Around Berkshire County: News & Notes: July 7^th:

The top three players in the Berkshire County Men’s Player of the Year standings will test their mettle against the best amateur golfers in the state this week.

Donnie Troy, Mike Slosek and Milton Torres are among the field of 144 in the 99^th Massachusetts Amateur, which begins Monday at Concord Country Club. Thirty-six hole stroke-play qualifying continues thru Tuesday. The top 32 players will advance to match play, with the 36-hole championship match scheduled for Friday.

Last year, Pittsfield’s Donnie Troy advanced to the quarterfinals before bowing to eventual champion Ben Spitz in 20 holes.

“I feel good,” said Troy, a senior-to-be at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Fla. “I definitely still expect to get to match play, but I’m not going to take it for granted.”

Slosek, the current Men’s Player of the Year point leader, shot 70-75 last year and failed to advance to match play.

Torres, meanwhile, hopes this year—his 4^th consecutive appearance in the Mass. Amateur—ends up better than last year, when back spasms forced him to withdraw after eight holes.

In a match against Troy earlier this week, Torres shot a 3-under 68, his lowest career round at the Country Club of Pittsfield.

“I’m peaking,” Torres said of his game. “It’s about time.”

Troy enters his 2^nd Mass. Amateur one week removed from a showing in the North & South Amateur Championship, one of the foremost amateur tournaments in the world. He shot rounds of 75-75 on Pinehurst No. 4 and No. 2, which hosted the 2005 U.S. Open and will also welcome the 2008 U.S. Amateur.

“It was awesome,” said Troy. “No. 2 is real fun.”

Skyline’s Chris Marinaro, who teamed with Troy to win the 2005 Pewter Cup with a record 21-under total, partnered with University of Louisville standout Adam Rainaud to win the 25^th annual Pewter Cup at Berkshire Hills on June 24^th.

Rounds of 66-68-70 and 12-under par total were good enough for a two-stroke victory.

“I’m starting to play real well,” said Marinaro, a senior-to-be at Saint Leo University in Saint Leo, Fla. “My game hasn’t peaked yet, but it’s maturing.”

Worthington’s Zack Lavin cruised to a nine-shot victory in the season-opening Berkshire County Junior Golf Series at Waubeeka on July 2^nd. Lavin shot a 76 to win the 16+ division. Worthington’s Cameron Duchin shot 78 to win the 14-15 division. Skyline’s Tom Gilardi shot 84 to win the 13-under division. The series continues July 9^th at Egremont. Interested juniors can sign-up at their club’s pro shop.

Forest Park’s Leo Romanos shot 74 to win the Waubeeka Singles on July 1^st. Waubeeka members claimed the next five places, led by Chris Baran’s 75. Romanos earned 40 points and is 4^th in the standings.

Stockbridge Golf Club hosted the Trusted Choice Big "I" Trusted Choice Junior Classic qualifier on June 25^th. Stockbridge’s Jack Pollack shot 78 and lost medalist honors to Thomas Sennett, of Bennington, Vt., in a 4-hole playoff. Both qualified for the state tournament, which will be held at Crumpin-Fox Club on July 9-10. Other local qualifiers include Wyantenuck's Mike Schopp (81) and Stockbridge's Peter White (82).

Stockbridge’s Bob and Randy Driscoll shot a 5-under 67 to defend their Allied Father/Son title at Berkshire Hills on June 17^th. Wahconah’s Kevin and Brandon Sullivan shot 68 and finished 2^nd.