Toscano captures Tri-State title

The Tri-State Section PGA is ranked as one of the top sectionals in the United States.

It is loaded with talented, young golf professionals.

But it was a wily veteran who walked away with the 2003 Tri-State Open title Tuesday afternoon at New Castle Country Club.

Harry Toscano, 61, of New Castle shot a 5-under-par 67 during the final round yesterday and finished the two-day tournament with a 4-under 140 to coast to a 3-shot victory over Allegheny Country Club pro John Aber and Nemacolin Woodlands' Mystic Rock assistant pro Kevin Shields.

It was his second Tri-State Open title. He won the 1990 title at Sewickley Heights Country Club.

Toscano, who shot a 1-over 73 during the first round, began the final round three shots behind co-leaders Shields, Oakmont pro Bob Ford and Sharon pro Dennis Dolci.

"I felt I was in a good position," said Toscano, one of only three golfers to break par during the final round. "I was just playing and made a few birdies early. I had a good front nine."

Toscano, who shot a 3-under 33 on the front nine, had no idea what the other golfers were doing until he reach the 15th tee.

"That's when I saw that I was leading," said Toscano, who finished with six birdies and a bogey.

Toscano, who played on the Senior PGA Tour, had a one shot lead on the field and the veteran quickly extended it with consecutive birdies on Nos. 15 and 16.

"It was one of those rounds," Toscano said. "I kept putting the ball in good positions and I made the putts. It all worked out for me. I had no three putts."

Toscano also said that he needed the leaders to have tough rounds, and they did.

"This is such a tough section," Toscano said. "You don't expect them to have too many bad rounds."

Meanwhile, Ford and Shields were locked in their own battle on the front nine. Both were 2 under after nine holes.

Ford stumbled quickly on the back nine. He pulled his drive left on No. 10, and ended up three-putting for a double-bogey. He then had a bogey on the next hole.

"I just couldn't get it going on the back nine," said Ford, who looked over at Toscano, shock his head and smiled. "A 67 is exceptional under these conditions. That's great for Harry."

Shields didn't know Toscano was tearing up the course until the 12th hole when he spotted his name on the leader board.

"I thought this tournament was mine to win," Shields said. "When I saw that I was a shot behind through 12, I figured I still had a shot. I just couldn't make enough birdies coming in. I didn't have anything left in the tank."

Shields ended up tied with Aber for second place with a 143. Aber (71) and John Aubrey (70) were the only other golfers to break par yesterday.

Aubrey, Joe Boros, Brad Westfall and Scott Davis tied for fourth place with a 145, while Ford, Dolci and Bob Meyer were tied for 8th place at 146.

Arnie Cutrell of Greensburg finished as the low amateur with a 148, while Toscano also placed first in the Senior event.

Toscano, who smokes cigars when he plays golf, earned $4,750 with the double victory.

"I smoked two during my round (yesterday)," Toscano said. "I guess I'll have a special tonight with a sip of scotch."