Rain and resilience shape quarterfinal outcomes
The morning rain at Pawtucket Country Club added an extra layer of challenge to the quarterfinal matches of the 2026 RIGA Boys Junior Amateur Championship. Competitors had to combine their golfing skills with persistence, creating a true test of strength. On the boys side, Ishaan Catone, a ninth-grader from Cranston, moved into the semifinals, becoming the only Rhode Island resident left in the tournament.
The girls' quarterfinals produced thrilling results, with three of the state’s top high school players—Adriana Eaton, Elizabeth Kue, and Claire McTaggart—advancing alongside rising eighth-grader Hazel Hegstrom. This mix of experience and youth promises an exciting semifinal showdown for the girls’ title.
Catone flips the script against top seeds
Catone faced off against Nathan Jackson, who had made headlines earlier by upsetting medalist Raj Mammen. Seeded eighth in the tournament, Catone asserted his control from the start, gaining a 1-up lead on the sixth hole. By the end of the front nine, he extended his lead to 6-up. Despite Jackson narrowing the gap on hole 13, Catone remained composed and sealed the match with a 5-and-4 victory.
On the other side of the boys’ draw, Roland Gibson, a 16-year-old from England who spends summers in Rhode Island, faced a tough battle against Michael Letendre. Gibson began with a 2-up lead but lost it during the match. However, he displayed strong focus, winning the final two holes to secure a 2-and-1 victory and advance to the semifinals.
Eaton dominates, Hegstrom stuns seed
Adriana Eaton, a three-time RIIL state champion and this year’s medalist, showcased her dominance with a decisive 7-and-6 win over No. 9 seed Reagan Scheck. Eaton’s powerful performance set up an intriguing semifinal matchup with Hazel Hegstrom, an eighth-grader from Providence who shocked No. 4 seed Caroline Cleary with a 4-and-3 victory. Hegstrom’s win highlights her potential and readiness to compete at a high level.
Elizabeth Kue and Claire McTaggart also earned their spots in the girls’ semifinals with impressive 3-and-2 wins over All-Staters Emma Lockhart and Kamryn Kue, respectively. These victories ensured that the competition remains wide open, with Kue and McTaggart set to face off at 7:57 a.m. on Thursday.
Lincoln Frisoli, a rising junior from North Attleboro High School, overcame a late push by Rocco Capalbo to win his quarterfinal 2-and-1. His resilience and performance on the back nine gave him the edge to face Catone in the boys’ semifinals at 7:30 a.m.
Joey Iaciafano, a former Rhode Islander now living in Florida, easily defeated No. 14 seed Connor Ahlborg with a commanding 5-and-3 win. This victory set up a semifinal showdown between Iaciafano and Roland Gibson at 7:39 a.m. All remaining matches across divisions are scheduled for Thursday morning, with the finals set to take place on Friday.