By Brady Garthee

USGA Boatwright Intern

 

MIDDLETOWN -- Defending Senior Four-Ball Champions are one step closer from retaining their title

On a beautiful day at Wanumetonomy Golf & Country Club, the defending RIGA Senior Four-Ball Champions Mike Petrarca and Rob Grossguth posted a 4-under (66) during round one of the two-day championship. The duo out of West Warwick Country Club look to get back into the winner’s circle Wednesday, but it’s not going to be easy.  

 

The tandem of Chris Roloff and George Potsidis of Wannamoisett Country Club posted a 6-under (64) during the first round, putting the defending champs on the back foot. Having such a well executed first round, it is imminent that the two will have to repeat what they did today and have their best ready to go for the final round.  
 

The strategy for the defending champions is simple. Grossguth said that in order to repeat, the teams needs to be “aggressive, make birdies, and win.” With the golf course at Wanumetonomy having tall fescue and difficult roughs, it’s important for the two to hit as many fairways and greens as possible to set themselves up for success, and to possibly end up as back-to-back champions.

 

Roloff started the round birdie, birdie and then holed out from 207 yards with a hybrid on No. 3 to card an eagle.