Cranston, R.I. – The New England PGA Section kicked off the 2024 NEPGA National Car Rental Assistants Championship, hosting round 1 on Monday, July 1st at Alpine Country Club in Cranston, Rhode Island. This event is a qualifier for the PGA of America’s National Assistants Championship.  The national tournament will be held on November 14-17, 2024 at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, FL.  The top 6 non-exempt eligible finishers in the NEPGA Assistants Championship will gain entry into the National Championship.  Four alternates will also be identified.

LEADERBOARD | PHOTO GALLERY

Rich Berberian, PGA (Vesper CC) currently sits in first place overall, as he shot 4-under, 68, through the opening 18 holes. Liam Friedman, PGA (Wollaston GC) is close behind, at 3-under, 69.

Berberian made three birdies on the front nine, including two par-5s (holes 4 & 8). He made the turn at 1-under. He went on to post four more birdies on the back, his final birdie came on the par-4 17th hole, to secure the lead.

Friedman finished round 1 with eight birdies on his scorecard. He was even at the turn and added four birdies and one bogey on the back to finish the opening round at 3-under, in solo second place.

Greg Kelly, PGA (Myopia Hunt Club) rounded out the top three, shooting 2-under, 70, to finish the first round in third place overall. Kelly had a clean scorecard, posting two birdies, on holes 15 and 17, and parring the rest.

Round 2 is set to be hosted back at Alpine CC on Tuesday, July 2nd. Thank you to our partners, Vineyard Vines, Srixon/Cleveland/Asics, PGA Tour, and National Car Rental. A tremendous thank you goes out to Director of Golf, Nate Adelson and the entire Alpine Country Club staff for serving as host of the Championship.