Third Time A Charm For Steck And Wilson

Craig Steckowych watches his chip head toward the pin.

QUECHEE – The die was cast Friday in Tommy Keane Invitational qualifying when Craig Steckowych and Brett Wilson shot a tournament record 61 to earn the top seed in the annual event at The Quechee Club.

It wasn’t easy the next two days, but after advancing to the final with three consecutive 2&1 match victories the veteran team from the New Hampshire seacoast  captured the 47th TKI with a 3&2 win over the team of Lebanon High School products Vince Kimball and Zach Pollard

Wilson watches his tee ball.

For Steckowych it was his first title with Wilson, and fourth overall. He teamed with Brian Doyle to win at Hanover Country Club in 1997, ’98 and ’99.

“I had a hiatus from the golf tournament for about 15-to-18 years or so, and after Brett and I talked coming back we made the final the last two years,” said Steckowych. “I guess three was the charm."

While Steckowych is no stranger to the championship, winning for the first time was special for his partner.

“This means a lot to me,” Wilson said. “If you look at the board of previous winners, all the people that I grew up wanting to emulate when I became an adult are on it. And a lot of them aren't with us anymore.

“Steck is a very good friend and to play with him, and to win it with him, means a lot.”

Steckowych and Wilson advanced to the afternoon final with a win over Pat Pelletier and Adam Pippin in their morning match while Pollard and Kimball defeated Dean Cashman and Chris Hynes, 2&1, to make to a championship final played under battleship gray skies.

In last year’s final Steckowych and Wilson fell behind early only to lose to a birdie by Scott Peters and Andy Hydorn on the 18th hole.

The teams share congratulations on a well-played tournament.

This time they won the first two holes when Pollard and Kimball made bogey, and then stretched the difference to four after seven holes.

“It definitely would have been an entirely different match if we could have just gone through the first two holes a little smoother, but that's the way it goes,” said Pollard. “What can you say about those guys? I mean, we knew what we were up against for for sure. Their track record is pretty  impressive.

“We knew we had to bring our 'A' game and didn't quite have it today.”

Kimball and Pollard, who claimed the 2013 Keane with then partner Tyler Silver, kept battling back and got to two down with a birdie on 10. But having to concede 14 after two errant shots dropped them three down, and fighting to stay in the match.

“It’s tough to go down two in two holes, but those are two of the best players in New Hampshire,” said Kimball. “We tried to come back but they are such good players.

“We didn’t win but it was great being in the championship for the first time. I love the adrenaline around it.

Kimball tries to will his ball into the cup.

Pollard chips as Steckowych looks on.

The champions share a hug while Pollard and Kimball share a handshake.

(Final brackets to come.)