Projo Sports Blog

George Pirie took a giant step yesterday toward winning one of the few titles he has yet to capture in R.I. Golf Association competition.

The periodontist from East Greenwich, who already is a member of the RIGA Hall of Fame, shot a 3-under-par 68 to the take and took the first-day lead in the 25th Stroke Play Championship.

That was one stroke better than two of the players having their best years in state competition, Garrett Medeiros and Steve Royer. Medeiros, who was a semifinalist in this year's State Amateur,and Royer an Amateur quarterfinalist, both shot 69, at Potowomut.

Nine-time champion Paul Quigley was in at 70, along with Wannamoisett's Patrick Wasserman.

Jason Pannone, who won the Stroke Play each of the last two years, finished just inside the cut line at 77. He did that after being 5-over for his first five holes.

Pirie was strong all day, although the way he moved to the top was a bit of a surprise. He is noted for his precision and determination, not power. But it was his work on the par-5s that boosted him as he birdied the ninth and then eagled the 10th. Pirie did bogey the only other par-5, the 15th.

Medeiros also went birdie-eagle at nine and 10. Royer had five birdies and three bogeys on the way to his 69.

--PAUL KENYON

 Tags  Golf RIGA

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