Sean Brannan & Anthony DeGol
By Ken Love
For the Mirror
HOLLIDAYSBURG — Former Hollidaysburg High School teammates Sean Brannan and Anthony DeGol made it three-in-a-row as the duo captured the overall title in this year’s Scotch Valley Invitational Golf Tournament this weekend.
While the final match against Artie Fink Jr. and Todd Homan on Sunday afternoon was close early on, Brannan and DeGol pulled ahead late on the front-nine and kept their momentum going with birdies on the 10th, 13th and 14th holes, eventually closing out the match on the par-5 14th hole, 6&4.
“We know Todd and Artie so well. They’re both really great players,” DeGol said. “They’re both so competitive, and we know they’re always going to be tough to beat.”
In addition to the exciting play, the tournament enjoyed beautiful weather throughout the weekend, and there was plenty of praise for the Scotch Valley course conditions.
“This place is in absolutely beautiful condition. It couldn’t be any better,” Brannan said. “(Course superintendent) Mr. Wilk has done a fantastic job. He deserves a lot of credit.”
While both golfers played extremely well throughout the final match, Brannan got exceptionally hot with his putter and holed at least four putts of 25 to 30 feet during the middle of the round.
“What really helped me is playing with someone as good as Anthony.” Brannan said. “He has an awesome amount of talent, and it really allows me to free up my game.”
Both golfers felt fortunate to come out on top against such a strong field of local golfers.
“We had a great weekend. Sean and I are alike in so many ways. We’re very competitive, and both of us hate to lose.” DeGol said. “Back in high school we dreamed about partnering up in these types of tournaments, so this is just great.”
Results: Championship Flight:1. Anthony DeGol & Sean Brannan. 2. Artie Fink Jr & Todd Homan. 3. Terry Burd & Keith Saleme. First Flight: 1. Scott Kline & Justin DeGennaro. 2. Travis Oestman & John Brown. 3. Eric Glunt & David Snyder. Second Flight: 1. Jody Dawson & Rafe Hite. 2. Doug Hershey & Justin Kobuck. 3. Nic Urchick & Jon Urchick. Third Flight: 1. Matt Sandberg & Collin Fantaskey. 2. Nick Panaro & Michael Eardley. 3. Brooks Williams & Dave Rogalski. Fourth Flight: 1. Chad Dongell & Leonard Fiore III. 2. TJ Hileman & John Sisto. 3. Neil Hollander & Brandon Traficante. Fifth Flight: T1. Bob Strawser & Matt Phillips. T1. Jim Weber & Jim Wright. 3. Brad Houseknecht & Josh Villalva.