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After an acclaimed high school career at Prospect High School, Nick Tenuta (Mount Prospect / Mount Prospect Golf Club) had yet to achieve the same level of college achievement in a year at Regis University (2017-18) and at the University of Louisville (2018-present).
Everything changed during the 118-hole, four-day course at Bull Valley Golf Club in Woodstock Monday through Thursday, June 21-24.
The rising senior of the Cardinals men’s golf team emerged victorious from the 101st CDGA Amateur Championship, claiming their victory in the association’s longest-running event with a 5-4 loss to Brett Tomfohrde (Chicago / Butterfield CC) in the 36-hole final on Thursday.
“Sitting on the sidelines was tough, but it’s gratifying to get this win to prove that I can play and perform under pressure,†Tenuta said after winning the Joseph G. Davis Trophy.
“Just seeing all the names on the trophy, and now to add mine – I haven’t really won much in any event here, and winning this one is pretty important. It is a great honor to win this and add my name to it.
Tenuta never lagged throughout the title tilt, which was preceded by 36 holes of stroke play qualifying on Monday and three rounds of games Tuesday-Wednesday. With the game tied on five holes, Tenuta took control by winning five of the next seven holes. The decisive stretch was fueled by a 30-foot putt on No.7 and short birdies on No.8 and No.9.
“It was just about putting together good shot after good shot after good shot,” Tenuta said of his push. “Fairways, greens – kept the momentum going. “
An adjustment on the lineup by Tomfohrde – putting the ball further forward in its position – during the break between 18 and a weather delay of one hour and 18 minutes at the start of the second round kept the 30-year-old staying at at hand. . The event medalist had six birdies over the last 13 holes of the game to put pressure on Tenuta.
“I tried to be re-energized and tried to find something on the lineup that I could build on, and found something that I built myself on,†said Tomfohrde. “I think I played a little game and we had a good second 18.”
Despite Tomfohrde’s resurgence, Tenuta continued to control the game. Tenuta matched Tomfohrde’s red numbers on No.21, No.27 and No.28 before concluding with a par No.32, Bull Valley’s 14th.
“[Brett] was playing well, â€Tenuta said. “He wasn’t going to make a mistake so I knew I had to do the same and continue with the level of play I was playing in the morning.”
Tenuta’s opponent agreed.
“[Nick] he’s a tough opponent to face when he birdies and he’s right, â€said Tomfohrde.
Tenuta is hoping the brand win will propel him to further success this summer and his senior season wearing the Red and Black Cardinal.
“Hopefully I can continue through the rest of the summer and into the college season,” Tenuta said. “Overall, this only validates my opinions and feelings about my game.”
The next opportunity for Tenuta to participate in an event hosted by the CDGA will be the 90th Illinois State Amateur Championship, scheduled for July 20-22 at the Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville.
No.3 Tenuta won 1 against No.14 Brad Kay (Arlington Heights) in the first round, 5 and 4 against No.6 Will Troy in the quarterfinal and 1 against No.2 Cameron Karney in the match play the semi-finals.
To qualify for match play, Tenuta finished tied for second in stroke play over two rounds on Monday. He shot 73-75 – 148 to finish 4 above par in stroke play, tying Karney.
Jackson Bussell (Stevenson alum) tied for 11th in stroke play, shooting 75-77 – 152. Bussell was the No. 11 seed and lost to No. 6 Will Troy in 22 holes in match play.
Kay shot 75-78 – 153 to be one of the last to qualify for match play.
Among the area golfers who missed the cup for match play were Bennett Cotten (Loyola Academy / New Trier), Steven Ratay (Arlington Heights / Conway Farms GC), Blake Johnson (Glen View Club), Miles Patterson (Loyola Academy ), Michael Fastert (Des Plaines / Maine West), Jack Crawshaw (Loyola Academy), John Kryscio (Loyola Academy), Eric Crost (Buffalo Grove), Patrick Radler (Loyola Academy) and Nolan Doherty (Arlington Heights / St. Viator) .
The CDGA Amateur Championship began in 1914. The event was last held in 2019 at the Glen View Club after the 2020 Championship event was canceled due to COVID-19.
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