The young guns are starting to take over the local amateur golf scene.

If the Tri-County Golf Association Match Play Championship is any indication, Capital Region scratch golf is in good hands. Jim Gifford, a 21-year-old junior at Siena College and a member of The Edison Club, defeated 24-year-old Robby Bigley Jr., a Siena grad and member of Pinehaven Country Club, 4-and-3 in the finals. Gifford had to defeat his father, Mike, the president of The Edison Club, and Dan Russo of Rolling Hills at Antlers, to reach the final.

Justin Deitz, another young fun from The Edison Club, also earned a berth in match play, as did recent college graduate Jon-Michael Socaris, a lefty from Capital Hills.

This doesn't mean that the 50-somethings like Russo and John Vaccaro of Wolferts Roost Country Club are ready to step aside just yet, but keep an eye on the young bucks. They hit the ball a long way, and they are fearless around the greens. I enjoy watching these talented players mature.

Maybe one of the youngsters will finally break through and win the New York State Amateur championship this year. It's in our own backyard this July at Pinehaven Country Club.