Framingham Country Club shines in 1st time hosting Mass Am

FRAMINGHAM - Another century won't pass before the Framingham Country Club hosts another Massachusetts Amateur Championship.

It took 116 years for one of Mass Golf's signature events to grace the club, which opened in 1902. The club hosted the 2020 Ouimette Memorial Championship and the 2022 Mass Senior Amateur in preparation for this week's tournament, which culminated in Framingham CC member Matthew Naumec winning his first title 1 up over Worcester Country Club's Ricky Stimets.

"It's a feather in the cap for the club. This stage is something unique and special for them," said Mass Golf CEO Jesse Menachem, a Framingham native that played his high school matches at the course. "They'e earned it, they deserve it. The membership has supported everything top to bottom. It's a showcase."

Around 500 members showed up to the championship match Friday. There were five members in the initial field, two of whom advanced to match play.

"It's a treat to have a member of their own to follow," Menachem said. "It's been this way all week. They've supported it through volunteering, through spectating, the club's leadership helping us get prepped months, years ago for this championship. You can tell this is a golf club. People enjoy the game, they're fans of the game. They want to see their venue shine and see what these top players can do with it."

Patriots punter Bryce Barringer lauded the course during stroke play. Runner up Stimets embraced the environment even though the crowd was largely against him.

"I had about as much fun as I can losing," he said.

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Naumec got to relish those cheers and hugs when he won. His entire walk from the 18th green to the trophy presentation was filled with handshakes and attaboys from familiar faces.

"It's a family, and I'm proud to be a part of it," Naumec said.