News Release
For Immediate Release: November 21, 2001
One is a fresh-faced newcomer, while the other is an established
veteran. Following the conclusion of the 2001 season, they must both be considered
among the very best. Jim Renner, the surprise finalist at the Massachusetts
Amateur Championship, was named the Christopher Cutler Rich MGA Junior Player
of the Year, while Ed Fletcher was honored as the MGA Senior Player of the
Year.
Jim Renner - Christopher Cutler Rich MGA Player of the Year
The golf world was officially introduced to Renner this past season. The senior
at Bishop Feehan High School turned heads this past July when he became the
youngest Massachusetts Amateur finalist in the championship's storied history.
Although Renner fell to Brendan Hester in the 36-hole final, he set the stage
for what would be a phenomenal summer. Following the Mass Amateur, the 18-year-old
Renner advanced to the second round of match play at the U.S. Junior Amateur
Championship, finished third at the Massachusetts Junior Championship and
also competed in the U.S. World Championships after qualifying earlier in
the summer.
Edward Fletcher - MGA Senior Player of the Year
Ed Fletcher's domination of the senior amateur golf scene continued this year
as he captured MGA Senior Player of the Year honors for the third time. Fletcher
is the only golfer to win this award since its inception in 1998. After collecting
his third Senior Four-Ball championship at Sterling CC in August with first-time
partner Jack Maher, Fletcher delivered a come-from-behind victory at Essex
CC for his third Massachusetts Senior Championship title. Fletcher, who entered
the final round of the championship two strokes back, shot 6-over 146 to finish
three strokes ahead of second-place finisher William Fuller. He also finished
in a tie for third in the New England Senior Championship held at Portland
CC (ME) in September.