GONIC – Top seed Justin Grondar is the 122nd New Hampshire State amateur at the Rochester Country Club and was one of three Seacoast golfers who advanced to the 16th round on Thursday.
Unfortunately, the 16th round will be the end of the 36th seed path of Grondahl, Harvin Groft (24th species, Jamie Ferullo).
Grondar, who lost to 17-seeded Damon Saro (4 and 3), advanced in a match-play victory between Tucker Roberto and Harry Garland.
“The morning was fine,” said Grondar, who won at Garland. “I thought I got a few things with the driver. I hit the driver mostly well in my second match. The putters disappointed me a little. It’s what that’s what. I’m proud of the way I played against the last 10 holes.
Grondahl said the 10th and 11th holes were two of his favorites, and the par 3 12th was probably the most difficult.
“The course (I enjoyed it), the course is in great shape,” said Grondahl of NHGA E-Club. “There are lots of tricky and fun pins. It’s been a really interesting tournament.”
Gloft defeated No. 9 Jack Peppin in the 32nd round before losing to eighth seeded James Pleats, 4 and 2. Ferro, who won his first Seacoast AM title in 2023, placed first-placed Nate Crawley in fourth in the 32nd rounds, losing to 20th-placed Gavin Richardson (No. 3-2).
“I hit the ball really well this morning,” Ferro said. “I was a bit lucky and missed the putt, but he played well and was a tough opponent. I think I was a bit lucky to spend the morning.
Ferro clinched the match with a birdie on the par 4 9th hole. He wanted it to give him a bit of momentum in the afternoon game.
“Being here was fun with my dad and a lot of people who came to see,” Ferro said. “Overall, that’s a lot now. I think I made one birdie today. I’m currently experiencing some mental issues with chipping and putting.
32 results have increased from the coast
Ryan Zetterholm (Peace GC Online) was defeated by Saro. Peter Roun (NHGA E-Club) was defeated by Richardson. Kurt Eddins (Cocheco Country Club) lost 3 and 2 to Ryan Scollins. Connor Allard (New England golf club) was defeated by Josiah Hakala. Kory Ferullo (Rochester CC) lost to Matt Gifford, 1-Up, Derek Dinwoodie (Farmington CC) and lost to Jake Nutter on 19 holes.
What’s next?
Matchplay continues on Friday with four quarter-final matches and two semi-finals. The two semi-final winners will be squared on Saturday for the 36-hole championship.