Tournament Champions
The Challenge at the Lake: NJ APT Final Elevated Event Battles Echo Lake’s Legendary Course on a Classic Donald Ross Masterpiece
The New Jersey Amateur Players Tour returned to Central New Jersey on Monday, August 4th, 2025, for our final elevated event of the season at the stunning and demanding Echo Lake Country Club. With a field of 57 players, competition was fierce as the tour made its highly anticipated stop at this classic Donald Ross design. Under partly sunny skies and warm summer temperatures in the low 80s, players teed off in a 10:00 AM shotgun start, ready to take on the rolling fairways, strategic bunkering, and lightning-fast greens that Echo Lake is known for.
Our day began with an unfortunate medical emergency, but I’m happy to share that Mr. Terrence Higgins is now home and doing well. He extends his gratitude for all the kind thoughts and well wishes, and he’s already looking forward to getting back out there with us at Rutgers University.
In Division 1, With a field of 4 top-tier players in our Premier Division, the competition was intense and came down to the wire. Preston Kyriakoulis posted a steady round of 76 (+5). On the back nine, he found himself locked in a tight battle with Trevor DuBoff and Michael Briganti, as all three players were tied at +5 for several holes. In the end, it was Preston who held his nerve and pulled ahead to secure the victory, Trevor carding a +7 (78) and Michael finishing with a +8 (79).
In Division 2, In a competitive field of 15 players, just five strokes separated our top three prize pool finishers. Finishing in third place with a score of +8 (79) was Ian Farley. Curtis Kyzima claimed solo second with a solid +6 (77). Earning his first Amateur Players Tour victory, Roy Choi rose to the top with an impressive +3 (74).
In Division 3, In a field of 17 players, just three strokes separated our top three prize pool finishers. Brian Amabile secured third place with a +10 (81), Trevor Pieh claimed second at +8 (79), and Kelly Hopkins captured the Division 3 championship with an impressive +7 (78).
In Division 4, A smaller field of nine players did nothing to diminish the drama at Echo Lake CC in Division 4. With just a few holes to play, the leaderboard was in constant motion. In the end, it was Illyas Sarwari who held on to claim the title—much to his own surprise—posting a final round of +17 (88), while Sal Leto and Carmine Ciccarelli shared second place with matching scores of +18 (89).
In Division 5, Saw another tightly contested battle between Paul Taylor, Frank Ramano, Peter Kratzel, and Kamil Lyczko, with just three strokes separating the leader from third place on the leaderboard. Kamil and Peter shared third after signing for rounds of +23 (94), while Frank carded a solid +21 (92) to take solo second. Paul Taylor managed to hold his lead down the stretch, tapping in for a final score of +20 (91) to secure the victory.
In Open Net: The Open Net competition came down to the wire, with Brian Amabile claiming the title after posting a final net score of -1 (70). Second place finished in a three-way tie, as David Holmes, Nick Lazarchuck, and Ian Farley all carded even-par net rounds.
In Senior Net: With 21 golfers vying for the Senior Net title, Division 3 champion Kelly Hopkins added to his trophy haul, capturing the Senior Net Championship with a net score of -1 (70). Rich Stack held onto solo second at +1 (72), while Paul Taylor and Peter Kratzel shared third place with matching net scores of +2 (73).
Folds of Honor 50/50 Winner – Kevin Martyn- $130
We’re not done just yet! After a short break in August, our next stop is Rutgers University Golf Course on August 24th. Located in Piscataway, NJ, this scenic par-71 layout is the home course of the Rutgers University Women’s golf team and offers a classic parkland design with tree-lined fairways, strategic bunkering, and smooth, challenging greens.
Registration closes on August 17th at 11:59pm—
don’t miss your chance to tee it up at this outstanding venue.
The grand finale of our 2025 season is here—the Local Player of the Year Final on September 7th at Eagle Ridge Golf Club! This is your last chance to make a move in the race for the 2025 New Jersey/Philadelphia Division titles or the Open/Senior Net Player of the Year honors.
Eagle Ridge, located in Lakewood, NJ, is a true gem—featuring a scenic, championship-style layout with rolling fairways, dramatic elevation changes, and pristine greens that demand precision. Whether you’re in contention for the crown or simply want to cap off your season in style, join us for one final showdown, celebrate a great year, and cheer on your fellow competitors. Registration closes on August 31st at 11:59pm—don’t miss it!










