For the 42nd straight year the NHC/NEPGA is holding it annual Chapter Championship at the beautiful North Conway CC. The event kicked off Sunday with the Pro Member that everyone always looks forward to. There were 5 players on Sunday that shot in the 60’s, but that round doesn’t matter as the tournament play began Monday.
The event has two divisions that are played during the competition. On Tuesday a NHC Champions and NHC Senior Champion will be crowned. Twenty seven players are vying for the Championship, while 15 are in play for the Senior Championship.
The Championship Division saw two players shoot 69 to take the lead on the first day. Jay Pollini of Ridgewood made 4 birdies and 2 bogies to come away with that score. Dan Wilkins of Laconia also made 4 birdies and 2 bogies to shoot that 69. They will tee off on Tuesday tied for the lead in their quest to come away with the Championship. Sitting 1 stroke behind the leaders with a 1 under 70 was Rico Riciputi of Wentworth by the Sea. In 4th place was Jason Sedan from Lake Winnipesaukee, he shot an even par 71. Joining him in 4th place with a 71 was last years Champion Matt Arvanitis of SNHU. Nick Desjardins of Nashua CC and Steve Hausmann of Amherst CC shot 72’s to tie for 6th day after day one. Rounding out the top 10 were Rochester CC’s Mitch Jefferson and The Oaks Craig McLaughlin were tied for 8th with 73’s, in 1oth were Atkinsons Danny Kish and Atkinson Tom Smith.
Day 2 brought some exciting golf which saw 5 players shoot in red numbers to make a charge for the championship. Matt Arvanitis shot the best round of the day in the championship division shooting a 3 under 68 on this hot steamy day. That was enough to crown him as the 2021 NHC/NEPGA Champion. This is Matt’s 2nd consecutive 1st place finish and the 4th time he has held up the trophy. Jason Sedan came in with more strong play shooting a 1 under 70 to tie for 2nd with Nick Desjardins, who shot a 2 under 69 on day 2. Dan Wilkins also tied for second after shooting a 1 over on the 2nd day to also end up 1 under par. Steve Hausmann and Jay Pollini came in at the 36 hole total of even par to tied for 5th. Jason Malcolm made the biggest charge of the day shooting a 3 under 68 to move up the leaderboard and tie for 7th place. He was joined by Dan Kish with a 69 and Rico Riciputi (73).
In the Senior Division Bill Andrews of Portsmouth shot a 3 under 68 to take the first day lead. He carded 5 birdies and 2 bogies to post that score. Local favorite Bob McGraw of Eagle Mountain came with a 69 to end up 1 shot behind the lead. He made 5 birdies, with 1 double bogie to be a close second. Geoff Williams of Scottish Highlands was in 3rd posting a 72. Vince Molesky of Stonebridge CC scored a 73 to be 5 shots behind.
The Senior Division saw Bill Andrews continue his strong play, coming in with another 68 to end up with a minus -6 total. His round was much like the 1st round making 4 birdies and 1 bogie in the second round. Bob McGraw and Geoff Williams came in with a 2 day total of 2 over par to tie for 2nd. Jon Ellis of The Oaks shot a second day 73 to pass some other players and end up in 4th place.
This was another great time at North Conway CC for the Championship. Myself and the players would like to thank our Partners for this event. Avida Bank, PGA Tour, Davis & Towle Insurance Group, Central Insurance Companies, and NE Golf Cars were key contributors, making this a special couple of days in the North Country.
The NCCC Staff, Members, and volunteers all make this a memorable time the the NHC PGA Professionals. We can’t thank you enough for the things you all do and did to make this years Championship another memorable one. We can’t wait till next year.
The next NHC/NEPGA event will be at Portsmouth CC on Monday for the Pro Pro Championship.
Bill Andrews of Portsmouth CC shot a 3 under 68 to take the lead in the senior division
Chris Mowers of Nippo Lake watches one intensely go toward the hole.
Alex Kirk of Dartmouth College and former Senior Champion, hits one to the 8th green.
Jay Pollini of Ridgewood rolls one in on the 16 hole in the first round. He shot a 2 under 69 to be tied for the lead after day 1.
Matt Arvanitis tees off the first hole on day 2. He shot 68 to end up -3 to take the championship.
The Monday shoot-out always brings out the NCCC Members to watch.
Dan WIlkins watches his chip shot on the 11th hole.