Quigley Tops Biscaro in Michigan Publinx Match Play Championship

John Quigley Tops Joe Biscaro in Michigan Publinx Match Play Championship

ROCHESTER – John Quigley of St. Clair Shores isn’t as dedicated to golf as he used to be, but he can still make birdies and an occasional eagle, too.

The 33-year-old strategist for Blue Cross did just that in turning back Wayne State University golfer Joe Biscaro 6 and 4 in the final match of the Michigan Publinx Match Play Championship Monday at Twin Lakes Golf Club. It was the second state match play title for Quigley.

“The second one is kind of a surprise because I have not dedicated a lot of time for golf, not practicing or playing as much in the last few years,” he said. “I was fortunate to play very well today. I’m pleased. I did not expect this.”

A senior champion and super senior champion were also crowned in the tournament. Jeff DePew of Howell topped Matt Wiley of Westland 3 and 1 in the senior championship match, and the super senior title went to Jim Bedson of Farmington Hills who beat Michael Kenealy in the finals.

Quigley, who topped Brad Bastion of Shelby Township 2-up in the semifinals of the championship flight, made four birdies and an eagle in the final against Biscaro, who topped Jason May of Rochester Hills 4 and 3 in the semifinals.

“We also halved two holes with bogeys, so things went my way,” Quigley said. “I was putting the ball well and hitting good shots. Joe made a few mistakes and I was playing really well.”

Quigley said he felt fortunate to be in the finals after turning back Bastion and Steve McKalko in the quarterfinals.

“That’s two great players,” he said. “I got up and held on and had to win 18 against Steve, and honestly if Brad has his A or even B game I can’t get past him,” he said. “He didn’t have it, and I had mine for some reason.”

DePew, 54 and a machine tool salesman, has developed his best golf later in life. He didn’t take golf up until about 15 years ago and only started playing competitive golf nine years ago. Ironically, the first person he met on the tournament circuit was Wiley.

“He is a great player and it is such a good win for me,” he said after taking the senior title. “I just hit a lot of fairways and a lot of greens and played really well. It was great golf. We were both 4-under through 10 holes. It was a great match.”

DePew, who beat Ken Chicka of Shelby Township 7 and 5 in the semifinals, said the match turned in his favor on No. 11 when he saved par with an 18-foot putt, and also saved par at the par 3 No. 14 hole to go 2-up.

“It was pretty exciting to win,” he said and thanked his friend Woody Longeway for being his caddie in the final round. “I’ve never been so nervous in my life. It was a good nervous though, and I enjoyed it.”

FINAL RESULTS: Available at www.mipublinx.com

via Greg Johnson