AYF golf took place at the scenic Pawtucket Country Club in Pawtucket, R.I. The weather on Friday morning was gray, hazy, and a tad cool when the golfers began to gather to check in, greet old friends, and warm up. By shotgun start at 8:30 a.m., the weather had cleared and it became a beautiful day for golf. Ken Topalian did another superb job organizing the golf in this, his last year on the Governing Body. He included special touches, like Armenian flags on every pin on the golf course and having warm choreg available for everyone at the check-in desk. It was the first year, also, that there was a luncheon after the golf concluded. Thanks, Ken, for your great dedication and superb service running AYF golf for the past several years!
There were six men golfers and six women golfers. All things equal, each golfer had a two-thirds chance of scoring at least one point. Of course, all things are not equal when you have the likes of Michelle Hagopian of Greater Boston and Peter Tashjian and Mark Santerian playing for Philadelphia. Michelle has won the golf almost every year she has played. Peter and Mark have been #1 and #2 for the past few years.
On the women’s side, Michelle did indeed win. In fact, the top two finishers were the same as last year: Michelle Hagopian and Lauren Yangouian of Detroit. Filling out the medal and point winners for the ladies were the Hackett sisters, Mari and Ani, of Greater Boston. Greater Boston was indeed a force in women’s golf this year.
The top two men this year were the same as last year: Peter Tashjian and Mark Santerian of Philadelphia. Daron Merian of Greater Boston and Shahen Hagen of North Andover filled out the scoring. It should be noted that last year, Peter Tashjian dedicated his round and victory to the memory of his grandmother, Ann Topalian, who passed away in 2014. This year, he dedicated his round to the memory of his grandfather, Kacheg “Furcha” Topalian, who passed away the Monday before the Games commenced. Alexan Topalian, another grandson of Furcha and Peter’s first cousin, also participated in the golf.
Men’s Golf
Peter Tashjian (Philadelphia): 74
Mark Santerian (Philadelphia): 79
Daron Merian (Greater Boston): 83
Shahen Hagen (North Andover): 84
Women’s Golf
Michelle Hagopian (Greater Boston): 51
Lauren Yangouyian (Detroit): 69
Mari Hackett (Greater Boston): 71
Ani Hackett (Greater Boston): 74
While there were only 12 AYFers competing in golf, the alumni participation was off the charts this year. There were 54 alumni golfers that included Olympic Kings Steve Hagopian and Steve Panosian, as well as Olympic Queen Rosemary Panosian. Everyone knew each other and had a wonderful time. Armen Tenkarian of Providence had the best score of the day for the alumni.
Congratulations to all of the golfers, both AYFers and Alumni. It was a memorable day on the links.
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