MARION - A field of the best amateur golfers in the state came together Monday at The Kittansett Club to compete in the 100th playing of the Massachusetts Amateur Championship. The prestigious five-day Massachusetts Golf Association event is being held this week in Marion.

Following the first round of stroke play, mid-amateur John Hadges (North Easton/Thorny Lea GC) leads the way with an impressive score of even par 70. The 41-year-old Hadges holds a one-stroke lead over three players - fellow veteran Jack Kearney (Peachtree City, GA/Elmcrest CC) and two 19-year-olds in Hunter Stone (South Deerfield/Crumpin-Fox Club) and Brandon Parker (Auburn/Pleasant Valley CC).

Several local golfers were in the field as well. Scott Congdon (Foxboro/Foxborough CC) was the top local talent, tied for 10th after the first round with a 4-over par 74. Also competing were Ryan Riley (Attleboro/Norton CC) 79, Michael Pyne (Foxboro/Foxborough CC) 80, Brian O'Leary (Norfolk/Ponkapoag GC) 81, Vincent Bucci (Norfolk/Charles River CC) 83, Greg Brastow (Foxboro/Foxborough CC) 89 and Mark Grant (Mansfield/Foxborough CC) 93.