Portsmouth, NH – The Match Play Championships Stroke Play Qualifying Round at Pease Golf Course set the stage for exciting match play action ahead, with top golfers in both divisions showcasing their skills. In the Mid-Amateur division, Jalen Rines claimed medalist honors with an impressive 1-under par 70, while Peter Keilty of Portsmouth Country Club led the Senior field with a steady even-par 71. Both players will enter match play as the top seeds in their respective divisions, with several other contenders picking up low seeds. With the brackets now set, all eyes are on the upcoming match play rounds set to take place at Beaver Meadow Golf Course on May 29th, where experience, strategy, and mental toughness will be key.
Mid-Amateur Match Play
The Stroke Play Qualifying Round of the New Hampshire Mid-Amateur Match Play Championship held at Pease Golf Course concluded with a tightly contested leaderboard at the top, setting the stage for exciting match play battles ahead. Jalen Rines, last year’s top seed, once again led the field with an impressive 1-under 70, the only player to break par all day. Rines’ consistent play and clutch putting gave him the medalist honors and the top seed heading into match play.
Finishing just one-shot back is Connor Greenleaf of Atkinson Resort & Country Club, who carded an even-par 71 to secure the No. 2 seed. Greenleaf’s round featured a steady mix of pars and two early birdies, keeping him in contention for a top seed throughout.
A logjam at T-3 saw four players post 3-over 74: Harvin Groft (CandiaOaks), Austin Cassady (The Maplewood), Sean Fitzgerald (Portsmouth CC), and Aaron Loring (Rochester CC). All four demonstrated solid ball-striking on a course that challenged the field, especially given the rainy, wet conditions.
Further down the leaderboard, a trio of players tied for 7th at 77 (+6) including Matt Moore (Canterbury Woods), Branden Porter (Passaconaway CC), and Jeff Sovis (CandiaOaks). Their strong finishes ensured they too advance to the Championship Flight of match play.
The final Championship Flight qualifying spots went to players finishing at 81 (+10), with Edward Mansfield (Nashua CC) and Brett Bosse (CandiaOaks) rounding out the match play bracket.
With the field now set, the focus shifts to head-to-head matchups where strategy, ball striking and putting will determine who advances toward the NH Mid-Amateur Match Play title.
Senior Match Play
The Stroke Play Qualifying Round for the New Hampshire Senior Match Play Championship wrapped up with a highly competitive leaderboard at the top and solid play across the board as the senior field battled for seeding into match play.
Peter Keilty of Portsmouth Country Club claimed medalist honors with an impressive even-par 71, showing veteran poise and precision on a challenging weather day. Keilty’s steady round earned him the No. 1 seed heading into the match play bracket.
Just one shot back at 72 (+1) is Craig Steckowych (a five-time champion of this event) and Eric Emeneau of Souhegan Woods Golf Club, tying for second. Both players navigated the course with strong ball-striking and will enter match play as top contenders.
A three-way tie for 4th at 74 (+3) featured a strong group of competitors: Phil Pleat (Nashua CC), one of the state’s most accomplished senior players; Keith Stone (Pease GC); and Jay Leonard. All three demonstrated the experience and consistency required to contend deep into match play.
Tied at 75 (+4) for 7th are Bill Everett (Laconia CC) and Scott Doughty (Passaconaway CC), followed by a tightly packed group at 77 (+6) that included Steve Thompson, Dave Larrivee, Rob Parsi, and Peter Beaulieu, all securing their spots in the bracket.
Defending champion Danny Arvanitis of Derryfield CC posted a 78 (+7) to stay just above the cut line, while John Mumford (The Golf Club of New England) fired at +8 to join the group in the Championship Flight of match play. Six players at +10 entered a playoff to determine the final two spots into match play with Dave Kane and John Sterling rounding out the Senior Match Play Championship Flight bracket.
With match play pairings now set, the stage is ready for a thrilling faceoff among New Hampshire’s top senior golfers, where experience and short-game execution will be key.
Mid-Amateur Match Play | Qualifying Results
Senior Match Play | Qualifying Results
