Hopkinton High School 2020 graduate Matt Epstein advanced to the final of the Massachusetts Junior Amateur Championship on Thursday at Cranberry Valley Golf Course in Harwich before falling in a sudden-death playoff.
Epstein, representing Hopkinton Golf Club, fell behind by two holes before rallying to tie Jack O’Donnell (of Boston Golf Club and BC High) after the 15th hole. He went down a hole on the 17th but won the 18th by a stroke to draw even again. Both players finished with a 76. On the first sudden-death hole, O’Donnell shot a 3 and Epstein carded a 4 to end the match.
Epstein’s semifinal match on Wednesday also went to sudden death. He and Joseph Lenane (KOHR Golf Center/Xaverian HS) had a back-and-forth battle through 18 holes. Epstein went up two holes, surrendered the lead, then fell behind by two holes after the 15th. However, he won both the 17th and 18th to force the playoff, finishing the round with a score of 71. On the second extra hole, he shot a 4 and won it by a stroke.
Epstein won his quarterfinal match, also Wednesday, 3&2 over Dan Brooks (Dudley Hill Golf Club/Shepherd Hill HS). In Tuesday’s qualifying round, Epstein shot a 70 (2 under par), tying for fourth best.
Three other Hopkinton golfers competed but did not make it out of the qualifying round. Ryan Lundy shot a 75, Ned Dean shot an 81 and Jack Petruney shot an 83.
At this tournament last year Epstein finished fifth.
Epstein, who led Hopkinton High School to two state golf titles and was a two-time Tri-Valley League MVP, next will play in college at William & Mary.
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