Spampinato Rides Wave of Victory to 2024 RDGA District Championship Title at Irondequoit Country Club
By DAVE EATON
PITTSFORD, NY – To say that 22-year-old Aiden Spampinato of Victor is on a roll right now is an understatement.
Earlier this summer, Spampinato celebrated with his teammates on the Methodist University men’s golf team when they won the 2024 NCAA Div. III Golf Championship.
Last month, Spampinato basked in the glow of one of the State’s top individual titles when he captured the 2024 New York State Men’s Amateur Championship at Wanakah Country Club in Buffalo.
So, perhaps it wasn’t much of a surprise when a week later, Spampinato claimed the Rochester District Golf Association’s District Championship title at historic Irondequoit Country Club – even though it may have come as something of a surprise to him.
“My game feels the best it’s ever been, obviously – but these last two wins kinda came out of nowhere,” he said after hoisting the John H. Ryan Jr. Memorial trophy for the first time. “I haven’t really won much of anything since junior golf – so it’s nice to see that the hard work is finally paying off and the game is clicking.”
A Week of Great Golf and Local History
A week of great golf and local history concluded with a first-time champion on July 20, as the final round of the 2024 RDGA District Championship John H. Ryan Jr. Memorial came to a close at Irondequoit Country Club.
Capping off a week that included the third annual RDGA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony with a tribute to some of the leading figures in the local golf community, was a memorable final round battle between some of the top men’s amateurs in the Rochester area.
CLICK HERE to learn about the RDGA Hall of Fame Class of 2024 and watch the complete ceremony!
Aiden Spampinato opened the 2024 District Championship with a 6-under-par round of 66 – putting up seven birdies and one eagle against three bogies. In Friday’s second round, Spampinato stumbled out of the gate, carding a bogey and a double bogey in the first four holes, temporarily knocking him out of the lead. He came back with two birdies in his second nine, however, to re-take the lead as the rest of the field was cut to the low 40 players and ties after 36-holes.
Saturday’s third and final round opened with one player – Spampinato – holding a two shot lead with a 36-hole total of 5-under-par 139. In second place – two shots back – was 2018 RDGA District Champion Chris Blyth of the RDGA eClub. Tied for third place at 2-under-par 142 were three players: Alex Zurat and Kyle Downey of Oak Hill and Andrew Fedele of Ridgemont. This leaderboard set the stage for what would be an exciting final round.
The final round saw Spampinato reprise his roller-coaster second round – in more dramatic fashion. Out of the gate, he carded a triple-bogey 7 on the first hole – but, just like Friday’s second round, Spampinato fought his way back to the top of the leaderboard. Over the next six holes, Spampinato carded four birdies – and by the end of the final round, he finished with his second consecutive 1-over 73.
Flanked by RDGA President David Uhazie, left, and RDGA Foundation Board President Chuck Ryan, right, 2024 RDGA District Champion Aiden Spampinato holds the John H. Ryan Jr. Memorial trophy.
While this was happening, two of Spampinato’s closest friends – defending RDGA District Champion Jason Lohwater and this year’s CCR Invitation winner, Philip Minnehan – were also clawing their way to the top. Both rivals jumped several places on Saturday – but Minnehan was the biggest mover, rising seven places on the strength of a 5-under-par 67 that included two eagles – on holes 3 and 16.
But both efforts fell just one shot short of their mark. Spampinato’s 4-under-par 212 for the 54-hole Championship was good enough to claim his second major championship in two weeks – as well as the biggest RDGA victory in his career: the RDGA District Championship John H. Ryan Jr. Memorial title.
The victory marked an interesting set of “doubles” – back to back New York State and RDGA Championships for Spampinato, as well as back to back first time RDGA Championships for past RDGA Junior Champions for Spampinato and Lohwater.
Contrasts, Accomplishments and Honors
This year’s RDGA Championship was a study in contrasts with the youngest to enter the starting field being 14-year-old Fletcher Weins – ranging up to 74-year-old Dave Benedict.
RDGA Past President and RDGA Hall of Famer Mike Sorce, left, presents the 2024 John Henry Ryan Award to another RDGA Hall of Famer, Jerry Stahl.
Leading the senior contingent for the first time in the District Championship was 64-year-old past RDGA Senior Match Play Champion Chris Sorci. Sorci posted rounds of 75-76-76 for an 11-over-par 227 total to finish in a tie for 17th place with Matt Carey of Brook-Lea and win the medal for low senior player (age 55 and above).
Also recognized – for the eighth year in a row – was the recipient of the RDGA John Henry Ryan Gentleman in Golf Award.
The award – which honors a local golfer, tournament official, or volunteer who best personifies the qualities espoused by the late Mr. Ryan, who dedicated his life to promoting and supporting local amateur golf – is annually voted on by his peers: the players in the starting field of each year’s District Championship.
This year’s John Henry Ryan Award honoree was Jerry Stahl of Oak Hill Country Club. Stahl – whose resume includes many superb credits and accomplishments – is also widely recognized as one of the game’s most honorable ambassadors.
In the end, it was a Cobblestone Creek golfer – Aiden Spampinato – who also earned the respect of his fellow competitors in winning the 2024 RDGA District Championship title by not backing down and keeping up his high level of play throughout the entire Championship.
CLICK HERE for the complete results from the 2024 RDGA District Championship John H. Ryan Jr. Memorial!
The Rochester District Golf Association wishes to thank the staff and members of Irondequoit Country Club for their hospitality during this year’s RDGA District Championship John H. Ryan Jr. Memorial, as well as General Manager Jared Hopkins, PGA Head Professional Ben Wilson and Superintendent Frank Puccia. CLICK HERE for additional information about this fantastic private golf facility.
The Rochester District Golf Association is led by Executive Director Tim Vangellow and is a proud Allied Golf Association of the USGA, serving Rochester area golfers since 1929.