First time champions crowned at Brockton City Four Ball tournament at 22-under

In golf, consistency is often key. That proved true for Kevin Blaser and Ricky Stimets as they took home first place in the 41st Brockton City Four Ball seeded division Sunday afternoon at Thorny Lea Golf Club.

The Worcester Country Club duo led wire-to-wire in the three-day tournament, posting a final gross score of 22-under-par. All three rounds were bogey-free.

For Stimets, not only did he win, it was his first time playing in the tournament.

“The vibes were high,” Stimets said following the trophy presentation.

Asked how they kept such a clean scorecard, Stimets said it was about playing experience with his partner.

“I think we know each other's game's pretty well,” Stimets said. “It’s pretty easy to gauge it.”

After finishing with back-to-back rounds of 63, the 2024 champions shot a 64 on Sunday, finishing nine strokes ahead of second-place duos Brady Allbritton/Nick Carter and Matt Parziale/Luke Ferrari. Blaser and Stimets were sepearated from the field on Saturday, going into Sunday’s round at 16-under-par.

Despite multiple weather delays, the two put together a strong back nine to seal their victory just before dusk.

“A lot of birdies out there,” Blaser said. “I couldn’t believe we got it in.”

Coming in a tie for fourth at 10-under for the tournament was James Cimini playing with Nick Antonelli, and Matt Montt playing with Andrew Fiorenzano. Longtime powerhouse father-son duo and back-to-back reigning champions Steve and Steve Tasho Jr. shot 1-under on the day for a tie for eighth. The Tashos had previously won four of the last five tournaments.

Beginning in 1983, the Brockton City Four Ball has continued to expand every year, with more than 80 teams competing in this year’s tournament. Played at three different courses (D.W Field, Brockton Country Club, and Thorny Lea Golf Club) the tournament provides a fun and competitive challenge for golfers participating.

“It’s a good field. It’s got some of the top guys in Mass, and it’s got the members at all the other places. It’s fun,” Stimets said.