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Philadelphia Golf Legends: Fieldstone GC's Blaise GirosoFieldstone GC’s Blaise Giroso kicks off the 2011 edition of the Golf Association of Philadelphia’s Legends video series. Glance at the Association’s Amateur Championship history, and you’ll notice that Giroso’s name makes four runner-up appearances in the 1980s. On paper, it seems like a cruel case of “always a bridesmaid, never a bride,” but a look beyond the surface reveals much more. Giroso was arguably the most dominant amateur of the decade. He qualified for match play in the Association’s Amateur Championship six consecutive years. He captured the 1983 Patterson Cup at Manufacturers G&CC by besting contenders David Brookreson, Joseph Data, Mike Heller, Buddy Marucci and Mike Rose in an 18-hole playoff. Giroso also won three Silver Cross Awards (1983, 1985-86), given to the player with the lowest aggregate score in the qualifying rounds of the Amateur Championship and the Patterson Cup. His superb play earned Giroso 10 Compher Cup and eight Mason-Dixon appearances, respectively. The Delaware native and Wilmington resident also ascended to golf prominence in his home state. He won five of his eventual 10 Delaware State Golf Association Amateur Championships in the 1980s. Giroso also captured the 1984 DSGA Open. Nationally, he qualified for two U.S. Amateur Championships and advanced to the Round of 16 in the U.S. Mid-Amateur at Atlanta Athletic Club. In 1994, Giroso, 52, turned professional and played on the Canadian Tour for two years. He regained his amateur status in 1996, but didn’t play golf competitively on a regular basis. Today, Giroso enjoys supporting his sons, Aidan and Blaise, Jr., as they grow up with the game. He operates a custom-home business and still takes to the course when he has free time.
Launched in 2010, the “Legends” video series features prominent local players recalling their experiences and accomplishments both on and off the golf course. This is the fifth installment in the series overall. O. Gordon Brewer, Jr. of Pine Valley GC, Herman J. Fry of Reading CC, John Guenther, Jr. of Heidelberg CC and Lincoln Roden, III of Huntingdon Valley CC were also featured.
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A Walk Through Time
GAP is the oldest state or regional golf association in the country. It started courtesy of a friendly competition – the Team Matches – and has grown into the preeminent golf association in the country. Along the way, golf history has been made.
