By Steve Derderian
sderderian@massgolf.org
NORTON, Massachusetts (November 22, 2024) – Celebrating top amateur golf achievements in the Bay State, Mass Golf has revealed its 2024 Player of the Year Awards, presented by Delta Air Lines.
Among the top recipients is Matt Parziale of Thorny Lea Golf Club, who added to his illustrious legacy as one of the state’s all-time greats by capturing the prestigious Richard D. Haskell Player of the Year title for a record-tying ninth time, matching Hall of Famer Frank Vana, Jr. Megan Buck, also of Thorny Lea, earned the Anne Marie Tobin Women’s Player of the Year honor for the second time in three years following an exceptional season.
Since 1976, Mass Golf’s Player of the Year Awards have highlighted standout performances from competitors across state, regional, national, and USGA events. For 2024, eight awards will be presented, marking a tradition of excellence and celebrating the dedication and skill of Massachusetts’ finest golfers.
Delta Air Lines, the official airline partner of Mass Golf and presenting sponsor of these awards, is the No. 1 global airline out of Boston. Each recipient of the award will receive the opportunity to see the world via the official airline partner of Mass Golf.
MATT PARZIALE (Home Club: Thorny Lea Golf Club, Brockton; Hometown: Brockton)
MEGAN BUCK (Home Club: Thorny Lea Golf Club, Brockton; Hometown: North Easton)
LILLIAN GULESERIAN (Home Club: Blue Hill Country Club, Canton; Hometown: Westwood)
CJ WINCHENBAUGH (Home Club: Oyster Harbors Club, Barnstable; Hometown: Weston)
PAMELA KUONG (Home Club: Charles River Country Club, Newton; Hometown: Wellesley Hills)
DOUG CLAPP (Home Club: Old Sandwich Golf Club, Plymouth; Hometown: Plymouth)
STEVEN TASHO (Home Club: Thorny Lea Golf Club, Brockton; Hometown: North Easton)
MEGAN BUCK (Home Club: Thorny Lea Golf Club, Brockton; Hometown: North Easton)
>>Richard D. Haskell Player of the Year – 707 Points (Standings + Results)
After a season defined by unexpected hurdles and a newfound joy in the game, Matt Parziale captured his ninth Mass Golf Player of the Year (POY) award, tying Frank Vana, Jr. for the all-time record.
Though the title is familiar territory for Parziale, his journey to it this year was anything but usual.
Facing health obstacles that led to significant swelling and weight gain just days before the Massachusetts Amateur Championship in July at Framingham Country Club, he was unsure if he’d even make it to the first tee, let alone finish the event.
“I didn’t know if I could finish,” Parziale said. “But I trusted my process—I didn’t change much, even if I felt off.”
Despite the physical toll, Parziale fought through the challenges and made it all the way to the semifinals against eventual champion Matt Naumec. While Naumec got the best of him in the semifinal, Parziale stayed true to his resilient nature. “That’s what I hang my hat on—not giving up, giving myself a chance.”
Returning to Hazeltine National Golf Club for the U.S. Amateur was another milestone, nearly 20 years after his first appearance there. Qualifying again was not just a trip down memory lane but a new achievement in its own right. “To go back and give it another try was special,” he reflected, noting how much he enjoyed competing at one of his favorite courses. Surrounded by a competitive field of rising talent, Parziale relished the experience, grateful for the opportunity to revisit his roots in golf.
Beyond these signature events, Parziale consistently accumulated points across New England and regional tournaments. He finished second with Herbie Aikens in a twilight playoff finish to the Massachusetts Four-Ball Championship. He also competed in the prestigious Crump Cup at Pine Valley, and this fall, he won the John R. Williams Four-Ball Invitational with 2020 Player of the Year Nick Maccario at Oak Hill Country Club (NY), the site of the 2023 PGA Championship.
His commitment to staying on his game has kept him anchored, backed by a trusted circle of friends and mentors.
“I stick to my process. If I’ve been off, I’m not changing much, just trusted myself,” Parziale said. “I’ve had more fun playing these last two years than ever before.”
This ninth POY award solidifies Parziale’s standing as one of the best Massachusetts natives to play the game and further proves his ability to compete at an extremely high level, which adds to his ever-expanding legacy.
For the second time in three years, Megan Buck has earned the Mass Golf Anne Marie Women’s Player of the Year Award. She also earned the Women’s Mid-Amateur Award for the third time, having tallied the best cumulative score in the four rounds of stroke play between the Massachusetts Women’s Amateur Championship and the Massachusetts Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship.
A model of consistency and resilience, Buck’s season was marked by standout performances, steady improvement, and a memorable victory at her home course of Thorny Lea Golf Club.
“This year felt like a collection of the whole season,” Buck said. “I was able to play steady and finish strong. To be mentioned among the other players of the year makes you really appreciate it.”
Buck’s campaign was highlighted by her triumph at the Massachusetts Women’s Mid-Amateur in September. Playing on familiar turf at Thorny Lea, she capped off her season with a thrilling victory, clinching the title with a memorable double-breaking birdie putt on the 18th, drawing massive applause from spectators on the clubhouse porch.
“That was a special moment,” Buck recalls. “I didn’t know how much of a lead I had. My goal was just to knock that putt close. Halfway to the hole, I thought, ‘I guess it’s going in.’ To win at Thorny Lea, where I’ve spent so much time, made it even more meaningful.”
In addition to her Mid-Am title, Buck also was in the spotlight on the national stage. She claimed medalist honors at the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Qualifying, earning a spot at Brae Burn Country Club. There, she hit the event’s opening tee shot from the 9th hole, earned a spot in match play, and captured a Round of 64 victory, with many of the local supporters alongside to cheer her along. That support also included her father, Brad Buck, who was carrying the bag.
Buck and her closest friend and competitor Shannon Johnson (a 5-time winner of this award) teamed up to win their fifth straight Massachusetts Women’s Four-Ball Championship together. They also competed in the U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball as teammates. While they’ve gone head-to-head in several past events, for the first time, they ended up facing off in the Massachusetts Women’s Amateur at Taconic Golf Club, with Buck prevailing in the Round of 16. Buck also got the nod between them in the Mass Women’s Mid-Amateur.
Coming into 2024, Buck approached the season with a fresh perspective. After a challenging 2023, she shifted her focus to enjoying the game, embracing the balance between competition and camaraderie.
“One of my main goals was to go in with a positive attitude,” she explained. “At the end of the day, I’m an amateur golfer. I’m doing this in my free time for fun. Taking time off work to play these events, you have to enjoy it.”
This mindset was paired with a commitment to physical improvement. Working with trainer James Ashcroft at Tour Physio, Buck gained strength and flexibility, which translated into improved confidence with her driver.
“Distance is such an important part of the game,” Buck noted. “Last year, I was being cautious, but it wasn’t paying off. This year, I worked hard on my swing, and it made a big difference.”
Buck’s journey was supported by her family, friends, and the broader golf community. Reflecting on her win at Thorny Lea and performance at Brae Burn, she recalled the joy of seeing familiar faces along the course as they watched yet another great in the long list of standouts from the Brockton club doing what she does best.
“Thorny Lea is such a special place,” she said. “To see my name added to the list of champions there is really cool. It’s humbling to be part of that history.”
Lillian Guleserian grew up in a tennis-playing family, but it didn’t take long for her to realize her true calling wasn’t on the court. By the time she picked up a golf club, her swing was making a much bigger impact than her serve ever could.
Now, the Westwood High School senior and Penn State University commit is celebrating her first Mass Golf Girls’ Junior Player of the Year Award after a season filled with standout moments and steady growth.
“It means so much,” Guleserian said of the honor. “Playing with great players all year and then winning this award—it means everything.”
Guleserian’s season was defined by consistency and improvement, qualities she focused on from the start. “My goal this year was to put in consistent scores,” she said. “Before, I’d have one good round followed by one in the 80s. This year, I felt like I made real progress.”
Her résumé speaks to that progress. She was co-medalist in the Massachusetts Girls’ Junior Amateur Championship, making a run to the match-play finale, where she came up short against Xavier University’s Isabel Brozena. Guleserian also placed third overall at the New England Women’s Amateur Championship. She also earned top-three finishes in the New England Junior Amateur Championship and the New England Interscholastic Golf Championship.
Despite the accolades, Guleserian’s growth went beyond numbers. Improving her short game was a focal point. “I spent so much time on the putting green when I wasn’t competing,” she said. “Even if I missed a green in regulation, I felt confident I could get up and down.”
One of Guleserian’s most memorable moments came at the Mass Golf Invitational Qualifier at Worcester Country Club. She earned a coveted spot in the Monday qualifier for the FM Championship at TPC Boston, where she competed alongside budding professionals.
“Playing with pros was such a cool experience,” she said. “It was good for my confidence to see that I can compete, even though I didn’t play my best. It’s something I’ll never forget.”
From U.S. Kids tournaments to NEPGA events and Mass Golf championships, her journey has been one of steady dedication and growth. As she looks ahead to Penn State, Guleserian is ready for the next chapter of her golf career.
“This year was such a great foundation,” she said. “Winning this award gives me so much confidence as I prepare for what’s next.”
>>Christopher Cutler Rich Junior Player of the Year – 671 Points (Standings + Results)
Great golfers rise to the moment, and CJ Winchenbaugh turned his final year of junior golf into something extraordinary.
The Georgetown University freshman didn’t just string together solid performances—he gave young golfers something to aspire to, highlighted by capturing both the New England Amateur and New England Junior Amateur championships.
By earning the coveted Christopher Cutler Rich Mass Golf Player of the Year title, he confirmed his spot as one of the region’s brightest young talents. His remarkable final round at the New England Amateur, highlighted by an albatross, an 11-under-par score, and a walk-off birdie putt in a playoff, is regarded as one of the tournament’s greatest finishes.
“It was one of those days where everything felt right,” Winchenbaugh said. “Sometimes, you get into a groove, and nothing can get you out of it.”
The road to Player of the Year wasn’t without its challenges. Winchenbaugh came into the summer determined to build on past successes, using certain setbacks to fuel his fire. Disappointments at the Massachusetts Junior Amateur and Massachusetts Amateur Championships, where he didn’t meet his expectations, only sharpened his resolve. “The lows taught me to trust my game,” he said, crediting those moments for helping him perform at his best in subsequent tournaments.
Finishing second-low amateur in his first Massachusetts Open and a Round of 16 appearance at the U.S. Junior Amateur further underscored his ability to compete at the highest levels. Along the way, he faced elite fields filled with older and more experienced players, gaining invaluable lessons in keeping his swing consistent, particularly in front of large crowds. “Playing with collegiate-level guys showed me how much more I can add to my game,” he said.
For Winchenbaugh, this recognition is about more than just trophies. “Golf is a game of consistency,” he said. “Winning this award shows that I’ve been able to perform across different events and challenges. It’s special to know I made my mark.”
Looking ahead, Winchenbaugh is ready to tackle new goals, from the Northeast Amateur to U.S. Amateur qualifying. His summer was not just a breakout moment—it was a glimpse into the potential of a player who thrives under pressure, relishing those big moments on the course.
>>George M. Cohen Senior Player of the Year – 625 Points (Standings + Results)
If Mass Golf gave out a Comeback Player of the Year Award, it would have gone to Doug Clapp.
Overcoming a debilitating back injury that sidelined him for almost an entire calendar year, Clapp captured the Mass Golf George M. Cohen Senior Player of the Year Award for the first time.
For a golfer whose accolades include a 2013 Player of the Year honor, this latest recognition comes on the heels of a particularly rewarding season. Clapp capped off his comeback by earning his first-ever Mass Golf individual championship win at the Massachusetts Senior Amateur at historic Salem Country Club.
“Pressure is a privilege,” Clapp said, quoting tennis legend Billie Jean King. “To be out there again and in the mix, after what I went through, made this season so much more rewarding.”
In July 2023, during the British Senior Amateur, Clapp suffered a herniated disc that cost him the second half of his season. Despite feeling ready to return in early 2024, another setback in the spring—a strained muscle in the same area—forced him to withdraw from several four-ball and team events that usually kickstart the season.
“I lost April, May, and June,” Clapp said. “I love partner golf, and missing events like the Four-Ball and U.S. Senior Open at Newport was tough. That was the hardest part—being on the sidelines.”
With guidance from Spaulding Rehab specialists and longtime chiropractor Dr. Jay Leith, Clapp developed a regimen to manage his condition. “Jay taught me so much about how to manage my back and keep playing competitively. Even now, it’s about staying diligent and knowing my limits.”
Clapp’s first full tournament back was symbolic—the same British Senior Amateur where his injury had occurred a year earlier. Although he didn’t make the cut, his participation signaled the start of his comeback. Soon after, he nearly claimed victory at the Ouimet Memorial Tournament at Woodland Golf Club, falling just short in an epic six-hole playoff against Frank Vana, Jr. “That playoff at Woodland got things rolling,” Clapp said. “It gave me belief again. Success always helps with momentum.”
Momentum turned into magic at Salem Country Club in late summer. Trailing heading into the final round, Clapp fired a brilliant final round of 2-under-par 69 to capture his first Mass Golf championship. His smart play on the challenging course, combined with clutch putting, secured the breakthrough win.
“You can’t force it at a place like Salem,” he said. “But I struck it well, hit the right spots, and made putts when it mattered. To pull it off and win my first Mass Golf major felt incredible.”
Clapp’s late-season surge also included a top-11 finish in the Senior Porter Cup and an appearance in the U.S. Senior Amateur Championship in Tennessee.
Reflecting on his path forward, Clapp said the priority now is managing his health and planning a smarter competition schedule for next season. If he can do that, he’s confident about his ability to find success on the statewide and national levels.
“Having both a Player of the Year and Senior Player of the Year title, even 11 years apart, is something I deeply appreciate,” he said. “It’s not lost on me, and I’m thankful for my family and friends who’ve supported me through it all.”
For five consecutive years, Kuong has claimed the Mass Golf Women’s Senior Player of the Year award, a streak as consistent as her silky swing, mid-range shots, and short game.
The award, introduced in 2020, has never had another winner—a testament to Kuong’s dominance and dedication.
This year, Kuong captured her fourth Massachusetts Women’s Senior Amateur Championship title in August, battling wet conditions and holding off a stacked field that included Tara-Joy Connelly and Jayne Pardus.
“We had 11-12 women who qualified for USGA events in that field,” Kuong said. It makes you better prepared nationally.”
She wasn’t kidding. About a month later and 3,000 miles away in Seattle, Kuong found herself back in match play at the U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur. Her first opponent: Tara-Joy Connelly, who she beat 5&4. Again defying the odds, she faced Pardus in the next round, with Kuong rallying late but falling short, 2&1. Kuong, who earned an exemption into the U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur, also qualified for the U.S. Senior Women’s Open once again.
Kuong’s season also started strongly in late May when she earned the Connecticut Women’s Open Championship (Senior Division), the first time she’d played at the event. Kuong also finished runner-up in the New England Women’s Amateur (Senior Division).
Kuong also credits her success to her ongoing work with coach Shawn Hester, who helped refine her ball-striking. The improvement showed as a competitor’s caddie during the U.S. Senior Women’s Open gave her the nickname The Hybrid Queen for her precision with longer clubs. Late in the season, her putting began to take form as she went without a three-putt at Mass Women’s Senior Amateur, thanks to tips from fellow standout and Charles River Country Club member James Driscoll.
Despite her accolades, Kuong continues to demonstrate that great success in golf is not always dependent on an early head start.
“Over 15 years ago, I never thought I’d get into competitive golf,” she said. “You’re never too late to start. The success is a bonus—it’s about the people you meet and the courses you play.”
Steven Tasho
>>Super Senior Player of the Year – 539 Points (Standings + Results)
Some players peak once in their careers. Others, like Steven Tasho, redefine what it means to compete with the same intensity across decades.
In 2024, Tasho added another milestone to his storied legacy by winning the Mass Golf Super Senior Player of the Year Award (ages 65+), 43 years after his first Player of the Year title.
Tasho’s 2024 campaign featured a runner-up finish at the Massachusetts Super Senior Amateur Championship at Oak Hill Country Club, low Super Senior honors at the Massachusetts Senior Amateur Championship at Salem Country Club, and a win in the Senior Division at the Amateur Invitational.
Tasho emphasized the role of his family’s support in his golf pursuits. While it didn’t count for points this year, among his proudest moments was winning the Mass Golf Father-Son Tournament with Steven Tasho Jr., their third such title together.
“Competing with my son and having success—it doesn’t get much better than that,” Tasho said. “Winning was just a bonus.”
Tasho’s achievement is part of a historic season for Thorny Lea Golf Club, which became the home of three Mass Golf Player of the Year award winners in 2024. Alongside Megan Buck (Women’s Player of the Year) and Matt Parziale (Player of the Year), Tasho’s success highlighted the deep talent at the club.
“It’s pretty special,” Tasho said. “Having three Player of the Year winners from one club in the same season shows how competitive and supportive we are. It’s a great environment to keep improving.”
Tasho’s golf journey began in 1975, and his ability to stay competitive in senior and super senior events stems from a lifetime of learning and adapting. Despite feeling his putting wasn’t as sharp as in past seasons, his tee-to-green game carried him through, showcasing his decades of disciplined ball-striking.
“Golf is embedded in me,” Tasho said. “I love to compete, and I’ve been lucky to stay competitive for so long. It’s hard to stop when you still feel like you can achieve more.”
While the 2024 Super Senior Player of the Year title is a crowning achievement, Tasho isn’t done yet. With goals still in sight and family and Thorny Lea members cheering him on, he’s eager to keep competing at the highest level.
“It’s been a long time since that first Player of the Year award, but I’m happy to still be out here,” Tasho said. “Massachusetts golf is as deep and competitive as any state, and I’m proud to be part of it.”
Mass Golf is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is dedicated to advancing golf in Massachusetts by building an engaged and inclusive community around the sport.
With a community made up of over 130,000 golf enthusiasts and over 360 member clubs, Mass Golf is one of the largest state golf associations in the country. Members enjoy the benefits of handicapping, engaging golf content, course rating, and scoring services, along with the opportunity to compete in an array of events for golfers of all ages and abilities.
At the forefront of junior development, Mass Golf is proud to offer programming to youth in the state through First Tee Massachusetts and subsidized rounds of golf by way of Youth on Course.
