FALMOUTH, Maine – The New England PGA Section concluded the 106th NEPGA Section Championship on Wednesday, September 2, with the final round contested at Portland Country Club in Falmouth, Maine. The championship, hosted at Portland Country Club and The Woodlands Club from August 31-September 2, brought together the top PGA Professionals from across New England, all competing for the Thomas Mahan Trophy and the title of NEPGA Section Champion.
Dan Venezio, PGA (Portland Country Club), delivered an incredible performance at his home course to claim the championship title and hoist the Mahan Trophy. After moving into a tie for fourth place following Tuesday’s second round, Venezio carried that momentum into the final round and used the support of his membership and fellow NEPGA Professionals to propel himself to victory.
Venezio secured the championship with a 3-over-par total of 215, closing out the tournament with the best final-round score of the championship, a 1-under-par 69. He opened the week with a 3-over-par 75 at The Woodlands Club before carding a 1-over-par 71 at Portland Country Club in Round 2, putting him in a tie for fourth heading into the final round.
With the championship on the line, Venezio remained composed throughout the final round, posting four birdies and finishing 1-under-par 69. He made birdies on the 13th and 16th holes to help close out his final round and secure the championship by one stroke.
Greg Kelly, PGA (Bay Club at Mattapoisett), finished just one stroke behind Venezio at 4-over-par 216 to claim second place. Kelly remained within striking distance throughout the final round, carding an even-par 36 on the front nine before finishing with a 1-over-par 71. He recorded one birdie and two bogeys on his way to a runner-up finish.
Brendon Ray, PGA (Point Judith Country Club), took third place outright at 7-over-par 219, recording rounds of 74, 71, and 74. Ray finished his final round at 4-over-par, highlighted by a birdie on the 12th hole.
Rounding out the top group, five players finished tied for fourth at 8-over-par 220. Ron Coiro, PGA (Tedesco Country Club), surged on the final day with an even-par 70 after rounds of 73 and 77. Matt Baran, PGA (Portsmouth Country Club), delivered three consistent rounds of 73, 75, and 72. Robert Bruso, PGA (Worcester Country Club), bounced back from a 76 at The Woodlands Club with rounds of 71 and 73 at Portland Country Club. Ed Kirby, PGA (The Aquidneck Club), carded rounds of 72, 74, and 74, while Seul-Ki Hawley, PGA (Winchester Country Club), finished with rounds of 72, 73, and 75.
The 106th NEPGA Section Championship also served as a qualifier for the 2027 PGA Professional Championship, with 13 spots up for grabs among the field. Rich Berberian Jr., PGA, is exempt from qualifying for the championship. The event will be held at Streamsong Golf Resort in Bowling Green, FL from April 25-28, 2027. The following NEPGA Professionals will compete, representing the Section on a National stage:
QUALIFIERS
1 Dan Venezio Portland Country Club 75-71-69–215 +3
2 Greg Kelly Bay Club at Mattapoisett 70-75-71–216 +4
3 Brendon Ray Point Judith Country Club 74-71-74–219 +7
T4 Ron Coiro Tedesco Country Club 73-77-70–220 +8
T4 Matt Baran Portsmouth Country Club 73-75-72–220 +8
T4 Robert Bruso Worcester Country Club 76-71-73–220 +8
T4 Ed Kirby The Aquidneck Club 72-74-74–220 +8
T4 Seul-Ki Hawley Winchester Country Club 72-73-75–220 +8
T9 Billy Hemstock Nantucket Golf Club 77-70-74–221 +9
T9 Jeff Martin Wollaston Golf Club 75-72-74–221 +9
T11 Dale Abraham Cape Arundel Golf Club 76-74-72–222 +10
T11 David D’Agostino Belmont Country Club 72-77-73–222 +10
T11 Zane Johnson Bald Peak Colony Club 72-74-76–222 +10
* Rich Berberian, Jr. Vesper CC (Exempt)
ALTERNATES – IN ORDER
T11 Liam Friedman Wollaston Golf Club 74-73-75–222 +10
T15 Andrew Stolze Club at New Seabury, The 74-76-73–223 +11
T15 Curt Goldsberry The Quechee Club 75-74-74–223 +11
T15 Nick Lombardi Salem Country Club 73-75-75–223 +11
T15 Shawn Warren Bates College 77-75-71–223 +11
The 106th NEPGA Section Championship showcased outstanding competition across two challenging Maine courses and culminated in a memorable home-course victory for Venezio.
The New England PGA Section extends its sincere appreciation to Portland Country Club and The Woodlands Club, along with Dan Venezio, PGA, Jan Murken, PGA, and their entire staffs, for hosting an outstanding 106th NEPGA Section Championship. Their hospitality, preparation, and support helped make the championship a memorable week for all involved.
The NEPGA Section also thanks its championship partners and sponsors for their continued support, including Club Car, Corebridge Financial, Rolex, Titleist, FootJoy, Callaway Golf, TaylorMade, Nike Golf, Bay State Financial, StrackaLine, GT Golf Supply, Ahead, Gallagher, Golf Channel, Ship Sticks, and the PGA TOUR.