Cranston, R.I. – The New England PGA hosted the final round of the 2026 NEPGA Assistants’ Championship on Tuesday, September 22nd at Alpine Country Club Club in Cranston, R.I. The day started cloudy and the cool fall temperatures stuck around for the whole day as high winds picked up throughout 18 holes of golf. Over 150 New England PGA Assistant Golf Professionals came out to compete in the two-day stroke play event, on the hunt for 5 qualifying spots in the PGA of America’s National Assistants Championship which will be held from November 12-15, 2026 at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, FL. Baystate Financial proudly sponsors our Baystate Financial Final Five.
Arthur Griffin of Eastward Ho! captured his second New England PGA Assistants’ Championship title, going back-to-back in 2025 and 2026. He came into round two in a tie for second place at 2-under, just one stroke behind the lead held by Ryan Riley of The Golf Academy of New England.
Griffin posted an impressive five birdies on his scorecard in round 2, including four through the opening nine holes.
Greg Kelly, PGA (The Bay Club) took home solo second place, shooting even-par-73 over the 36 holes. He came into round 2 sitting in 4th place at 1-under, and played a steady round of golf through round 2 to claim second place overall and clinch a qualifying spot in the PGA National Assistants’ Championship.
Allan Lockwood of Boothbay Harbor GC, Liam Friedman, PGA (Wollaston GC), and Riley tied for third place overall, shooting 1-over through the two rounds. Lockwood and Friedman both shot 1-over in round one and even-par-73 in round two, climbing a couple spots up the leaderboard for the final T3 finish. Riley’s 3-under round 1 helped keep him towards the top of the leaderboard as he finished round 2 at 4-over.
Leif Peterson, PGA (The Country Club) posted the low score of round 2 at 2-under. He finished tied for ninth place overall.
“The course was in incredible Championship shape, SO green, thank you to Alpine Country Club for that,” said Griffin. “My putter couldn’t decide if it wanted to be hot or cold today, but I got some to go in. I’m happy to have limped through the door with enough leeway to take it home.”
Congratulations to the five NEPGA Assistant PGA Professionals who gained entry into the 50th Assistant PGA Professional Championship at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, FL from November 12-15, 2026:
Greg Kelly (Bay Club at Mattapoisett)
Allan Lockwood (Boothbay Harbor Country Club)
Liam Friedman (Wollaston Golf Club)
Chan Longfellow (Falmouth Country Club)
Jackson King (Newport Country Club)
The following NEPGA Professionals have been established as the designated five alternates
- Nick Bates (Worcester CC)
- David D’Agostino (Belmont CC)
- Leif Peterson (The Country Club)
- Jack Wehle (The Country Club)
- Jeremy Bershak (Oyster Harbors Club)
Thank you to our valued partners, Donald Ross, Baystate Financial, Srixon/Cleveland/XXIO, Golf Channel, and PGA TOUR, for their continued support of the championship. A tremendous thank you also goes to the Director of Golf Nate Adelson, PGA, and the entire Alpine Country Club staff for graciously hosting the 2026 NEPGA Assistants Championship and helping make the event a success.