CRANSTON, R.I. – The New England PGA Section kicked off the 2026 Assistants Championship, hosting round 1 on Monday, September 21st at Alpine Country Club in Cranston, Rhode Island. This event is a qualifier for the PGA of America’s National Assistants Championship. Baystate Financial proudly sponsors our Baystate Financial Final Five. The national tournament will be held from November 12-15, 2026 at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, FL. The top 5 non-exempt eligible finishers in the NEPGA Assistants Championship will gain entry into the National Championship. Four alternates will also be identified.
Ryan Riley of Golf Academy of New England leads the way following the opening round of the 2026 NEPGA Assistants Championship, carding a 3-under, 69 to sit alone at the top of the leaderboard. Riley put together a strong opening round, recording four birdies on his way to a 69. His four-birdie performance helped him secure a one-stroke advantage heading into the next round.
Arthur Griffin of Eastward Ho! sits just one stroke behind Riley at 2-under, 68, sharing second place. Griffin’s opening-round 68 puts him firmly in contention heading into the next round as he looks to close the gap on the leader. With just one stroke separating him from Riley, Griffin remains within striking distance of the top spot.
Nick Bates of Worcester Country Club is also tied for second at 2-under, 68, matching Griffin’s opening-round score. Bates joins Griffin one shot behind Riley, creating a tightly contested leaderboard after the first round. With Riley at 3-under and Griffin and Bates at 2-under, the second round will set the stage for an exciting battle at the top of the leaderboard.
Round 2 of the 2026 NEPGA Assistants Championship is set to return to Alpine Country Club tomorrow Tuesday, September 22. 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.