Johns Claims Second Delmar Club Championship in Dramatic Fashion

DELMAR — Stephen Johns knows something about playing in front of a crowd.

Johns, a former Dallas Stars defenseman, made a living performing under the bright lights. On Sunday, he once again found himself in the spotlight — this time on the fairways of Delmar Golf Course. Johns closed with a steady, even-par 72 to capture his second Delmar Golf Course Club Championship, holding off 2025 runner-up Michael Pope and Preston Turk by a single stroke at the 66th annual championship.

Johns entered the final round one shot behind overnight leader Luca Carsele, who opened the championship with a sparkling 2-under-par 70. As the golfers entered the back nine on Sunday, a crowded leaderboard had taken shape. Among those still in the hunt were former champions Lino Simeoni and Randy Chesko Jr., along with a trio of new challengers in Broc Boariu, Keigan Hopper and Garrett Bishop. As the back nine unfolded, the pressure continued to build. By the time Johns and Pope reached the 18th hole they stood tied at -1, 1 shot clear of clubhouse leader Preston Turk who had finished with a 2 under 70. Johns parred the 18th hole, securing the championship by a single stroke and adding another Delmar title to his résume.

Flight Champions:

The battle for the flights provided plenty of fireworks throughout the weekend.

Gino Ceriani closed with a 75 to claim the A-Flight championship, finishing two strokes clear of Anthony Roth. In the B-Flight, Carsele capped an impressive weekend by holding off Anderson Weisz. Fellow teammate Camren Boydell, came through in the C Flight, edging out Tyler Alberts while Alexander Roth, a former Ellwood City basketball and swimming standout, who successfully held off Rocky Carsele to claim the D-Flight title.

Seniors and Juniors:

The championship hardware continued to find familiar hands in the specialty divisions.

Brad Linville successfully defended his Senior Division title, once again proving he knows his way around Delmar when the pressure is on. While Carsele added another trophy to his weekend as well, claiming his first Junior Division championship.

A Championship Weekend to Remember:

A total of 70 Delmar Golf Course members competed in this year’s championship — one of the largest fields in recent memory. From the opening tee shot to the final putt, the 66th annual Club Championship delivered everything a great club championship should: tight leaderboards, young talent making noise, veterans holding their own and, ultimately, champions earning their moment in the spotlight.

A special thank-you goes out to the Delmar grounds crew for presenting excellent course conditions throughout the weekend, as well as the Delmar Tin Cup staff for providing wonderful meals, make the championship weekend one to remember.

CHAMPIONSHIP:
• Stephen Johns 71 – 72 = 143 -1
• Michael Pope 71 – 73 = 144 EVEN
• Preston Turk 74 – 70 = 144 EVEN
• Randy Chesko Jr. 74 – 71 = 145 +1
• Broc Boariu 73 – 72 = 145 +1
• Lino Simeoni 71 – 74 = 145 +1
• Luca Carsele 70 – 76 = 146 +2
• Milo Sesti 74 – 73 = 147 +4
• Keigan Hopper 72 – 76 = 148 +4
• Garrett Bishop 71 – 78= 149 +5
• Jordan Keller 74 – 75 = 149 +5

A-FLIGHT
• Gino Ceriani 79 – 75 = 154 +10
• Anthony Roth 74 – 82 = 156 +12
• Taran Spielvogel 77 – 79 = 157 +13
• Adam Jeffcoat 80 – 78 = 158 +14
• Nate Kennedy 79 – 79 = 158 +14
• Raymond Johns 79 – 80 = 159 +15
• Tynan Hudson 79 – 81 = 160 +16
• Gino Biondi 80 – 80 = 160 +16

B-FLIGHT
• Luca Carsele 70 – 76 = 146 +2
• Anderson Weisz 76 – 74 = 150 +6
• Dante Venezie 81 – 76 = 157 +13
• Randy Chesko Sr. 79 – 82 = 161 +17
• Colten Crizer 82 – 80 = 162 +18

C-FLIGHT
• Camren Boydell 77 – 86 = 163 +19
• Tyler Alberts 81 – 84 = 165 +21
• Antonio Riccio 89 – 83 = 172 +28
• Aiden Simeoni 84 – 92 = 176 +32
• Chris Biondi 91 – 87 = 178 +34

D-FLIGHT
• Alexander Roth 87 – 87 = 174 +30
• Rocky Carsele 86 – 89 = 176 +32
• Gino Barberio 90 – 89 = 179 +35
• Ray Yaro 85 -95 = 180 +36

SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP
• Brad Linville 72 – 78 = 150 +6
• Bill Mitchell 78 – 74 = 152 +8
• Randy Chesko Sr. 79 – 82 = 161 +17

JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP
• Luca Carsele 70 – 76 = 146 +2
• Anderson Weisz 76 – 74 = 150 +6
• Dante Venezie 81 – 76 = 157 +13
• Adam Jeffcoat 80 – 78 = 158 +14
• Gino Biondi 80 – 80 = 160 +16