Manchester, VT – Jackson King of Newport Country Club captured the 2026 Vermont Chapter Match Play Championship on Thursday at Ekwanok Country Club, defeating Sam Holden of Golf Garage VT 1 Up in a tightly contested championship match.
The two-day championship could not have asked for a better setting. Ekwanok was in outstanding condition from start to finish, and the field was greeted by perfect fall weather with clear skies and hardly a cloud to be found across either day.
King entered the week already playing some of his best golf of the season. Just two days earlier, he competed in the 2026 NEPGA Assistants’ Championship at Alpine Country Club, where he earned one of five qualifying spots for the 50th Assistant PGA Professional Championship at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
King carried that momentum into Ekwanok. He opened the championship with a 2&1 victory over Dustin Ribolini before defeating Brennan Earls 3&2 in Wednesday afternoon’s quarterfinal. Returning Thursday morning, King punched his ticket to the final with another 2&1 victory, this time over Kellen Peery.
On the other side of the bracket, Holden put together an impressive run of his own. He opened with an 8&7 victory over Jason Sherman before defeating stroke play champion Curt Goldsberry 2&1 in the quarterfinals. Holden then advanced through Thursday morning’s semifinal with a 4&3 victory over defending champion Kevin Bennison to set up the championship match with King.
The final proved fitting for two players who had been in control throughout the bracket. Neither was able to create much separation, and the championship remained undecided heading to the 18th hole. King ultimately held on for the 1 Up victory, completing a four-match run through the field and claiming the 2026 Vermont Chapter Match Play title.
The Vermont Chapter would like to extend a special thank you to Tom Mackey, PGA, and the entire Ekwanok Country Club staff for once again welcoming the Chapter. With a golf course in tremendous condition, perfect weather and one of Vermont golf’s most special settings, it was an outstanding two days for everyone involved. Ekwanok has long been a highlight of the Vermont Chapter schedule, including as host of the Match Play Championship in recent seasons.
The Chapter would also like to thank W&B Golf Carts and Tee Commerce for their support of this year’s championship and of Vermont PGA Professionals.
Congratulations to Jackson King on capturing the title, Sam Holden on a tremendous run to the championship match, and all 16 professionals who competed at Ekwanok.