2024 Tri-State Matches

By Joe McDonald

RIGA Senior Writer

WORCESTER – History will be made in the heart of the Commonwealth.

The 90^th edition of the Tri-State Matches between Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut began Tuesday morning at the legendary Worcester Country Club. Team Rhode Island hasn’t posted a victory since 2001 when it won at Newport Country Club. It’s been a struggle but this season’s team is the strongest roster in a while for Rhode Island and it hopes to turn the tide on the iconic Worcester CC, which is the home of the first Ryder Cup in 1927 and the 1925 U.S. Open.

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Players enjoyed practice rounds Monday afternoon in preparation for the two-day event. Worcester CC does an incredible job displaying its rich history and players took it all in. There are photos, plaques, newspaper articles and memorabilia in the clubhouse, locker rooms, pro shop and throughout the course.

“The history, the first Ryder Cup (played here) is pretty cool,” said Rhode Island’s Jonathan Pannone. “To compete in a team event, representing the state and playing against the best players from Massachusetts and Connecticut, I’m pumped. I’m a big history guy and it’s so fun being able to play these places in any event, but a team event where the greats of the game played is cool.”

Connecticut arrived as the defending champion, but Massachusetts has won three of the last four titles. The top 10 mid-amateurs and six seniors (55 and over) comprise the respective 16-player rosters. Rhode Island has a solid chance of winning for the first time in 23 years.

TEAM RHODE ISLAND ROSTER