Orlandi rolls to Laurel Highlands Invitational golf championship; Summit takes team title
STOYSTOWN -- Oakbrook Golf Club's Tony Orlandi claimed the Laurel Highlands Invitational golf tournament title at his home course on Sunday.
Orlandi, who is the tournament founder and winner of the inaugural event, closed the three-day event with a 6-over 76 to top Summit Country Club's Artie Fink and Somerset Country Club's Skeets Ellis. Orlandi finished with a 6-over, 220 total while Fink was 11-over and Ellis was 12-over.
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"This is a blessing that a trophy doesn't put into words," said Orlandi. "From the time I was 10 years old, I would sneak on No. 11 green (at Oakbrook) while Jay Hillegas watched me. My dad found thousands upon thousands of golf balls for me to hit and practice with or sell to support me. The time and effort it takes to practice day in and day out, all the work and struggles ... this win was for my dad, who was the best dad, my golf coach Denny Lehman and friend Jeff Maurer. I did it for all of them. For my son to be there with that amazing field, it's the best win of my career."
Fink shot a 34 on the front 9 to gain four strokes on Orlandi. Ellis holed a 48-yard pitch for eagle on No. 10 to move within five. Monte Walker, who finished tied for fourth, got it within five as well. However, the chasers faltered down the stretch while Orlandi make six straight pars to become a 2-time tournament champion.
Orlandi shared or led after every round of the tournament. He, along with Ellis and Windber Country Club's Brady Moran, who finished tied for fourth, all shot 1-over par rounds to open the tournament on Friday at Northwinds Peninsula Golf Club.
On Day 2 at Summit Country Club, Orlandi was the only golfer in the field to record a round under par, shooting a 1-under 71 to take a 9-shot lead over Fink, Ellis and Walker heading into the final round.
Despite a 6-over finish, Orlandi had a large enough lead where he did not have to worry about the chasers.
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"I remember last year being down seven and cutting that lead to one shot against Chris Cascino, one of the best players to ever compete around here, and the way he held on to the lead. I lost, but it was an unforgettable round and I remembered that (Sunday). I learned from it and it helped me hold off the great players like Artie (Fink), Skeets (Ellis) and Monte (Walker)."
The team title and Jeff Maurer Memorial trophy went to tournament newcomer Summit Country Club. This is the first year they competed in what is now a 5-team tournament. They finished 33 over par.
Windber Country Club took second at 37 over while Oakbrook Golf Club claimed third at 39 over. Somerset Country Club (63 over) and Northwinds Peninsula Golf Club (64 over) rounded out the top five.
"As a group of competitors, we came together and worked together to make something great," Orlandi said of the tournament. "It's an example of how working together, collectively is always best. We have our differences, but in the end, we all made new friends over these three years. We all had fun."
The goal has always been to provide a competitive tournament in Somerset County and grow the game of golf. Players of all ages competed in the third annual tournament. The annual event was loaded with talent from across the area. Orlandi hopes to continue to build on the early successes of the tournament and make it an even greater event.
"That was one of, if not the most talented and decorated fields to ever play together," Orlandi said.
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This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Orlandi becomes 2-time Laurel Highlands Invitational golf champ
