Phil Pleat Won New Hampshire Senior Amateur Title
Phil Pleat secured his ninth career victory at the state championship with a four-shot lead.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Golf
Phil Pleat claimed his ninth New Hampshire Senior Amateur title after completing the 36-hole tournament at 3-over 143. He finished four shots ahead of runner-up competitors Rick Coons and Craig Steckowych.
Why it matters
The victory marks a continuation of Pleat's historic dominance in the state senior circuit, cementing his legacy in local golf. His consistent performance through the final rounds demonstrates his ability to maintain a competitive edge.
Pleat finished the 36-hole championship at 3-over 143, following rounds of 71 and 72. He secured his ninth title by outperforming his closest challengers by four total shots.
The players
Phil Pleat
Phil Pleat is an accomplished golfer who has now secured nine career titles in the New Hampshire Senior Amateur championship.
Rick Coons
Rick Coons is a competitive golfer who finished as a runner-up in the 2026 New Hampshire Senior Amateur.
Craig Steckowych
Craig Steckowych is a competitive golfer who tied for second place at the 2026 New Hampshire Senior Amateur.
The details
Pleat started his final push with a strong front nine, carding birdies on the first, fourth, and ninth holes to finish that stretch at 2-under 34. This performance proved sufficient to overcome the rest of the field and widen his lead to four strokes.
Timeline
The New Hampshire Senior Amateur concluded in September 2026.
Season Trajectory
This victory further solidifies Pleat's standing at the top of the state senior golf hierarchy for the 2026 season. It extends his unparalleled record for career titles, widening the gap between him and other historical competitors in the state circuit.
Pleat's four-shot victory margin indicates a dominant performance that separates him from the competitive field for the 2026 season rankings. This win secures his position atop the leaderboard for future state-level senior competitions.
The takeaway
Consistent performance in the opening rounds can provide the necessary cushion to protect a lead during high-pressure final holes. Pleat's ability to capitalize on early birdies illustrates the importance of aggressive play in the front nine to establish control.
Further reading
For more on the state tournament circuit, visit New Hampshire Golf.
Source note: This article includes information reported by AmateurGolf.
