Catto defends Stockbridge Classic Crown

June 29—Despite her best efforts, Mother Nature couldn’t prevent Alistair Catto from defending his Stockbridge Classic Crown.

Five weeks after the event had been postponed due to inclement weather, and one day after the Women’s Allied 4-Ball was affected by much of the same, Catto fired a 1-under 70 at Stockbridge Golf Club to trump a field of 31.

Eight short years ago, Catto, a member at The Orchards in South Hadley, upset Jim Salinetti, Stockbridge’s prodigal son, in his bid to repeat as Mass. Amateur champion in 1998, a feat he would later accomplish in 1999-2000. Now one year removed from his winning score of even par 71 in last year’s Stockbridge Singles, Catto becomes the first repeat winner in tournament history, according to officials.

Milton Torres, a recent qualifier for his fourth Mass. Amateur, shot an even par 71 to finish alone in second and pace the Berkshire County contingent. He earned 70 Men’s POY points to boost his leading total to 120, 10 ahead of Mike Slosek, who shot 77 and missed earning points by one shot.

“All that practice is paying off,” said Torres, who hit 12 greens in regulation and birdied his first hole of the day, no. 3, a straightaway par-four.

Tom McConnell (Springfield C.C.) and Chris Ferriter (Hickory Ridge) shot 72 and 73, respectively, to finish 3^rd and 4^th, followed by 2005 Men’s Allied Co-Champion Robert Linn, who finished 5^th after shooting 75 and earned 40 Men’s POY points.

Sandy Kinney, who lost to Catto in a playoff at this event in 2004, shot 76 to tie for 6^th with former St. Joe standout Brandon Sullivan and Richard Barber. Kinney and Sullivan each earn 30 points. Barber is not a Berkshire County resident.

The Men’s POY schedule continues at the Mass. Amateur, which begins July 10 at Worcester Country Club. The field includes Berkshire County residents Andy Congdon, Chris Marinaro, Mike Slosek, Milton Torres and Donnie Troy.