David Phillippi, an Alliance native, wins a national Putt-Putt title in Kentucky

Benjamin Duer, Canton Repository

A Stark County native won a national putt-putt title last week.

David Phillippi, 61, a 1980 graduate of Alliance High School, played in the 2023 Putt-Putt Golf National Championship from Aug. 7-11 in Kentucky.

In the hole: David Phillippi, an Alliance native and filmmaker, to vie for putt-putt title

Phillippi won the amateur National Doubles Championship with Tony Centers. They shot a combined 36 under par score of 108 for 72 holes.

Phillippi said he played a total of 342 holes over five days, in five contests, and shot 161 under par. In addition to his victory, Phillippi finished in third place in two other events, fourth place in an individual championship and tied for eighth place in the Tournament Players Championship.

Alliance native David Phillippi, 61, of Cincinnati competed in the 2023 Putt-Putt Golf National Championship in Kentucky from Aug. 7-11. He won the APA National Doubles Championship.
Alliance native David Phillippi, 61, of Cincinnati competed in the 2023 Putt-Putt Golf National Championship in Kentucky from Aug. 7-11. He won the APA National Doubles Championship.

"I think we all daydream about what it would be like to accomplish a major goal in life. To actually do it is really something special," he said in an email. "This championship means a great deal to me, but I’m also aware that it also means a lot to my family, friends and even to some folks that I don’t know."

More than 100 players were expected to complete at the national event sponsored by the Professional Putters Association. Phillippi has played putt-putt competitively since the 1970s at the old East Street course in Alliance.

A graduate of Alliance High School in 1980, David Phillippi, 61, of Cincinnati holds a trophy he won at the 2023 Putt-Putt Golf National Championship in Kentucky from Aug. 7-11. He won the APA National Doubles Championship and finished fourth in individual championship play.
A graduate of Alliance High School in 1980, David Phillippi, 61, of Cincinnati holds a trophy he won at the 2023 Putt-Putt Golf National Championship in Kentucky from Aug. 7-11. He won the APA National Doubles Championship and finished fourth in individual championship play.

"In advance of the tournament, I had thought a lot about what the experience might be like," he said. "What I learned was that every golfer was accomplished and that anyone was capable of beating anyone on a given day. I was physically and mentally exhausted following the event and pretty much slept much of this past weekend to recover."

Philippi, a filmmaker, and his wife, Carrie, live in Cincinnati. His future plans include competing in next year's tournament and turning pro. He currently competes in amateur events.

"My passion for the sport started in Alliance and I will never forget those who offered advice and encouragement along my 50-year journey," Phillippi said.

Reach Benjamin Duer at 330-580-8567 or ben.duer@cantonrep.com. On Twitter: @bduerREP

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Filmmaker and Alliance native David Phillippi wins Putt-Putt title

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