No place like home for Scott Berliner

Queensbury

Any golf tournament in the Adirondacks feels like a home-course advantage for Scott Berliner, raised in Lake Luzerne.

The 23rd annual Donald Ross Classic became more of a home game for Berliner, an assistant pro at Hiland, when the first round was moved from Sagamore to his home track.

So it was no surprise that Berliner, the premier player in the Northeastern New York PGA, cruised to an eight-stroke victory in the Classic, which concluded Monday at the Glens Falls Country Club.

The NENYPGA major usually is held at Sagamore and Glens Falls, two Donald Ross-designed courses. Because the Sagamore is undergoing some significant renovation and construction, tournament officials opted to move the opening round to Hiland, designed by Stephen Kay.

"Having the event at Hiland (Sunday) was probably better for me because I know the greens over there," said Berliner, who held the first-round lead with a 3-under 69. "It's like here. If you play here enough, you know what the tendencies are on some of the holes. Growing up 20 minutes away, it's an advantage for me."

Berliner carded a 2-under 69 Monday for a 36-hole score of 137, 6 under par. Chris Sanger of Woodstock and Mike Decker of Shaker tied for second at 145.

It was Berliner's fourth consecutive victory and seventh overall in the Ross, giving him 23 NENYPGA major titles. He won his eighth straight Stroke Play Championship on May 22.

"When he's playing well, it's tough to beat him," Sanger said. "The only time you can beat him is when he's struggling a little. I didn't put any pressure on him."

Sanger entered the final round one shot back and drew even when Berliner bogeyed No. 1.

The momentum shifted when Berliner birdied 3, 4 and 5, and Sanger bogeyed 3 and 4. Suddenly the margin was five.

"I was fortunate to...