​College golfers Myles O’Quinn and Gavin Richardson are set to duel in the 36-hole final of the 123rd New Hampshire Amateur, taking place Saturday at Cochecho Country Club in Dover. O’Quinn, a Durham resident who competes for Endicott College, and Richardson, a Southern New Hampshire University golfer hailing from Concord, both advanced through Friday’s quarterfinal and semifinal rounds to reach the championship match.
The final pairing will feature two rising stars who have proven their mettle on NH courses this week. O’Quinn, a 20-year-old member at Portsmouth Country Club, and Richardson, a 19-year-old member of Concord Country Club, will commence their championship bout with a 7:30 a.m. tee time on Saturday. Their paths to the final highlight a blend of steady ball striking, clutch short game, and the ability to perform under pressure on a demanding 6,700-plus-yard layout.
In the quarterfinals, O’Quinn toppled 16-year-old Grey Gagnon in a tight 2-up decision, showcasing his competitive maturity and patience under the circuit’s bright lights. He carried that momentum into the semifinal, where he defeated Kurt Eddins, a fellow Cochecho Country Club member, 3-and-2 to advance to the title match. O’Quinn’s week has emphasized his versatile game and his capacity to close out matches on the front nine and back nine alike, a hallmark of someone who has navigated collegiate schedules and high-level amateur events.
Meanwhile, Richardson’s quarterfinal victory came at the expense of Bryce Zimmerman of Nashua Country Club, whom he defeated 2-and-1. Richardson’s semifinal battle extended beyond 18 holes, finishing in a 21-hole marathon against Damon Salo of The Shattuck Golf Club. The victory over Salo not only solidified Richardson’s place in the final but also underscored his endurance and nerve in prolonged confrontations, essential traits for a championship player who must manage energy over a 36-hole final in potentially varying weather conditions.
Both players bring impressive resumes to the final, reflecting the depth of New Hampshire’s amateur golf talent. O’Quinn’s experience at Endicott College, combined with his club-level familiarity at Portsmouth CC, has helped him refine a competitive edge that translates across formats and venues. Richardson’s affiliation with Southern New Hampshire University and his ties to Concord CC illustrate a similarly well-rounded development path through collegiate golf, complemented by success on weekends and in regional amateur events.
The 123rd New Hampshire Amateur at Cochecho Country Club has drawn attention not only for the quality of play but also for the potential ripple effects within the state’s golf community. The finalists, both products of the state’s robust amateur circuit, epitomize the pipeline from junior and college golf to mature amateur competition. As they prepare for the Saturday final, the focus will be on strategic shot-making, course management, and the mental stamina required to navigate 36 holes on a course that has historically rewarded accuracy off the tee, thoughtful decision-making, and a dependable short game.
Spectators can expect a competitive showdown that may hinge on the players’ ability to seize momentum early and then manage it over the day. O’Quinn will likely lean on his precision long game and his experience navigating match-play scenarios, while Richardson will depend on his endurance, creativity around the greens, and the ability to rally late in a long round. The final promises to be a test of endurance, technique, and strategic execution, with both players aiming to etch their names into the annals of New Hampshire golf history.
As the sun rises on Saturday, fans and supporters will gather at Cochecho Country Club to watch two rising collegiate stars face off for amateur golf supremacy in New Hampshire. The outcome will not only crown the 123rd New Hampshire Amateur champion but also spotlight the ongoing development of golf talent within the region’s collegiate programs and club communities. For those following NH golf, this final between Myles O’Quinn and Gavin Richardson is a genuine celebration of perseverance, skill, and the continuing strength of the state’s amateur game.