IAGA Quick Hits | 7.18.25
Delisanti Wins 102nd NYS Men’s Amateur in Four-Hole Playoff
From New York State Golf Association
What looked like a leisurely cruise to victory turned into a marathon struggle for Anthony Delisanti, but he finally prevailed in the gloaming darkness Thursday night to claim the 102nd New York State Amateur championship at Yahnundasis Golf Club. Delisanti, the 22-year-old Sanborn native who just finished a stellar career at Valparaiso University, seized control of the tournament by shooting a course-record 64 in the second round. He entered the final 18 holes up by four shots, and his lead still was four with 12 holes to play.
But New York City’s John Hiller, who plays out of Westchester Country Club and who just finished his freshman year at Duke University, chased Delisanti down by firing a 6-under-par 65 in the final round. Both players finished 72 holes tied at 9-under-par 275.
An epic four-hole playoff ensued. After both made three straight pars, they moved to the 148-yard seventh hole at 8:47 p.m., with the last rays of twilight almost gone. In what seemed like a scene out of the movie “The Legend of Bagger Vance,” three vans were brought to the green to illuminate it with their headlights. Delisanti put his tee shot to 15 feet and he made par. Hiller missed the green a tad long and then missed a 10-foot putt for par.
“I’ve been playing in NYSGA events since I was 10, 11 years old when I was a sub-junior,” Delisanti said. “This is the biggest event they host, and I’ve always wanted to etch my name on that trophy. It was pretty cool to be able to finally do that.”
From PNGA Champion to OGA President – the journey of Donna Smoot
From Pacific Northwest Golf Association
As with many people in the region’s golf community, the game has been a throughline for Donna Smoot of Portland, Ore., and has carried her throughout most of her life. She was a junior golf phenom, a PNGA champion, a high school golf coach, and after eight years serving on the Oregon Golf Association’s Executive Committee she is now that association’s president, a role which also places her on the PNGA Board of Directors, furthering the collaboration between the PNGA and its member associations.
“This has really been a ‘full circle’ experience for me,” Smoot says. “I look at the other members of the board, and I’ve known many of them my whole life. I played junior golf with them when we were kids. Golf is something that stays with you, and after a while you see other people on a similar journey. It’s such a great way to stay connected.”
She learned how to play the game at Portland Golf Club, where her parents were members. “I played in all the OGA and PNGA championships while I was growing up,” she says. “I was really into it, and really enjoyed it.”
Join the 2025 LPGA Amateurs Virtual Scramble
From the LPGA Amateurs Golf Association
The LPGA Amateurs Virtual Scramble is an opportunity for you to compete with fellow LPGA Amateurs members from the US, Canada, Bermuda, and the Dominican Republic virtually!
Grab three friends and hit the course for a 4-person scramble on any Par 72—or keep it casual at a golf entertainment venue like TopGolf or a simulator.
Play anytime between July 18 and August 3.
Proceeds support the Women on Par Scholarship and Grant, helping women pursue education or benefit from the game of golf.
Play your way, support a cause, and have a great time doing it.
Kentucky Golf Foundation Announces 2025 Kentucky Golf Hall of Fame Class
From Golf House Kentucky
The Kentucky Golf Hall of Fame was established in 1984 as a joint effort by the Kentucky Golf Association and the Kentucky PGA to honor individuals in Kentucky who have attained significant achievements and accomplishments in various areas of golf. Membership includes individuals with remarkable records as players, golf professionals, golf course superintendents, educators, and golf administrators. These inductees have not only excelled in their respective roles but have also demonstrated a lasting commitment to growing the game, shaping its future, and inspiring generations of golfers throughout the Commonwealth.
Each year, the Hall of Fame celebrates those whose impact on the sport transcends competition—those who have elevated Kentucky golf through leadership, service, and passion. Details regarding the 2025 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be shared in the coming weeks.
The Kentucky Golf Foundation is honored to announce the inductees of the 2025 Kentucky Golf Hall of Fame class: Keith Ohr, PGA, Andy Roberts, Emma Talley, and Josh Teater.