Present, Future Represented at 105th Junior Amateur
By Joe McDonald
RIGA Senior Writer
PAWTUCKET – While all eyes were on a pair of defending champions, there were more twists and turns during Round 1 of the 105th Junior Amateur Championship Monday at Pawtucket Country Club.
Olivia Williams, the two-time girls’ champion, shot even-par 73 to finish as the medalist. Max Jackson, who is attempting to win four straight boys’ championships, shot 1-under 68. He finished one stroke behind medalist Quinn Dumas, who nearly shot a 66, but couldn’t convert a birdie putt on No. 18. His 67 included four birdies and only two bogeys.
“It means a lot to play in a state event. I didn’t play in the State Amateur this year, didn’t make it, but state events are always fun, so it was a great time,” said Dumas, of Wannamoisett Country Club. “I just hit the ball really well and hit a couple of putts here and there. Got up-and-down when I needed to, just a good round.”
Dumas will face Nick Emery, of Pawtucket CC, which should be a featured match. Dumas’ mindset is simple as he prepares for match play.
“Hit greens, hit fairways and hopefully knock a few putts in – that’s it,” he said.
All players needed to grind through wet conditions, but the course is in phenomenal shape.
“Conditions were good,” Dumas said. “Even though they were soaked the greens were nice. They were fast. Fairways were good, bunkers were good – the course was really good for how wet it was.”
Williams kept Barrington’s Lily Dessel, of Rhode Island CC, at bay by one stroke with her 1-over 74. Claire McTaggart, of RICC, finished third (4-over 77), while Kirkbrae’s Adriana Eaton shot 5-over 78 for fourth place.
“I feel like I played pretty good,” Williams said. “I stayed pretty steady. I stayed focused and had fun . . . I feel a little nervous (as defending champion) and there are a lot of great competitors, but I’m just going to try and stay focused and take one shot at a time, especially going into match play.”
Jackson only had one bogey on the round, two birdies and finished with nine consecutive pars on the back. He understands with match play beginning Tuesday he’ll need to be more consistent with the putter. It also helps that Pawtucket CC is Jackson’s home course.
“I was leaving myself in good spots when I was missing. I was just short of the green a few times on the back and I knew not to get above these pins because it can get real ugly. The greens were pretty fast today, so leaving it in (certain) spots is crucial,” Jackson said. “If you’re hitting it well, you’re going to play well out here. There aren’t many secrets.”
The mindset going into match play doesn’t change much for Jackson.
“We’re going to move back a tee box, so it gets much narrower back there, so I think it’s going to help knowing all these tee shots. I’m going to be able to get more risky going at pins. You’re going to need to make birdies to beat these guys, because there are so many good players.”
Jackson will face Sam Perry, of Kirkbrae CC in the Round of 16.
Four other players joined Jackson at T2 in the boys’ division, including Sam Fuentes (North Kingstown CC), Drew MacLeod (Wannamoisett), Rocco Capalbo (Shelter Harbor) and Ian Dunham (Fenner Hill).
Dunham, who will be a freshman at Franklin Pierce University, will face Will Owens Tuesday, which should be another featured match.
“My putter definitely saved my round. I made well over 150 feet worth of putts,” he said with a laugh. “I made a couple of long ones, but the putter saved me and I got up-and-down when I needed to for par . . . I love playing in this event, but it’s only my second time. I played my sophomore year, didn’t play great, but I wasn’t as good of a player then, and last year I was at a tournament at Doral in Miami. I’m happy to be back, happy to play well and be able to compete in the Championship Division.”
He credits his increased confidence around the course as one factor for his better play the last couple of years and hopes it continues during the match-play portion of this championship.
“A lot more confidence and a lot less nerves,” he said. “Just go out there, play your game and see what happens.”
Dunham, who admits he plays a conservative game, said he needs to be more aggressive during match play.
Tuesday “I’ll be able to play a lot more confident, play aggressive and hopefully get the job done,” he said.
Another highlight of the day was the Boys’ Under-14 Division that featured some impressive rounds. Mitch McTaggart, of RICC, and Raj Mammen, of Warwick CC, both shot 9-over 78s. The last group of Round 1 showcased two of the youngest players in the field -- Weylin Lynch, 11, of Wannamoisett, and Huck Quinlan, 8, of Warwick CC. The boys hit impressive first tee shots and kept it rolling for 18 holes, finishing with a 104 and 105, respectively.
