Field is set for the 118th Rhode Island Amateur
By Joe McDonald
RIGA Senior Writer
HOPE VALLEY – After three qualifying rounds at Cranston Country Club, Segregansett Country Club and Fenner Hill Golf Club, along with 89 exemptions, the field is finally set for the 118th Rhode Island Amateur Championship.
Currently, 111 players will compete for the State Championship July 10-14 at Montaup Country Club, but only one will have his name etched onto the legendary trophy in 2023.
Eben Byers won the first Rhode Island Amateur in 1902 at Wannamoisett. Daniel Fairchild posted six State Championships between 1907 and 1921. Robert W. Allen won five times between 1949 and 1960. John Burke (1934-38) and Brad Valois (2006-13) each won it four times. The Amateur Championship was not played 1942-45 due to World War II.
Then, of course, there's Cameron P. Quinn, who is considered by many to be one of the best local amateur golfers. He won the R.I. Amateur five times (1956, 1962, 1966, 1967 and 1971). He also won the prestigious Northeast Amateur twice at Wannamoisett Country Club.
Tommy McCormick, who won in 2005, has been an advocate for golf in Rhode Island and understands the impact of the Rhode Island Amateur.
“It’s a huge historical significance to win the Rhode Island Amateur for many reasons,” McCormick said. “Rhode Island has been graced with some of the best to play the game both locally and nationally. To have the opportunity to put your name beside people who have accomplished so much, not only in the game, but for the game, is a tremendous honor and should not be taken for granted. It’s crazy to think that this tournament has been going on for nearly 120 years and all it has endured – world wars, pandemics, depressions – and how far the game has come in that period. A big thank you to all who have contributed over the last 118 years to making the RIGA what it is today. Hopefully the next 120-plus years will experience the same growth.”
Kevin Blaser is the defending Amateur Champion.
“I’m just happy that my name is alongside the great players that have also marked their names in history, as well as being the first RIGA Amateur Champion out of Segregansett Country Club is also pretty cool,” he said.
Michael Hamilton finished as the runner-up in 2022 and he’s looking forward to his opportunity to make history this summer.
“The names on the list are so significant in the game of golf,” he said. “It’s not every day you have the chance to have your name on the same trophy.”
The qualifier at Fenner Hill showcased a father-son duo. Max Jackson, who is the two-time defending Rhode Island Junior Amateur Champion and earned an exemption to the Rhode Island Amateur, caddied for his father, Gregg.
In fact, he eagled No. 8 and gave Max most of the credit. Gregg stood in the rough 74 yards out on the par 5 when Max told him to play it 62. The ball landed in front of the green and started to roll up. Max raised his arms in the air before the ball dropped into the hole. They celebrated with hug.
Since Gregg finished 5-over 77 Wednesday he'll be able to compete for the same trophy as his son.
“It would be awesome,” Gregg said of the possibility to play against his son in the match play portion of the Amateur Championship. “Today was a blast having him on the bag. It was so fun.”
Max defeated his father when the two played against each other in the Pawtucket Country Club championship. He's hoping for another match with the State Amateur on the line.
“The fact that they let juniors play in it is really cool,” Max said. “It’s one of, if not the most important event on my calendar and I look forward to it every year. I’m fortunate enough to be exempt a few years in a row, so not having to go through this stressful day is nice. I love playing in it and all my good friends play in it. If I come across (my dad) in match play it would be super cool and hilarious. I’m excited.”