Lombardi, Valois Cap Off Emotional Win at The Havemeyer
A Lombardi is on the board at Newport Country Club.
Just days after the sixth anniversary of his dad’s passing, Sam Lombardi teamed with four-time RI Amateur champion Brad Valois to win the prestigious Havemeyer at a rain-soaked Newport Country Club on Saturday.
“It means a lot. My dad passed away six years ago on September 24 and he never got to play Newport Country Club. It was the only course he wanted to play that he didn’t get on. It was pretty cool to play there this week and play well enough to get the Lombardi name on the board,” Lombardi told GolfNewsRI after the win.
Lombardi and Valois beat defending champions Tom McCormick and Larry Lafauci 3&2 in the championship match, which was shortened to nine holes due to weather.
“Not only was I fortunate to have Sam as a partner, I was even more fortunate to be with him during such a significant memory of his life with his dad. Winning the event inks the Lombardi name inside the halls of Newport Country Club forever. A privilege I have now received three times myself and am proud to share with Sam,” said Valois.
Valois adds that Lombardi did not tell him the “significance of his presence” at Newport CC until after the championship match was completed.
Crazy Lead Up
Lombardi and Valois ended up winning the tournament, but Valois remaining in the tournament at the start of the week was not a guarantee.
“Wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to remain in the event due to my partner needing to back out a few days before due to his wife’s pregnancy,” said Valois.
Lombardi got the word on Monday that he was in the tournament as a substitute for Valois’ partner.
“Hats off to Barry and the whole Newport Country Club staff for being patient and understanding while I tried to find a partner who could commit for four days. It produced an additional challenge for the pro shop as my original partner’s handicap was higher. Newport really worked with me and reworked the brackets to make it work,” added Valois.
A Nor’easter at Newport
Like much of the state and the region, weather impacted the Havemeyer in a big way.
The tournament was reduced and matches were shortened, while the conditions of the course were extremely difficult.
“It was a great experience playing in the tournament for the first time. The Newport experience was on of a kind. The course was in perfect shape. Windy and rainy conditions made it play extremely challenging and long. Some par 4’s couldn’t be reached in two. Overall, it was a blast and had a great time,” said Lombardi.
Valois added, “The Nor’easter gave us an opportunity to hit new types of shots we’ve never tried so it was a lot of fun.”
About the Havemeyer
The tournament is named after Theodore Havemeyer, the USGA’s first President.
Newport Country Club was host to the first U.S. Open and first U.S. Amateur.