By Jane McManus • The Journal News • August 13, 2009

Brian Mackey was hearing it from his fellow golfers before the Rockland County Amateur golf tournament started on Tuesday at Spook Rock Golf Course in Suffern.

"Everyone was telling me, make sure you win this since it's your last amateur event," Mackey said.

The 24-year-old from Chestnut Ridge had competed in the event, but never won it. He knew if he entered an upcoming tournament as a pro, as he plans to do, the Rockland Amateur would be the one that got away.

Well, he can move forward with a clear mind after winning the two-day event by six strokes. Mackey shot a 70 on Tuesday and a 68 yesterday for the victory.

"It was definitely a relief," Mackey said. "I've played here all my life and never won this tournament."

Stephen Scialo of New City finished in second place, backing up his opening-round 74 with a 70. Scialo, 19 will be a sophomore at Delaware.

"The course was great today," Scialo said. "I felt good, I just didn't hit enough good shots to keep me low. I thought if I could post something in the 60s I would have a chance but Mackey had me beat."

The rain held off for the tournament even as gray skies dampened other parts of the region.

Brian Kivlehan finished in third place with a combined 145 that included a 69 yesterday. A senior at Dominican, Kivlehan played high school golf with Mackey at St. Joe's.

"He's just a great player, a great guy and he's going to make a great professional in a couple of weeks," Kivlehan said.

Mackey will enter the Met Open later this month at Ridgewood Country Club in New Jersey as a professional, and it means that his amateur tournaments will be a thing of the past.

He qualified for the Met Open by shooting a 72 at Baiting Hollow Country Club on Long Island.

"I played well these two days, so it was a nice way to go out," Mackey said.