Frank Vana

An underrated event on the national scale, but a big event for top amateurs in Massachusetts and New England, the Hornblower is in its 49th year. The event is named for the club's 'benefactor' Henry Hornblower, who collaborated with the then Pilgrim Hotel to create what is now Plymouth Country Club.

The fact that the event is nationally underrated doesn’t take away from the quality of the field. The top mid-ams and collegiate players in New England are in the perennially strong field and ready to take aim at the prestigious title this week.

Defending champion Colin Brennan will be in the field to defend. The recent Johnson & Wales graduate was a two-shot winner last year. He also came in second at the annual Ouimet Memorial, falling to Jack Whelan, a star at Division III Saint Lawrence, who’ll also be in the field.

Top mid-amateurs Matt Bianchini, Peter Alminas, Doug Clapp, Brian Higgins, Cody Paladino, Doug Pargian, Frank Vana and Brad Valois.

Other collegiate stars in the field include Andy Mai, Richy and Mickey Werenski.

It’s a who’s who of the top stars in and around New England. Be sure to follow the action throughout the weekend on amateurgolf.com.