York, Maine – Maine may bill itself as Vacationland, but John McNeill (Amateur Golf Tour of NE, MA) is traveling for business, and that business is the dogged pursuit of a second New England Senior Amateur Championship title. The leaderboard is bunched up, nine players found their way into red figures on day one at The Ledges Golf Club, but McNeill stands alone at the top after a three-under round of 69. The 2021 champion set the tone on his very first hole of the day (the 10th) with a birdie. McNeill would pile on another five birdies the rest of the way.
If McNeill manages to outpace the field again tomorrow, he’ll join a limited group of repeat victors. In the event’s 28-year history, only two players have managed to win twice: Phil Pleat (2016, 2017) and Dave Szewczul (2010, 2011). Should McNeill prevail, it would also mean six consecutive Massachusetts winners.
The path to victory is far from clear. Three players from three different states trail McNeill by one narrow shot. Ralph Michaud (Presque Isle CC, ME), representing the host state, is the low-Mainer by four strokes. Michaud was one of just two players to finish their round bogey-free, though his two birdies bested his fellow square-averse competitor, Rob Parsi (NH Golf e-Club, NH), by one.
Rick Moreau (Vesper CC, MA) went out in 1-over 37, but caught fire when he made the turn, birdieing three of the first four holes on the back-nine. He gave one back on the 14th, but finished strong with a birdie on the par-5 18th, which ranked as the most difficult hole on the day. Chris O’Neill (Pawtucket CC, RI) had it going early with a one-under opening nine, but a double on the 10th quelled the momentum…or did it? O’Neill fought back, birdieing holes 12, 13 and 14, then parred his way in from there to get in the house at 2-under, which also puts him atop the Super Senior leaderboard.
There are plenty of interesting names lingering within a few shots of the lead heading into tomorrow’s final round. 2022 Champion Doug Clapp (Old Sandwich GC, MA) is three shots back after an even par round of 72. Recent Massachusetts Super Senior Amateur Steven Tasho (Thorny Lea GC, MA) birdied the 18th to get into the red. He’s one shot back of O’Neill in the Super Senior standings, alongside Don Reycroft (Poquoy Brook GC, MA).
1- John McNeill (Amateur Golf Tour of NE, MA); -3, 69
T2- Ralph Michaud (Presque Isle CC, ME); -2, 70
T2- Rick Moreau (Vesper CC, MA); -2, 70
T2- Chris O’Neill (Pawtucket CC, RI); -2, 70
Super-Senior
1- Chris O’Neill (Pawtucket CC, RI); -2, 70
T2- Steven Tasho (Thorny Lea GC, MA); -1 71
T2- Donald Reycroft (Poquoy Brook GC, MA); -1, 71
Massachusetts – 1 (-3); John McNeill (Amateur Golf Tour of NE, MA)
Rhode Island – T2 (-2); Chris O’Neill (Pawtucket CC, RI)
Connecticut – T5 (-1); Jason Zaniewski (Watertown GC, CT)
Vermont – T69 (+6); Kim Perry (West Bolton GC, VT)
New Hampshire – T5 (-1); Rob Parsi (NH Golf e-Club, NH)
Maine – T2 (-2); Ralph Michaud (Presque Isle CC, ME)
Not to be confused with Ledges GC in South Hadley, MA, The Ledges Golf Club in York, Maine, opened in 1999. The course was designed by William Bradley Booth, who also designed The Bay Club in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts.
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