STRATFORD, Connecticut – For the second year in a row, Team Connecticut has taken home the 50th New England Junior Amateur Championship. After 36 holes on Monday, there was a 21 stroke difference between first and second place to start the day. Team Massachusetts improved to a combined two over par to finish the tournament, which was not enough to beat Team Connecticut’s final score of 15-under par.
“It was really great to watch how our team competed again today,” said Massachusetts Head Coach Kyle Harris. “Several individuals improved on their rounds from yesterday. It was especially fun to watch James Imai make a run at the leader, that was some excellent golf.”
Finishing tied in second place for Team Massachusetts was James Imai. He finished with a final round score of 6-under par for the tournament, posting a 66 for the day. Imai was one of two to post a final round score of 6-under and only one back of the individual champion, Ben James (CT). After shooting a final round 2-under 68, it was enough for the champion to hold off both James Imai and Chris Fosdick (CT). Included in the top ten from Team Massachusetts as well is Weston Jones. Jones recorded a 2-over 72 in his final round and finished tied 10th for the tournament. Mac Lee completed the tournament just outside the top ten with a 3-under 67, placing in solo 12th.
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. Team Rhode Island took the trophy this year, posting a combined score of 11 over par. Finishing with the best score for Team Massachusetts is Mia Dang, as she shot a final round score of 79 and finishing the tournament 25 over par.
“For Mia to put together three consistent rounds and record a top-10 finish as the youngest member of our squad was great to see,” said Harris.
The individual winner for the girls was Allison Paik (RI), who posted a 54 hole score of 4 over par. Paik shot 76 and 74 in her first two rounds and continued to lower her score on the final day with a 2-under 70. There was no stopping Allison Paik as she recorded five birdies in the final round.
“The NEGA put on another great event,” said Harris. “I think all of our kids were proud to be a part of it.”
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.
