Hershey, PA – Matthew Vital of Northampton Country Club claimed victory at the 2023 Pennsylvania Boys Junior Golf Championship on March 23, finishing with a three-round total of 9-under-par 204. The championship, featuring 144 of Pennsylvania’s top junior golfers, faced multiple weather delays as storm systems passed through central Pennsylvania over the two-day event.
For 2023, the tournament expanded to 54 holes, with a cut after the first round reducing the field to the low 60 scores and ties. The cutline was set at 6-over-par 77. Day one saw a strong start from Josh James of Union City, the 2021 PIAA 2A Champion, who posted a 65 to take the overnight lead. Close behind was Evan Eichenlaub at 66, while 12 players in total finished under par. Among them was Vital, a recent Liberty High School graduate and Temple University commit, who shot an opening-round 69.
As the second day began, players anticipated further weather delays, making mental resilience just as crucial as physical endurance for the grueling 36-hole finish. Vital capitalized on his opportunities, sinking six birdies—including three on the challenging par 3s—to take a one-shot lead over Eichenlaub after 36 holes.
Thunderstorm delays threatened to shorten the tournament to 36 holes, and the final round did not begin until 4:00 p.m., leaving little room for further disruptions. Eichenlaub, a recent Moravian Academy graduate headed to Babson College, quickly applied pressure with a birdie on the 5th hole to tie the lead. Both he and Vital birdied the 6th, widening the gap between themselves and the chasing pack. As darkness loomed, Vital remained steady, closing out the final 12 holes with two additional birdies and no bogeys to secure a three-shot victory and etch his name on the championship trophy.
In the Team Championship, Huntsville Golf Club successfully defended its 2022 title, with Nick Werner, Michael Lugiano, Eli Ropietski, and Cael Ropietski leading the way.
