Niskayuna, situated in the Capital Region, takes pride in having Blaine McCallister as one of its own, making him the closest thing the region has to a former PGA Tour player. McCallister, originally from Houston, has been visiting the area annually since 1993 when the Capital Region Skins Game first started. Despite retiring from professional golf at the age of 64 after accumulating five PGA Tour victories and over $5 million in earnings, McCallister continues to be involved in golf events and charitable fundraisers in the area.
During the recent Charity Skins Game at Mohawk Golf Club, McCallister showcased his support for his hometown team, the struggling Astros, through the logos on his apparel. He also participated in the “Jonesy” benefit at Capital Hills and frequently attends the Double-H Ranch fundraiser at Sagamore. However, McCallister has officially announced his retirement from competition and expressed his satisfaction with playing only nine rounds in 2023, compared to 16 rounds the previous year.
When asked if he misses competitive golf, McCallister confidently replied with a resounding “No.” After dedicating over four decades to the sport, he has decided to pass the torch to his wife and enjoy a well-deserved break. Despite his decision, his fellow Skins Game participant, Chris DiMarco, praises McCallister’s skills and explains that he simply no longer has the desire to continue. Having played with various members throughout the years, McCallister has established himself as a respected figure within the golf community.
However, the focus of the Charity Skins Game was not solely on golf. All participants, including McCallister, understood that the main objective was to raise funds for a worthy cause. In this instance, the Boys’ and Girls’ Club was the designated beneficiary of the event.
In other news, Kennedy Swedick of Albany narrowly missed out on earning a third consecutive trip to the U.S. Junior through a qualifier at Teugega in Rome. There is a possibility for Swedick to receive a sponsor’s exemption to participate in the Twin Bridges Championship, an Epson Tour event held at Pinehaven. Additionally, changes have been made to the New York State Golf Association’s boys’ and girls’ junior championships, including an increase in the 18U divisions to 54 holes. The championships will take place at Lake Placid Club’s Links and Mountain courses, and the entry deadline is July 7. The 100th State Men’s Amateur championship will be held at Wykagyl, with the local qualifier set for July 10 at Colonie G&CC.
In local golf news, Tom McGinn of Mohawk has extended his lead on the Capital District Golf Association points list following his third-place finish at the Schenectady Classic. Matt McPhillips has been appointed as the second women’s golf coach in Union College history, taking over for the retiring Mary Ellen Burt. A.J. Cavotta of Saratoga Springs was the top local finisher in the Massachusetts Open, and Folds of Honor benefits are scheduled at both Pinehaven and Edison.
Moving on to club news, Battenkill hosted a benefit tournament in memory of Jay Potter, raising $1,800 for a scholarship fund. Mark Fretto has been appointed as Edison’s new director of golf, and Sunny Hill has recently opened their driving range. Van Patten’s newly constructed seventh green is also now available for play, while Windy Hills welcomes Bob Flynt, a PGA life member from North Carolina, as their new head pro.
In conclusion, Blaine McCallister has become an integral part of the Capital Region’s golf community despite his retirement from professional competition. He continues to contribute to charitable events and remains a revered figure among his peers. The focus of the recent Charity Skins Game was to raise funds for the Boys’ and Girls’ Club. Additionally, there have been significant developments in junior and amateur golf championships, as well as updates from various local clubs.
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