Trudell Claims Rock Ridge Men’s Club Championship

Following a battle of youth vs experience, George Trudell claimed his fourth Rock Ridge Men’s Club Championship, Saturday, August 15. The three-time champion and 1980 Newtown High School golf team captain, and the junior club champion and current NHS golf team captain Kevin O’Connell attracted a large crowd as they played the 36-hole match play championship in two 18-hole rounds. The two golfers are also neighbors, and have held a friendly rivalry in recent years. Saturday’s match up was officially for all the bragging rights.

After both players opened trading birdies, O’Connell turned up the heat with some aggressive play, but Trudell made a few brilliant up and downs, capitalized on O’Connell’s errors, and held a four-hole lead after the first nine holes. O’Connell rallied on the back nine to close Trudell’s lead to one hole, but was overcome by Trudell’s momentum, finishing the first 18 holes three back. The first 18 holes ended with O’Connell shooting a two over par score of 72, and Trudell with an even par score of 70.

In the final 18 holes, Trudell was in the driver seat with seven-hole lead going into the final nine holes, a lead that ultimately proved too much for O’Connell.

Trudell now stands third all time, with four Rock Ridge Country Club championships.