This week marks the conclusion of the sectional tournament era in Massachusetts boys’ high school golf, as the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) implements a new postseason structure beginning next season. The sectional tournaments, which have historically determined qualifiers for state championships, will be replaced by five divisional championships followed by an all-State tournament. This revision also introduces statewide stroke-play scoring as part of a broader restructuring of the competition format.
Since the MIAA’s unanimous decision in September to make this change, coaches and players have reflected on the significance of sectional tournaments, which have long served as regional qualifiers. Under the current system, the top three teams from each of the Central, North, South, and West sectionals earn a place in the state championship rounds. For Wakefield coach Chris Keane, the end of sectionals marks the close of an era that provided meaningful competitive regional matchups. “I certainly enjoyed this format and will miss it,” Keane said.
Keane’s Wakefield team recently captured its first-ever Division 2 North sectional title, a milestone he described as “incredibly special.” He praised the format for offering a fair way to measure teams based on both enrollment size and geographic location, giving sectional winners a sense of regional supremacy. Similarly, Canton coach Mike Barucci credited last year’s sectional championship for bolstering his team’s confidence heading into the state tournament, where the Bulldogs ultimately secured the Division 2 state title. Barucci noted that although Canton lies at the southern edge of the North sectional, the momentum gained from winning the sectional helped sustain the team’s mental fortitude.
Individual players also reflected on the importance of the sectionals for their development. Seekonk junior Aidan Connell, who finished second at the Division 3 South sectional last fall before winning the state championship, said the sectional experience helped build his confidence. This season, Connell is excited to compete with his team, which qualified for sectionals after recovering from a slow start to the regular season.
At Wellesley, senior Aarav Lavu echoed a team-oriented focus, emphasizing the drive to win a team state title after years of strong performances without capturing the championship. Similarly, Natick’s Alec Williams, last year’s Division 1 South sectional winner, highlighted the competitive quality of his division, which includes top programs such as Xaverian and Wellesley. Williams described the sectional victory as significant for the recognition it affords within a familiar and highly skilled field.
Other players, like Old Rochester’s Jack Czerkowicz, the reigning Division 3 South champion, noted how success in sectionals can provide a crucial confidence boost going into the state championships.
As the MIAA moves forward with the new divisional and all-State tournament format, this week’s sectional tournaments represent the final chapter of a longstanding postseason tradition that has shaped high school golf in Massachusetts.