Carlsson, Masterson Win 77th Four-Ball Championship

PORTSMOUTH – Youth prevailed in impressive fashion. 

The team of Sebastian Carlsson, 21, and Bennett Masterson, 23, carded a two-day total of 66-64 -- 130 (12-under) to win the 77th Four-Ball Championship, which was held this week at both Montaup Country Club and Green Valley Country Club. 

Carlsson and Masterson, both members of the University of Rhode Island men's team, showcased their friendship and chemistry on the course en route to victory. 

"It was awesome," Carlsson said. "He's one of my best friends, so we knew we were going to have fun coming into this and it just so happened we played pretty well, too. It worked out and we were really feeding off each other, and complemented each other well. We talked through every shot. It was one of the most fun tournaments I've played in and it was really fun being with him." 

Masterson said this was the one tournament he had circled on his calendar. 

"I was so excited to play this and we did a really good job all day, going through every shot and where we wanted to land it, and what we wanted to hit off the tee, reading putts and we made a bunch." 

They become the first pair from URI to win this championship since Chris Francoeur and Eric Marchetti won in 2019. 

"This is awesome. This is my first (RIGA championship) and to share it win him is even more special," Carlsson said. 

The two are roommates at school and already have a plan for their trophies. 

"It'll be on our dinner room table next year," Masterson said. 

The last few seasons, this championship has been played in late fall, but the entire field enjoyed two, near-perfect days at Montaup CC and Green Valley CC this spring. 

"We had perfect weather the last two days -- awesome weather," Masterson said. "The greens were awesome here, and awesome at Montaup, too."