Local golfers have joined a field from 17 states and Canada competing in the 2005 TD Banknorth Portland Open, one the New England’s premier golf tournaments open to professionals and amateurs. The Portland Open will have its final round Saturday at the Riverside Golf Course.
Among the local golfers participating are Cape Elizabeth professional Mike Worrell and amateurs Matt Bernstein and Ron Kelton; pros Ron Bibeau and Edward Vallee of Old Orchard Beach; Tim Angis and Terry Hatch, both pros, from Saco; and amateur Cash Wiseman of Scarborough.
The TD Banknorth Portland Open has a history of attracting New England’s best development tour professionals and many ranked amateurs. Now in its tenth year, the tournament is an annual tradition that brings quality players back each year. With over 125 golfers already registered, organizers were expecting a full field of 120 professionals and 30 amateurs.
Maine has a strong showing this year with 25 professionals and 19 amateurs including Jerry DiPhilippo of Gorham (2004 runner-up) and Corey Poulin of Skowhegan (2004 low-amateur). In addition, sports notables expected to play in the Pro-Am are former Boston Bruin and NHL Hall of Famer Ray Bourque and former Red Sox player Rico Petrocelli.
“We were pleased with registration numbers,” said Bill May, host professional at Riverside Golf Course. “The quality of the event consistently draws high caliber golfers from across the country and creates an exciting atmosphere for both the golfers and fans.”
The tournament will benefit the Barron Center, where Portland’s frail elderly and chronically ill receive quality, long-term care. For the first year, a portion of the proceeds will also be donated to junior golf at Riverside Golf Course.
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