Northeast Ohio Golfers Retain Rider Cup with Tie

The annual three-day showdown between the teams from Northeast Ohio and Southwest Pennsylvania, playfully called the Rider Cup (spelling intentional!), ended in a tie. So Northeast Ohio retains the Cup!

The match is a traditional rivalry among golfers of all levels who travel between the Greater Cleveland and Pittsburgh metropolitan areas to compete.

The event was organized in 1999 among participants who reside or maintain ties in both areas. It is held on the third weekend in September every year and alternates between the two states.

This year it was Pennsylvania’s turn to host the event.

Saturday started with a practice round followed by best-ball match play at Champion Lakes Golf Club. The event concluded with individual match play at Ligonier County Club.

The Northeast Ohio team rallied from a 19 to 11 point deficit after the first day, and settled for a 45 to 45 tie. That was good enough to retain the Rider Cup as the defending champion!

The members of this years Ohio Team, as pictured above: Dave Sotka, Mark Foss, Gary Santore, Joe Stump, Brian Pentek, Joe Blackburn, Ken Bieniek, Ron Gordish, Steve Blackburn Sr., Mike Yelenic (Asst. Captain), Carl Quercioli, John Sitchko, Tom Rittberger, Steve Blackburn Jr (Captain), Sean Kreft, Mike Angie, Bobby Delcoco, Eric Bartowick, Dan Marinelli. Not pictured Mark White.

FINAL RESULTS: 2013 Rider Cup
Saturday and Sunday, Sept 21-22, 2013

DAY ONE: Better Ball Match Play – Champion Lakes Golf Course

DAY TWO: Individual Match Play – Ligonier Country Club