Ryan Swanson

Ryan Swanson, the golf coach at St. Bonaventure University, returned last Friday from a six-day, five-round trip to Ireland with his players, and their families and friends.

“It was sunny every day and hardly any wind,” he said. “That’s unheard of over there. … It was absolutely beautiful.”

Four days later, the Panama resident and Pinehurst Golf Club co-owner and golf professional added to his memorable summer.

Playing in the Western New York PGA Section Championship at Niagara Falls Country Club on Monday, Swanson carded rounds of 70-74-144 to finish in a tie for second in a field of 50 golfers. Not only was it his best finish ever in the tournament, but it also qualified him for the PGA Professional Championship in Frisco, Texas April 28-May 1 of next year.

“My game has been coming around,” Swanson said. “I haven’t gone really low, but I haven’t shot over 75. I’ve been super consistent. I told myself to put together two solid rounds and see where you are with a few holes to go.”

His 144 total tied him with Walker Singleton of Oak Hill CC, five shots behind winner Rob Krajewski of Glen Oak GC. The top three advance to Texas in the spring.

“I play well on tougher golf courses,” Swanson said. “Niagara Falls is set up pretty long. I kind of go as my driver goes. If I’m driving it well, then I can play. I’ve been driving it well and my short game is always there.”

For proof of that, Swanson hit 27 of 36 greens in regulation.

“I’ve been playing really solid from tee to green,” he said.

Other local golf professionals and their finishes include: Kirk Stauffer, Chautauqua GC, 72-76-148, tied for fifth; Jake Eckley, Tri-County CC, 70-78-148, tied for fifth; Pat Damore, Cable Hollow GC, 80-76-156, tied for 19th; and Jack Widger of Ellicottville, 81-76-157, tied for 23rd.