The competitive side of PGA of America Associate Zach Vinal came out at the right time during the Central New York Open.
Despite not playing much golf over the past 12 months, Vinal’s confidence in his game helped him fire rounds of 67 and 69 to win his first major as a Professional June 30 at Cortland Country Club.
“It just felt like the right things came together at the right time,” Vinal said. “I found something in my golf swing on Friday that I knew if I trusted it for this event, I could play like I know how. So, this was nice to win in such a big event.”
Vinal, the Director of Golf at Yahnundasis Golf Club, finished his 36 holes at 8-under-par 136 overall, three strokes better than Ryan McGinnis, PGA (Turning Stone Resort Casino) and Tim Hume, PGA (McConnellsville GC).
Playing in intense heat and humidity, Vinal held a one-shot lead over Anthony Falgiatano and John Duthie after the first round. Entering the second round, Vinal’s competitive juices were flowing as he remained atop the leaderboard to close out the win.
As an amateur, the Syracuse native and Junior Tour alum regularly competed in the AIM Championship (formerly the Post-Standard Amateur) and most recently played in the U.S. Open Qualifier in May.
“I love to compete,” Vinal said. “I love the pressure and love to win so not much has changed in that department for me. I will always play in events just to really understand what I need to work on in my game.”
Vinal focused on attacking the Cortland CC course. He only hit drive twice, relying on his 3-wood instead. That decision helped him stay in good positions which allowed him to hit some good wedge shots for birdie chances. He finished with 12 birdies against four bogeys on the day.
“My goal in the second round was to keep making birdies,” he said. “I had 3 three putts in the first round so I actually felt like my 5-under round should have been better. I just felt really comfortable being aggressive so that was the mindset for round two.”
Vinal said the heat didn’t bother his concentration. He spent five years working in the golf industry in Florida before returning to Central New York two years ago.
“I love the heat now,” he said. “That actually kept me loose. I’m almost 40 now so I got to stay loose as best I can!”
Vinal has been a busy man this summer at Yahnundasis. The club is hosting the New York State Men’s Amateur July 8-10.
“It’s definitely challenging running a club with 400+ members, running tournaments, teaching and hosting the State Am this year, which made my golf take a back seat,” Vinal said. “The CNY Open marked my 9th and 10th round of the year so my expectations were kind of low going into it. But once I got off to a good start I knew it was going to be a good day. It’s all about time management these days and dealing with what is most important that day and that week.”
Falgiatano and J.P. Kircher were the top amateur finishers. Both were tied for fourth overall at 4-under 140.
The CNY Open is open to PGA Member Professionals that reside in Central New York, and Central New York Amateurs.