MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA, Mass. — It's been quite a year for Ryan Downes. After losing in the 2022 Mass. Amateur final to Conner Willett at Concord CC, he claimed the prize that alluded him on a muggy, steamy day at Essex CC.
At 17 years old, Downes beat Matthew Naumec 6 and 5. Even at such a young age, Downes has learned quite a bit, and won a lot, in the last 52 weeks.
"I let my thoughts get away from me last year," Downes said.
There were some moments in the final 36-hole match where Downes could have let self-doubt or the image of lifting the trophy distract him from his goal. Similar to last year's final, Downes jumped out to an early lead. He was 4 up after seven holes, but the 26-year-old Naumec didn't buckle. It's a long day, and Naumec had been in this position before.
"I had made it a habit of falling behind early this week," he said. "But you just have to hit fairways and greens out here."
Over the next 12 holes, Naumec flipped the script, winning six holes and shooting 2-under par.
"I hit the ball great today," Naumec said. "Ryan just ended up playing great, too."