By Dalton Balthaser

 

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The last year has been what Mike Caparco would call it, the best he’s played the game of golf.

 

He won his first college event at the Rhode Island College Men’s Spring Invitational April 5-6 and was in the final pairing of this year's’ John Burke Memorial (Gross).

 

Caparco continued his good play Thursday in a Rhode Island Golf Association Amateur qualifier at Agawam Hunt (par 69, 6,156 yards), claiming medalist honors.

 

The 114th Rhode Island Amateur Championship will take place June 24-28 at Shelter Harbor Golf Club in Charlestown.

 

A total of 25 players secured their spot at Shelter Harbor with the cut line falling at 77 (8 over).

 

“I came into the round today wanting to be the medalist,” said Caparco, 21, of Johnston, R.I. “That way I figured if I could go for medalist and fall short by a couple of shots then I would still qualify. I didn’t want to think just come here, shoot 77 and make the cut. If you have that attitude, you can stumble.”

 

Caparco took care of business on a day when the winds were swirling and no player shot an under-par round. 

 

“I just have to make sure to keep the ball in front of me,” said Caparco. “Learning how to tone down my golf game and be more consistent is important for me. I have been playing well for the last year or so. I used to shoot 82 one day and then 70 the next.

 

“I am feeling more comfortable on the golf course knowing that I can hit different shots. It has given me a lot more confidence.”

 

The marketing major at Rhode Island College took advantage of the only par 5s on the course Nos. 3 (502 yards) and 6 (545 yards) with solid drives that allowed him to get near the green in two on No. 3 and on in two on No. 6. He made the turn in 2-over-par 37.

 

He played steadily on the back nine and carded eight pars and a birdie on No. 16 (par 3, 175 yards) after hitting a 7-iron to 30 feet. He then buried the putt.

 

His speed throughout the round was perfect. Leaving him little work after putts from distance.

 

“I kept telling myself to trust my hands and feels on the greens,” said Caparco, of Metacomet Golf Club. “I got here about 45 minutes before my round just to putt. I wanted to make sure I had a good understanding for the speed of the greens.”

 

Caparco, who will graduate from RIC in the winter, had a familiar face carrying his bag at Agawam. His father Mickey toted the bag throughout the round and offered his share of encouragement and banter.

 

“It’s a mutual agreement between my dad and I that he carries the bag,” said Caparco. “He caddied for me in last year’s Rhode Island Open and I played well. Ever since then when he’s not playing he carries my bag. He keeps me calm and knows the right things to say and what not to say to me.

 

“I’m lucky that I have a great dad. I’m sure he enjoys caddying for me as much as I enjoy having him on the bag. It makes me comfortable knowing he’ll be carrying my bag.”

 

That tied for 21st at the Rhode Island Open lit a spark in Caparco’s game. He’ll compete in the RIGA Four-Ball Championship May 28-29 with this year’s Burke (Gross) champion, Jamie Lukowicz, another opportunity to hone his skills before Shelter Harbor.

 

“It’s fun playing with the best players in the state,” said Caparco. “I feel like I can compete with the best players in the state after being in the final group at the Burke. It gave me a lot of confidence. I got to dial in my wedges. That’s what I learned the most. The best players are so good at that.”