Golf notebook: Paul Ajak III looking to defend Tri-State Section Amateur title

Pittsburgh native Paul Ajak III will be trying to defend his Tri-State Section PGA Amateur Championship title Thursday at Indiana Country Club.

He is among the field of 68.

Ajak III shot a 3-under par 67 to capture the 2021 title at Hannastown Golf Club.

Scott Bitar of Pittsburgh was second with a 1-over 71, while Murrysville’s Michael Wareham and Greensburg’s Kevin Fajt finished tied for third at 2-over 72

Fajt is in the field, as well as Sewickley’s J.F. Aber, Irwin’s Sal Cerilli, Peters Township’s Jimmy Ellis, Frazier’s Nixen Erdely, Canonsburg’s Rocco Salvitti, Latrobe’s Brady Pevarnik and the Turowski brothers — Alex and Nick — of Harrison City.

Stimmel/Young capture state Four-Ball title

Rick Stimmel and Brett Young used steady play to capture the 32^nd Pennsylvania Four-Ball Championship on May 16-17, at Hannastown Golf Club.

Stimmel (Diamond Run) and Young (Nemacolin Country Club) had consecutive rounds of 66. The duo had four birdies and no bogeys in both rounds to hold off a strong field.

“It’s great to win,” Stimmel said. “It’s one that I haven’t won before, and I couldn’t have picked a better partner.”

The duo began the final round tied with Hannastown members Kevin and Brian Fajt.

Stimmel and Young finished a stroke ahead of the Oakmont Country Club duo of Nathan Piatt and Aidan Oehrle, who posted a 7-under par 133.

In third place was the Hannastown’s Sean Knapp and Mark Goetz, at 6-under, and the Fajt’s tied for fourth with Jimmy Ellis and Darin Kowalski of South Hills Country Club, at 5-under par.

Calling Westmoreland County Juniors

The Westmoreland County Golf Association is urging all junior golfers in the county to sign up for this year’s tournament June 23, at Latrobe Country Club.

Registration is available at westcountygolf.com.

Some of the top collegiate golfers in the area have played in the event, which gives players a chance to face some of the top golfers in the WPIAL.

Some of the alumnus from the event include Palmer Jackson, Mark Goetz, Brady Pevarnik, Alex Turowski, Kirby Manown III and Will Wears.

The 2021 champion was Penn-Trafford’s Nick Turowski. Franklin Regional’s Michael Wareham won the 16-18 age division.