STRATFORD, Connecticut – In eight of the last nine years, a boys’ team from Massachusetts or Connecticut has taken home the New England Junior Amateur Championship. That theme continues to hold strong after the first 36 holes on day one, as Team Connecticut is in first with a combined score of 13-under par, and Team Massachusetts in second with a score of eight over par.
Leading the way for Team Massachusetts was James Imai. He currently sits at 2-under par for the tournament, with first and second round scores of 2-under 68 and even par 70. Imai is in a tie for fourth headed into the final round. Included in the top ten from Team Massachusetts as well is Weston Jones. Jones recorded a 1-under 69 in his first round, and a 1-over 71 in his second to sit at even par for the tournament after his first two rounds, good enough for solo eighth currently. Trevor Lopez is also just outside the top ten, sitting in solo 11th at 2-over par for the championship. Lopez shot 1-under 69 in his first round and 3-over 73 in his second.
This year is the first-year girls have been included in the New England Junior, with three representatives from each state competing in the division. Currently, team Rhode Island leads the event with a combined score of nine over par. Leading the way for Team Massachusetts is Mia Dang, as she shot both a first and second round 81. “I think the addition of a girl’s competition to this championship has added a wonderful dynamic to the team atmosphere and event overall,” said Harris. “All of our players have represented Mass Golf and themselves as individuals extremely well this week.”
“Walking 36 holes is a lot of golf in one day,” said Harris. “I thought they handled it beautifully. The camaraderie on this team has been great to see and they’re a very enjoyable group to be around. Mill River Country Club has been a great host, we’re looking forward to a strong finish to the tournament tomorrow.”
For complete coverage of the NEGA Junior Amateur Invitational, visit NEGA.org or follow NEGA Golf on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @NEGAGolf. To join the conversation, use the hashtag #NEJunior.
