Canterbury, NH – What began as a calm summer morning turned into a challenging test by day’s end as the wind steadily increased throughout the sixth of seven qualifiers for the 123rd New Hampshire Amateur Championship presented by Davis & Towle Insurance at Canterbury Woods Country Club on Tuesday.
Seventy players teed it up seeking one of 18 available spots into the championship field for the 123rd New Hampshire Amateur Championship, which will be contested July 6-11 at Cochecho Country Club in Dover. Scores were low early in the day, with numerous players reaching the turn under par, but the strengthening breeze proved to be a formidable obstacle over the closing holes and no player was able to finish the round under par.
Using his local knowledge to his advantage, Canterbury Woods member Travis Banga claimed medalist honors on his home course with an even-par 72, the lone round no over par. Banga made the turn at 1-over par after carding two bogeys and one birdie on the front nine, but flipped the script coming home with two birdies against just one bogey on the back side to post the day’s best score.
Derek Jensen of Concord Country Club looked poised to run away with medalist honors after a spectacular start. Beginning his round on Canterbury Woods’ back nine, Jensen eagled the par-5 10th hole and added three more birdies over his opening nine holes to turn in 5-under par. His second nine was a much different story as the wind intensified, leading to two double bogeys and two bogeys for a 6-over-par second half. Despite the late struggles, Jensen still finished comfortably inside the qualifying number with a 1-over 73 to take second place.
Tied for third at 2-over 74 were Scott Underhill of Intervale Country Club and Craig Moran of Nashua Country Club. A group of four players shared fifth place at 3-over 75, including Matthew Bagdovitz of NH Golf e-Club, JJ Johnston of 603 Brewery Club, David Stickney of Derryfield Country Club, and Brian Surprenant of NH Golf e-Club.
Four more players finished at 4-over 76, including Dave Larrivee of Manchester Country Club, Shane St. Onge of Pembroke Pines Country Club, Cam Smerdon of Canterbury Woods Country Club, and Matt Millos of Stonebridge Country Club. Another group of four finished at 5-over 77: Christopher Miele and Noah Leclair of Nashua Country Club, River Richer of Laconia Country Club, and Matt Cote of Canterbury Woods Country Club.
The cut line settled at 6-over 78, with Henry DuBois, Matt Moore, Derek Singer, and Kyle Sarausky advancing to a playoff for the final two qualifying positions. Matt Moore and Derek Singer emerged from the playoff to secure the last two spots into the championship field.
With six qualifiers now complete, only one opportunity remains for players to earn their place in the field for New Hampshire’s premier amateur championship.
NH Amateur Qualifer @ Canterbury Woods | Results
