HINGHAM, MA — The Massachusetts Chapter of the New England PGA brought a record-setting field to Black Rock Country Club on September 15th for the Massachusetts Chapter Championship.
PGA Life Member Kirk Hanefeld put on a display of ageless brilliance, navigating the championship layout with a 5-under par 66 to secure a two-stroke victory and capture his third Massachusetts Chapter Championship title (’19, ’22, ’26). The highlight of the day came on the scorecard, as the 70-year-old Hanefeld shot four strokes lower than his age. He jump-started his round with four front-nine birdies on the 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 7th holes to turn in a blistering 4-under 32. After adding another birdie on the 11th, Hanefeld answered his lone bogey of the day on the 12th with a birdie on the 15th to close out a flawless 34 on the inward half.
A crowded pack finished tied for second place at 3-under par 68. Kyle Puzzo of Weston Golf Club put together a brilliant back-nine 32 to surge up the standings and held the lead for most of the day. He was later matched by the 68s turned in by Jeff Martin of Wollaston Golf Club (35-33) and Rich Berberian of Vesper Country Club (34-34).
Athan Goulos of Pure Drive Golf took solo fifth place with a 2-under par 69, fueled by a 32 on the back nine. Rounding out the under-par performers in a tie for sixth at 1-under par 70 were Shamus Landers of Franklin Country Club, Jeff Stewart of Sandbaggers Practice Range, and Eric Barlow of Winchester Country Club. Both Stewart and Barlow matched the day’s low back-nine score with matching 32s to vault into the top ten.
The Massachusetts Chapter extends its sincere appreciation to Host Professionals Mark Gammons, PGA, and Jack Green, PGA, as well as the entire staff at Black Rock Country Club for their warm hospitality and for presenting a facility in magnificent competitive condition for our record field of PGA Professionals.
We would also like to express our gratitude to our partners—Branded Bills, Cobra Puma Golf, the PGA Tour, and Tournament Solutions—for their continued support, generosity, and commitment to the Chapter throughout the season.