Tom is Tops: DiGregorio claims his second Winthrop Golf Club championship

For the second time in three years, the Winthrop Golf Club men’s championship trophy will have a home in Revere.

Thomas DiGregorio, a 2008 graduate of Revere High School where he was the starting shortstop, roared through the 16-player tournament to claim the prestigious John “Bucky” Donohue Trophy, emblematic of being the club’s golfer of the year.

DiGregorio defeated defending champion Casey O’Leary, 4-and-3, in the 36-hole championship match Sunday to earn his second WGC crown in just his third year of being a club member in Winthrop. O’Leary is a three-time club champion and has been an excellent golfer for years, compiling a superb career at St. Mary’s High School and later at Salem State University.

“It was a pleasure playing against Casey in the final,” DiGregorio said respectfully. “He’s been one of the best players at the club. Trying to get to his level has been a goal. I’m honored to have the trophy back in Revere.”

DiGregorio felt his game was peaking right before the tournament.

“The last month, I’ve been trying to play a little bit more and I have been working on my swing,” said DiGregorio, who has been busy at home with his nine-month-old son, Julian. “I started to get dialed in at just the right time.”

DiGregorio bested David Mills (1-up), former WHS three-point king Rob Swanson IV (4-and-3), and rising WHS golf star Ryan Murphy (2-up) in the earlier rounds of match play.

DiGregorio celebrated his 34th birthday on Saturday when he played the 15-year-old Murphy.

“Ryan is an extremely talented golfer,” said DiGregorio. “He has a bright future. He has a ton of potential to be one of the best players in this area, at least. He can play.”

DiGregorio credited greens superintendent Sam Hasak for having the course in excellent shape. He also thanked club pro Eddie Montone, assistant club pro Robby Casaletto, and tournament committee chair Michael Harrison for “their hospitality and running a great tournament.” Thomas is the son of Winthrop Sun Transcript partner and director of marketing Deb DiGregorio and Tom DiGregorio.