Hudson Reporter Archive

Up to par

A self-taught golfer and his son recently were the first golfer and son to win a tournament together in the 91-year-history of White Beeches Golf and Country Club, in Haworth.
Eurice Rojas and his son, Michael, each took home first place in their divisions on a course designed by golf pro Kent Smith on June 28. Eurice Rojas is the vice president of external affairs at Palisades Medical Center in North Bergen. He and his son live in Cliffside.
Rojas said that his parents emigrated from Cuba and that he never imagined playing golf, let alone winning a tournament. He began playing at 25 years old to aid his career.
“It was a way for me to socialize with clients,” said Rojas, who grew to love the sport.
Rojas said that he only took one lesson last year, but over the years has practiced his swing on his own.
“I practice every day,” said Michael.

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Father and son both brought home titles on “Champion Sunday.”
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Both won in match play, in which the players’ score is determined by the number of strokes they take on each hole, as opposed to the total number of strokes for the entire course.
Rojas said that the tournament was based on a series of eliminations. The finals began with 16 players and then were narrowed down to eight playing against each other, said Rojas.
Michael won the juniors title on the 14th hole of an 18 hole-course. His father achieved victory in the men’s division at the 35th hole of a 36-hole course.
Michael said that he was surprised and excited when he won, but immediately ran over to where his father was competing to cheer him on.
“I thought, ‘I really have to win this one now,’ ” said his father.

A first

It was Eurice Rojas’ fourth time in qualifying with 16 other players for the finals.
He said one of the reasons he enjoys golf is because each day on the course is a different one, depending on the weather and environment, and that the course itself actually changes.
He said that for each year’s tournament, golf pro Smith designs the course to be as difficult as possible.
It was Michael’s first time at this tournament, but Rojas began to teach him the sport at 4 years old. He has played at other golfing events and continues to practice daily in the hopes of becoming a better player.
Michael said that when he enters St. Peter’s Prep in Jersey City as a freshman next year, he hopes to join the golf team and continue his dream.
Neither of them went into the tournament expecting to win, but are thrilled that their dedication not only allowed them to do so, but be the first father and son to clinch a title together.

Why golf

Rojas said that golf is an individual’s sport and that the course challenges a person in a different way each time on the fairways.
At White Beeches “Champion Sunday,” after the women’s and junior’s leagues had finished their courses, almost 100 spectators gathered for the rest of the men’s tournament and for the trophy presentation, said Rojas.
The support of the spectators also meant a lot to the father and son duo.
To both, golf embodies a means of self-improvement that can last a lifetime.
Tricia Tirella may be reached at TriciaT@hudsonreporter.com.

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