BOYLSTON, Mass. – Professionals all across the New England Section are preparing to take center stage at the 106th New England PGA Championship, teeing off Monday, August 31st through Wednesday, September 2nd. The latest edition of the championship will return to two of Maine’s finest courses in the greater Portland area; Portland Country Club and The Woodlands Club. These facilities each hosted over a decade ago, where Scott Spence, PGA captured his lone Mahan Trophy as the 2010 champion. Both Portland Country Club and The Woodlands Club have plenty of championship pedigree, hosting two NEPGA Championships as well as over fifteen Maine Amateurs and eight New England Amateurs. While a return to these facilities may be a familiar site for some, both golf courses have seen numerous changes in recent years which will be sure to present a new challenge for those attempting to chase down The Mahan Trophy.
The Championship begins Monday with NEPGA Professionals divided between the two host venues for their opening rounds. Play continues Tuesday as players switch courses, ensuring each Professional navigates their way around both the classic Donald Ross design of Portland Country Club, as well as the difficult Fazio design of The Woodlands Club. Following 36 holes of play, the field will be cut to the top 60 & ties, with remaining Professionals returning to Portland Country Club on Wednesday for the final round. At the conclusion of 54 holes (or maybe more), one Professional will outlast the rest and be crowned the 2026 NEPGA Champion and winner of the prestigious Mahan Trophy.
While NEPGA Professionals are competing hard to finish as the NEPGA Champion, they are also each seeking to earn their ticket to the PGA Professional Championship via a top-13 finish. Those that qualify will be invited to Streamsong Golf Resort for the 2027 PPC, held April 25th to 28th.
While NEPGA Professionals are excited to return to Maine for the first time in over a decade, Portland Country Club and The Woodlands Club are ready to invite all Professionals and spectators into their facilities to witness an unforgettable event.
Portland Country Club is one of New England’s most historic and respected golf venues. The course offers stunning views of Casco Bay while challenging players with strategically placed bunkers, undulating greens, and a layout that rewards precision and thoughtful course management. Blending classic design with modern championship conditions, Portland Country Club provides a fitting stage for the region’s top PGA Professionals to compete for one of New England golf’s most prestigious titles.
“I think for myself personally, as an avid tournament player, it’s just a thrill to be able to host your fellow pros for a great championship… I think they’re going to be blown away by the course conditions and what we’ve done with the facility and how visually striking it is. I think it’s just going to be a wonderful week for everyone to come up to Maine and enjoy three days and get to experience our premier event at two great facilities,” said Head Golf Professional at Portland CC, Dan Venezio, PGA.
The Woodlands Club offers a distinctive championship experience characterized by its pristine conditioning and strategic design. The layout winds through mature forests and natural wetlands, creating a serene setting that challenges golfers at every turn. With risk-reward opportunities, demanding approach shots, and a variety of hole designs, the course tests every aspect of a player’s game. Its reputation for excellence and commitment to providing a first-class golf experience make The Woodlands Club a worthy host for one of the New England PGA’s premier events.
“We are so thrilled, membership and staff alike, to have the honor of hosting this year’s NEPGA Championship alongside Portland Country Club. Our club has a rich history in hosting major championships, and the club is so thrilled and excited to be a part of this and to welcome players to not only the club, but also to Maine,” said Jan Murken, PGA, Director of Golf at The Woodlands Club.
Running concurrently over the first two days of play on Monday, August 31st and Tuesday, September 1st, the Section will also host the 6th NEPGA Women’s Section Championship. Competitors in the women’s division will showcase their talent at both Portland Country Club and The Woodlands Club during 36 holes of competitive stroke play. This championship continues to be an incredible display of talent, providing an outstanding environment for great competition, camaraderie, and networking opportunities with Professionals across the Section.
Previous champions returning to the field for the 106th NEPGA Section Championship in hopes to grab another Mahan Trophy include 5-time champion Rich Berberian Jr., PGA (Vesper CC, ’14, ’15, ’18, ’21, ’23), Frank Dully, PGA (Kernwood CC, ’06), Liam Friedman, PGA (Wollaston GC, ’17, ’22), Kirk Hanefeld, PGA (Life Member, ’00, ’01, ’03), John Hickson, PGA (Northport GC, ’95, ’11), Chip Johnson, PGA (Hatherly GC, ’02), Ed Kirby, PGA (The Aquidneck Club, ’12, ’24, ‘25), and Shawn Warren, PGA (Bates College, ’13. ’19, ’20).
The 106th Section Championship is supported both nationally & locally by Corebridge Financial, Rolex, Club Car, Golf Channel, Gallagher, Titleist/FootJoy, TaylorMade, Nike, Callaway, Baystate Financial, Stracka Line, ShipSticks & the PGA Tour. Their commitment underscores the importance of this event in the golfing landscape.
Portland Country Club and The Woodlands Club are set to host three days of elite competition as the best PGA Professionals in New England compete for the prestigious Mahan Trophy. With months of preparation behind them, the region’s top players will put their skills to the test in pursuit of one of the Section’s most coveted titles. Featuring two outstanding championship venues and a field of accomplished professionals, the 106th New England PGA Section Championship promises to deliver memorable moments and exceptional golf from start to finish.