Upcoming Northeast Amateur to Feature Top Golfing Talent

EAST PROVIDENCE — Nick Dunlap's impressive wins at the Northeast Amateur, U.S. Amateur, and a PGA Tour event within just a few months during the summer of 2023 highlight the exceptional caliber of players competing at the Wannamoisett Country Club. This prestigious tournament, set to take place in a few weeks, often serves as a launching pad for golfers on the brink of greatness.

Last year's champion, Preston Stout, clinched the 63rd edition of the tournament with an outstanding second-round score of 8-under 61, finishing ahead of his competitors by eight strokes. Stout, who recently made history as the 10th player from Oklahoma State to win an individual NCAA championship, is also set to participate in the upcoming U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills in Long Island.

"The depth of the players today that’s so impressive," said Northeast Amateur cochair Ben Tuthill. He noted the high level of competition, with many young players already excelling at a level previously unseen. "They’re ready to perform at the highest level before they’re old enough to go to college or drive a car. It’s crazy."

Conditions during last year's third round mirrored those expected this year, challenging players to maintain their composure as they navigated the course. Miles Russell, a top-ranked junior golfer committed to Florida State, finished as the runner-up. Cochair Mick Hogan emphasized the quality of the course, stating, "The conditions at this golf course rival just about any place you’ll ever find." Both Russell and Luke Poulter, currently ranked among the top 10 in the World Amateur Golf Rankings, will be competing again this year.

Several other highly regarded amateurs are also set to join the field, including Tyler Watts, Josiah Gilbert, and Jacob Modleski, all within the top 20 rankings. Watts and Gilbert, both hailing from Alabama, finished in the top 10 at last year's event. U.S. Amateur champion Mason Howell will make his Northeast Amateur debut, joining Coleman and Howell as two of the eight players qualified for both this tournament and the upcoming U.S. Open.

Local talent will also be represented, with five-time Rhode Island Amateur champion Bobby Leopold and Mike Calef, the 2025 champion, among those participating. Former Masters participant Matt Parziale and Connecticut Amateur champion Adam Friedman are also expected to compete. "We spend a lot of time and resources putting this together," Hogan noted, reflecting the commitment of the membership to this prestigious event. The tournament kicks off on Wednesday, June 24, where the next champion will join the ranks of notable past winners like Luke Donald and Dustin Johnson.