At the start of July, Ricky Jones of Thomaston wasn’t even thinking about the Dr. Leonardo Buck Player of the Year award, given annually to the top amateur golfer in the state by the Maine State Golf Association. However, after a late push and top finishes in some major tournaments, Jones narrowly won the award again this year for a record 11th time.
The award is given annually to the player who accrues the most points from Aug. 1 to July 31 in a wraparound season. Points are given in MSGA Weekend, Mid-Week and Championship events, with the major tournaments carrying more importance and more points.
With only one month left in the season, Jones, who plays out of Samoset Resort Golf Course in Rockport, trailed then-leader Andrew Slattery of Martindale Country Club in Auburn by 239 points.
The 44-year-old Jones then won the weekend event at Prospect Hill, finished second at the Maine Amateur in York, and came in as second low amateur at the Charlie’s Maine Open at Augusta Country Club.
In three weeks, Jones had closed the gap to a mere two points going into the final event of the season, a weekend event at Bath Golf Club.
Jones was in contention toward the end of the round, when he did what he calls the defining moment of his season.
“If I had to pick one major highlight [for 2016], it would definitely be making birdie from the fairway bunker on the 18th hole at Bath at the last weekly MSGA,” Jones said. “I knew more than likely I needed to shoot two under if I was going to pass Andrew for player of the year, and that birdie got me there and ultimately was the deciding factor.”
Jones finished the Bath event in a tie for fifth with a 68 to earn five points — and beat Slattery by three points to claim his 11th title.
Jones had some help in getting another title.
“There are a couple people that deserve credit. First, my wife, [Christienne]. I definitely wouldn’t be able to devote the amount of time to golf without her. She has the tough job as she handles the majority of items at the house while I am playing golf,” Jones said. “Also, [head professional] Gary Soule at the Samoset. He is always there to help with swing corrections or just provide a much-needed boost of confidence.”
Jones’ finish atop the points table will land him a spot on the Maine team in the annual Tri-State Matches, which pits the top amateur golfers from the three northern New England states against each other in a two-day, Ryder Cup style event. He also will make the three-man team set to represent Maine at the USGA State Team Championship this September in Birmingham, Alabama. Joining Jones will be Slattery and Jack Wyman.