Open on Aug. 28.
Michael Berger (Cazenovia CC) finished third (8-over 150) and earned $750. Tied for third at 9-over 151 were Dylan Plis (CNY PGA) and Rob Phelps (Vesper Hills).
This was the first time the tournament was held at Yahnundasis (Head Professional Chris Krause).