Story by Matt Byrne/NAPGT :: Photo Courtesy of David Colt/MGA
When Geoff Sisk turned in a course record tying 64 in the second round of the 2007 Massachussetts Open Championship, it would be just one of two records he would tie.
When the competition ended at Kernwood Country Club in Salem, Mass., Sisk stood atop a leader board of some of the toughest competitors he would face all season.
Sisk clinched his sixth Mass. Open victory tying a record that hadn’t been touched in 97 years, formally set by Alex Ross from 1906 - 1912.
Winning each of the six at different venues, Sisk attributed his success to hard work and preparation.
Sisk returned from the tormenting conditions at the US Open in Oakmont in need of a slight tune up.
Describing the USGA’s setup as “one of the most challenging tests of golf” he’s experienced in his life, he said he had a “hard time adjusting to the speed of the greens the first nine holes” at Kernwood, but soon recalibrated himself, shooting a day-one 68.
“There are a number of courses I never had seen before. But I did my homework,” Sisk said.
Sisk was paired in the final round with Kernwood Head Pro Frank Dully II. Both men felt the pressure, but for different reasons. Sisk said he was cognizant of his record-tying effort, but was reluctant to make predictions before the last putt dropped.
Sisk noticed that Dully, on the other hand, seemed to be playing to the expectations of his members, who filled the gallery following his group.
“The competition that we happen to have, you can’t go out and shoot even par the final round and win,” Sisk said. “All our guys can play, and that’s going to push you,” Sisk said.
“We have enough talent that plays our state open and tremendous talent that plays our North American Pro Tour, that you can’t sit back and cozy on a lead,” Sisk said. “A shot or two, and guys will catch you pretty fast.”
Sisk hopes to return and defend next year, schedule permitting.
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