Grieving Casey seizes DeStefano crown

Golf is not a team sport. But Brian Casey feels like he had plenty of help in winning the 70th annual Ralph DeStefano Memorial Golf Championship on Sunday.

"I had a little guardian angel out there," Casey said. "I just lost my newborn nephew very recently. I wanted to dedicate this to Aiden, he was definitely out there with me today."

Casey defeated John McCabe, 7 and 5, on Sunday to claim the Championship Flight title at College Hill Golf Course in Poughkeepsie.

Casey said he has played in the tournament numerous times in the past, coming close to winning it all, but this time was different.

"This year in particular was very special," he said, before asking to use his 15 minutes of fame to mention the Missing Angels Bill, a proposed New York State law that would allow families of stillborn babies to receive a birth certificate.

From the start, Casey was in control, taking a six-hole advantage after nine holes.

Meanwhile, Dave Ludwig dispatched Luke Masten in the first flight finals, 5 and 4.

Even through eight holes, Ludwig claimed holes nine through twelve to take a commanding lead.