New Hampshire Amateur Championship 2024 Round of 64 Updates

Top Contenders Move On

Rob Henley, the 2024 State Amateur champion, booked his spot in Thursday’s Round of 32 by beating 64th‑seed Matt Gifford 3 and 2. Henley’s victory followed a solid performance that highlighted his consistency from both tee to green. His opponent, a Stonebridge CC member, had earned his place through “The March,” a 10‑player playoff for the final match‑play berths. Henley now joins the field of former champions who are still alive in the tournament.

Defending champion Josiah Hakala, the No. 8 seed, advanced with a dominating 7‑and‑6 win over 57th‑seed Cody Stevens. The 19‑year‑old from New Ipswich jumped to a 4‑up lead after just seven holes, setting the tone for the rest of the match. Hakala’s steady play earned him a place in the next round and reinforced his reputation as a tough competitor in match play. He praised his own approach, noting he doesn’t change much between stroke and match formats.

Other former State Am winners still in contention include John DeVito (2019), Jack Pepin (2023), James Pleat (2020, 2021) and Jim Cilley (2011). In a rare clash of legends, DeVito handed Phil Pleat a 7‑and‑5 defeat, ending the three‑time champion’s run. The victory kept DeVito’s streak alive while adding another chapter to the tournament’s rich history.

Notable Match Details

James Pleat, the fifth seed, navigated a tight contest against No. 60 seed Ben Knott and secured a 4‑and‑2 triumph. The two started on the third hole and shared birdies on the fourth, seventh and eighth before Pleat built a two‑hole cushion after the ninth. Pleat emphasized a simple game plan: “For me, the key is fairways and greens and hit some good wedge shots and try to make some putts as well.” His focus on solid fundamentals helped him prevail.

Dan Arvanitis, the 2001 champion, missed the cut for only the third time in 51 appearances. The longtime Derryfield CC member also failed to qualify when the event was last held at Cochecho CC in 2009, marking a rare dry spell for the veteran. His absence underscores the depth of talent making the field tighter each year.

Full Round of 64 Results

• Rob Henley (Lake Sunapee CC) def. Matt Gifford (Stonebridge CC), 3 and 2
• Colin Brennan (NH Golf e‑Club) def. Tucker Roberto (Manchester CC), 1 up
• Cameron Sheedy (NH Golf e‑Club) def. Seth Gabbaro (Cochecho CC), 2 and 1
• Tommy Ethier (Nashua CC) def. Kevin Strong (Rochester CC), 2 and 1
• Josiah Hakala (Beaver Meadow GC) def. Cody Stevens (Rochester CC), 7 and 6
• Mitch Cormier (NH Golf e‑Club) def. Cameron Salo (The Shattuck GC), 2 and 1
• Taylor Michie (NH Golf e‑Club) def. Scott Rolph (Pease GC), 20 holes
• Kurt Eddins (Cochecho CC) def. Keith Stone, 3 and 2
• Ryan Zetterholm (USGA/NH Golf Club) def. Ryan Martel (Rochester CC), 4 and 2
• Harvin Groft (Candia Oaks) def. Jake Nutter (Derryfield CC), 5 and 4
• Grey Gagnon (Pease GC) def. Paul Torri, 4 and 3
• Jabe Felch (Candia Oaks) def. Craig Steckowych (Portsmouth CC), 4 and 3
• James Pleat (Nashua CC) def. Ben Knott (Baker Hill GC), 4 and 2
• Myles O’Quinn (Portsmouth CC) def. Kory Ferullo (Rochester CC), 4 and 3
• Brett Wilson (The Golf Club of New England) def. Matt Moore (Canterbury Woods CC), 6 and 5
• Mat Gover (Atkinson Resort & CC) def. Owen Himmer (Cochecho CC), 2 and 1
• Jack Pepin (Atkinson Resort & CC) def. Cooper Ladd (USGA/NH Golf Club), 3 and 1
• Reece Bessette (Cochecho CC) def. Joe Leavitt (NH Golf e‑Club), 2 and 1
• John DeVito (603 Brewery) def. Phil Pleat (Nashua CC), 7 and 5
• Austin Baker (NH Golf e‑Club) def. Nick McLaughlin (Wentworth by the Sea CC), 3 and 1
• Damon Salo (The Shattuck GC) def. Ryan Allard (The Golf Club of New England), 1 up
• Nick Sarsfield (Bretwood GC) def. Elliot Wallace (Manchester CC), 19 holes
• Justin Grondahl (NH Golf e‑Club) def. Jake Vaiknoras (NH Golf e‑Club), 2 and 1
• Jim Cilley (Laconia CC) def. Derek Dinwoodie (Farmington CC), 3 and 2
• Andrew Surprenant (Beaver Meadow GC) def. Craig Moran (Nashua CC), 3 and 1
• Gavin Richardson (Concord CC) def. Byron O’Brien (Keene CC), 5 and 4
• Harry Garland (Sky Meadow CC) def. Jon Dumais (Cochecho CC), 4 and 3
• Sam Maurice (Derryfield CC) def. Carter Browning (Passaconaway CC), 2 and 1
• Noah Farland (Laconia CC) def. Jimmy Schouller (Abenaqui CC), 4 and 3
• Travis Banga (Canterbury Woods CC) def. Tyler Lizotte (Sky Meadow CC), 4 and 3
• Kevin Gaynor (Souhegan Woods GC) def. Sam Natti (The Maplewood CC), 1 up
• Bryce Zimmerman (Nashua CC) def. Noah LeClair (Nashua CC), 3 and 1

Round of 32 Tee Times

The next round kicks off early on Thursday morning, with Henley facing Brennan at 7:30 a.m. Sheedy plays Ethier shortly after at 7:38 a.m., followed by Hakala versus Cormier at 7:46 a.m. The schedule continues every two minutes, pairing the remaining survivors through the day. Notable early matchups include Wilson versus Gover at 8:26 a.m. and Pepin versus Bessette at 8:34 a.m. Fans can track live updates as the contenders clash for deeper runs.

The field now features a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talent, each bringing their own story to the historic event. With the defending champion still in the mix and several former champions active, the tournament promises high‑stakes golf and compelling narratives. Stay tuned for more updates as the competition tightens and the hunt for the next State Amateur title continues.