News Summary
Five talented golfers from Massachusetts secured spots in the U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship qualifier held at Orchards Golf Club in South Hadley. Benjamin Spitz, Ben Balter, James Pleat, Adam Brickle, and Sam Russell showcased their exceptional skills on a challenging course, with Spitz and Balter each sinking four birdies. The championship is set to take place in Scottsdale, Arizona, drawing attention to the rising talent from the region.
South Hadley Welcomes the Spotlight: Massachusetts Golfers Shine in U.S. Mid-Amateur Qualifier
On a delightful afternoon in South Hadley, the Orchards Golf Club transformed into a battleground for local talent as five golfers emerged victorious in the 2025 U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship qualifier. The air was thick with excitement as players swung their clubs, aiming for a coveted spot in the prestigious championship set to take place from September 13-18 at the breathtaking Troon North Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Massachusetts Native Talent on Full Display
This qualifier was particularly thrilling as it showcased some incredible golfing talent from the Massachusetts area. Among the standout players were Benjamin Spitz from Milton and Ben Balter from Wellesley, both of whom demonstrated their exceptional skills by each sinking four birdies. Joining them in this triumph was James Pleat from Nashua, New Hampshire, ensuring the competition was not just limited to Massachusetts residents.
In addition to Spitz, Balter, and Pleat, no less than two other golfers managed to secure their places at the championship. Adam Brickle from Pittsfield and Sam Russell from Boston both showcased remarkable performances, solidifying their spots in what promises to be an unforgettable championship.
How the Rounds Played Out
Spitz kicked off his day in splendid fashion, birdieing two of his first three holes, and it quickly became clear that he was in for a memorable round. He finished the front nine with a remarkable score of 33. After snagging another birdie on the par-5 ninth hole, he hit a small bump with a bogey on the 12th, but he expertly held it together with four consecutive pars to finish up in style.
Balter also started on the right foot, marking his scorecard with a birdie on the first hole. Although he faced a temporary setback with a bogey on the 4th, he quickly regained his momentum with brilliant birdies on the 9th, 12th, and 13th holes. Finishing at 2-under was no small feat considering the pressure of the day!
Pleat began his round in a similar fashion, securing a birdie right off the bat, only to face a bogey that kept things interesting. However, he rallied back fantastically, making birdies on the 8th, 9th, and 11th holes, wrapping up the back nine without any bogeys, which is no easy task on such a challenging layout.
Western Massachusetts Shines with Brickle
Meanwhile, Adam Brickle had an outstanding day as he took center stage among the competitors from western Massachusetts. His bogey-free round was nothing short of impressive, finishing with a score of 2-under 68. Among his highlights for the day were birdies straddling the 13th and 14th holes, propelling him into the ranks of the qualifiers.
As for Sam Russell, he started his round like a rocket with an impressive five birdies on the front nine. Remarkably, Russell also finished his day at 2-under 68 after facing some challenges on his way back, an impressive testament to his resilience.
Orchards Golf Club: A True Test of Skill
It’s worth noting that the Orchards course is not known for being a walk in the park. In fact, the qualifiers faced their fair share of challenges, and each managed only one bogey throughout their rounds—a true testament to their focus and skill. In contrast, Cody Miller from Hampshire County struggled, scoring 8-over 78, marked by a double bogey on the 10th and a triple bogey on the 12th. Nonetheless, Miller did have a moment of triumph by birdieing the 18th hole, proving that every round has its ups and downs.
As the dust settles on this thrilling qualifier, all eyes will now turn towards Arizona, where these talented golfers will get their shot at the big leagues. For South Hadley and the talented golfers from Massachusetts, this is just the beginning of an exciting journey!
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Additional Resources
- AmateurGolf.com: 2025 U.S. Amateur Four-Ball
- AmateurGolf.com: U.S. Mid-Amateur Qualifying Roundup
- AmateurGolf.com: U.S. Junior Amateur
- Wikipedia: Mid-Amateur
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
