
MARSHFIELD, Mass. — Small talk about the weather is typically reserved for elevators and cocktail parties, but over the years the weather has been more than small talk in the Massachusetts Four-Ball Championship. It makes sense, it’s a golf tournament in May in New England. The weather is going to play a role.
Sometimes it’s going to play a big role.
In 2019, it was rain and bitter cold. In 2021, players battled high winds during Round 1. This year, the rain returned. On Wednesday, it was cold enough to light up the Duxbury Yacht Club’s fireplace. The feel was more ski lodge than golf tournament. Players shed jackets and winter hats as they entered the clubhouses at Marshfield and Duxbury.
Even MassGolf executive director Jesse Menachem had to pull out his phone and remind himself of the last time the Four-Ball had good weather. He thinks it might have been 2015.
The weather couldn't stop first-round leaders Ryan Riley and Matt Montt, however, who clocked in with an early lead and held on for a one-shot victory.