Tournament Champions
The New Jersey Amateur Players Tour closed out the month of June with a competitive event on June 28th at RiverWinds Golf & Tennis Club in West Deptford, NJ. With hot and humid conditions and an average temperature hovering around 91°F, the stage was perfectly set for an intense day of tournament golf.
RiverWinds, a championship-style course designed by architect Ed Shearon, stretches over 7,000 yards from the tips and offers a true test of skill with its scenic layout along the Delaware River, strategic bunkering, and undulating greens. The course’s coastal links feel and challenging finishing holes provided a fitting backdrop for our players. A full field of 60 competitors came ready to take on both the summer heat and the demanding layout, making for a memorable and competitive day of golf.
In Division 1, At the turn, Dan Ayars held the lead in Division 1 after a strong front nine that included three birdies, posting a -2 (34). He was followed closely by Chris Meares at +1 (37) and Chuck Andress at +3 (39). But everything shifted on the back nine.
Meares caught fire, going even par with three birdies, while Andress also settled in with an even-par back nine of his own. Ayars, however, ran into trouble, carding a +6 (42) on the inward stretch. In a tightly contested finish, Dan Ayars would ultimately take third with a +4 (76). Chuck Andress claimed second at +3 (75), and it was Chris Meares who rose to the top, taking home the Division 1 title with an impressive +1 (73). What a battle among these three talented players!
In Division 2, Christopher Mains was crowned the Division 2 champion, delivering a steady round with +3 on the front and +2 on the back to finish at +5 (77).
Right on his heels were Brian Coakley and Adam Gamble, who both finished tied for second place at +6 (78)—just one stroke shy of forcing a three-way playoff. Coakley posted a +4 front nine and +2 on the back, while Gamble was consistent with +3 on both sides.
A tight finish, with Mains holding on for a well-earned victory under pressure!
In Division 3, Dan Sadler put together a solid round in Division 3, posting a +4 on the front nine and +5 on the back to finish at +9 (81)—enough to secure the win and top the leaderboard. Kelly Hopkins claimed second place with a strong +12 (84), while third place saw a competitive four-way tie between Stevie Stevenson, Nicholas Lazarchuck, Kermit Bowen, and Larry Barber, all finishing with +13 (85).
A great showing from the entire field in a tightly contested division!
In Division 4, James Beiler came out strong in Division 4, firing a +3 (39) on the front nine, while Illyas Sarwari was right behind with an impressive +4 (40) start. However, the back nine presented challenges for both players—Beiler stumbled with a +13 (49), and Sarwari navigated a tough stretch with a +8 (44).
Meanwhile, Zach Plude quietly surged into contention, posting +8 on both sides for a consistent +16 (88), which earned him a share of second place alongside Beiler.
In the end, it was Illyas Sarwari who held on to capture the Division 4 title with a winning score of +12 (84).
A gritty finish in a division full of momentum swings!
In Division 5, A field of seven players, it was a close contest at the turn with Paul Taylor holding a narrow one-stroke lead at +7 (43), just ahead of Keith Mather at +8 (44).
The battle continued down the stretch, but Taylor managed to hold his lead through the back nine, finishing with a +17 (89) to secure the win. Mather stayed close, ultimately taking second place with a solid +19 (91)—just two strokes back.
A tight and competitive finish between two determined players!
In Open Net: The Open Net competition delivered an exciting finish, highlighted by a head-to-head battle between Division 2 champion Christopher Mains and Division 3’s Stevie Stevenson. In the end, it was Mains who came out on top, capturing the Open Net title with an impressive Net score of -3 (69). Stevenson was right behind with a strong Net -2 (70) to claim second place. Third place was shared by Division 1 winner Chris Meares and Division 5 champion Illyas Sarwari, both posting solid Net scores of -1 (71).
A tightly contested field and a great showcase of skill across all divisions!
In Senior Net: Dan Sadler had a standout performance, not only capturing the Division 3 title but also claiming the Senior Net title with a strong Net score of -2 (70).
Brian Coakley followed closely, earning second place with a solid Net -1 (71). Paul Taylor and Kermit Bowen shared a tie for third, both finishing at Net Even (72). Rounding out the prize pool was David Neder, who secured fifth place with a Net +1 (73).
A competitive showing from the senior field with strong play across the board!
Folds of Honor 50/50 Winner – Freddie Ramos Jr. – $210
⛳ Next Stop: Heron Glen – The Hunterdon County Showdown
On July 12th, we head northwest to one of New Jersey’s top-rated public courses for the Hunterdon County Showdown at Heron Glen Golf Course.
Located in Ringoes, NJ, Heron Glen is a beautifully maintained championship layout designed by Dan Schlegel. Known for its rolling fairways, strategic bunkers, and lightning-fast greens, it consistently ranks among the top public courses in the state. This is a true test of skill and strategy—and a can’t-miss stop on our 2025 schedule.
⏰ Registration closes Friday, July 5th at 11:59 PM — secure your spot and come compete at one of Jersey’s finest!
⛳ NJ/PA Joint Event – The Showdown at White Manor Country Club
📍 White Manor Country Club – Malvern, PA
📅 Monday, July 21st | Shotgun Start
⏳ Registration closes Saturday, July 13th at 11:59 PM
Join us for an Elevated Event as the New Jersey and Pennsylvania Chapters team up for the Showdown at White Manor Country Club — a prestigious private club nestled in the heart of Chester County.
Consistently ranked among the Top 20 Private Courses in Pennsylvania, White Manor is known for its modern parkland-style layout, undulating greens, and meticulously maintained fairways. This is your chance to experience a high-level test of golf on a course that has hosted numerous regional championships and top amateur events.
This shotgun start promises strong competition, a great field, and the opportunity to play one of the finest private clubs in the region.
Spots are limited and will fill quickly—secure your place by July 13th at 11:59 PM and be part of this premier summer event!
⛳ Closing Out July: The Heritage Challenge at Scotland Run Golf Club
Join us on July 28th, 2025, as we wrap up the month with the Heritage Challenge at the award-winning Scotland Run Golf Club in Williamstown, NJ.
Built on a former sand quarry, Scotland Run is one of South Jersey’s most unique and visually striking layouts. The course blends dramatic elevation changes, natural sandy waste areas, and strategic water hazards to create a fun yet challenging experience for players of all skill levels. Just turned to a private course in March, Scotland Run was consistently ranked among the top public courses in the region, it’s a true test from tee to green—and an unforgettable place to compete.
⏰ Registration closes Sunday, July 20th at 11:59 PM — don’t miss your chance to take on this championship-caliber course and end the month in style!










