Matthew Johnson shot the low score in stroke play to earn the Harry B. McCracken, Jr. Medal. (David Colt)

HAMPDEN, Mass. (July 8, 2025) — The field of 144 has been cut to 32, the tension has spiked, and the Massachusetts Amateur Championship is officially moving to match play after two grueling stroke-play rounds at GreatHorse. On a hot, brooding Tuesday marked by firm greens and late-day storms, Matthew Johnson (Charter Oak Country Club) emerged as medalist with clinical back-to-back 68s, capturing the Harry B. McCracken, Jr. Medal by four shots.

Johnson set the tone early with birdies on holes 1 and 2, showing no let-up after his opening 4-under 68. The course’s demanding setup yielded just six players in red figures across both days, underscoring the quality of Johnson’s play. The medal was never truly in doubt, as he navigated GreatHorse’s rolling fairways and firm, complex greens with precise control and calm.

As evening descended, the drama intensified. The final playoff for match-play spots turned into a 10-for-8 scramble just before lightning delays. GreatHorse’s owner and president Guy Antonacci delivered under pressure in the first playoff group, clipping a deft chip tight and securing his place in match play to roars from the home crowd. Others weren’t as fortunate, heading to the 15th tee in gathering darkness before play was ultimately suspended to resume Wednesday morning.

Local Standouts and Returning Stars

The home club is well-represented in the bracket. Ryan Downes, the 2023 champion and Vanderbilt standout, rebounded from an opening 77 with a flawless, bogey-free 2-under 70. Downes relied on deep local knowledge—and perhaps a bit of personal resilience—to stay in the hunt before the cut line was set. Also advancing is defending champion Matthew Naumec, who once again showcased his patient, technical approach on familiar turf. Naumec, a Wilbraham native, birdied three times on Tuesday, including a superb low-flight wedge into GreatHorse’s demanding short par-3 15th.

“If you’re hitting your driver well and getting into good spots, you can really take advantage of the greens,” Naumec explained. “They’re bigger than last year, and you don’t want to overcomplicate it. Just drive it well, hit greens, and make putts.”

Broderick Stays Consistent

John Broderick (Dedham Country & Polo Club) posted Tuesday’s best round with a 3-under 69 to comfortably secure his fourth consecutive trip to match play. After a bogey on his second hole of the day, Broderick stayed bogey-free the rest of the way, carding four birdies and exuding veteran confidence.

“This course is pretty tough,” Broderick said. “It feels good to start hitting more fairways and greens and play two really good rounds of golf. The next few hours you’re seeing who you might play. I love it, personally. There’s nothing more fun than the Mass Am or any other match play event. It’s tough—you’ve got to beat five guys in a row to win. But it’s super exciting too.”

Parziale’s Veteran Savvy

No one in the field boasts match-play credentials like Matt Parziale (Thorny Lea Golf Club), who booked his 13th straight match-play appearance with rounds of 72–73. The former U.S. Mid-Amateur champion focused on steady golf while shaking off some early rust, acknowledging he had limited prep before arriving at GreatHorse.

“I haven’t been able to play as much, so we could knock the rust off early,” Parziale said. “A double on the par-5 2nd wasn’t the start I wanted, but I righted the ship. I’m excited for the rest of the week and feeling better this year. I’m at fighting weight now.”

Next Up: Match Play

With the stroke-play cut made, 32 remain in the hunt for the state’s most prestigious amateur title. Wednesday’s schedule will include the completion of the playoff for the final seeds and the opening matches. For the survivors, five victories stand between them and the Massachusetts Amateur trophy—a prospect that promises fireworks on GreatHorse’s rolling, panoramic test.

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