FALMOUTH, Maine – Cole Anderson, of Samoset Resort, came to Portland Country Club July 18 for the Maine Amateur Championship with one thing on his mind – to win the trophy that had eluded him over the past two years.
Following a 3rd place finish in 2017 and a runner-up last year, the 18-year old from Camden was able to finally lay claim to Maine’s top amateur golf prize, winning the championship with a score of 201 (-9).
Starting the final round with a six-stroke lead over a trio of golfers, Anderson wasted no time getting things going, birdieing the first hole out of the gate. His lead was never in doubt, as the Florida State University freshman was in “cruise-control” the entire day without dropping a single stroke.
With birdies on No. 1, 11, and 16, Anderson fired a final round 67 to win by eight strokes over Reese McFarlane, of Purpoodock Club. Anderson, the 2018 Maine State Golf Association Match Play Invitational champion, had all three rounds in the red this week, shooting 65-69-67—201 for the championship.
McFarlane, who won the 2018 New England Amateur Championship at Portland CC, had his best career finish in the Maine Amateur. He was the only other player in the field to finish under par for the week, shooting scores of 71-69-69—209 (-1). Playing alongside Anderson and McFarlane was home-club member Jason Gall, who rounded out the top three with a final round of 73 to finish at 213 (+3) for the event.
Joe Alvarez, of Webhannet GC, finished in solo fourth at 214 (+4) after three days, followed by Scott Sirois, of The Woodlands Club, and defending Maine schoolboy champion Caleb Manuel, of Brunswick GC, at 215 (+5).
Portland Country Club proved to be another perfect host for the historic 100th playing of this event. This was the 14th time in the event’s history that the club has hosted, and players were treated to a fair but stern test, as evidenced by the fact that only two players finished under par for the week.
All players who made the cut will earn an exemption into next year’s Maine Amateur at Biddeford-Saco CC. Additionally, the top-16 players and ties will receive an invitation to the Match Play Invitational on August 27-29 at Point Sebago GC.
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