Conner Willett began his week at the 114th Massachusetts Amateur with a heavy heart.
He’s ending it as the Mass. Am champion.
Willett, a 19-year-old from Charles River CC, finished one of the most emotional stories at this or any other tournament Friday, beating 16-year-old Ryan Downes (GreatHorse) in the 36-hole championship match at Concord Country Club, 4-and-2.
The victory comes five days after Willett’s father, Rick, died unexpectedly, and put an emotional exclamation point on a week that saw him receive support from all corners of the golfing community.