New England Patriots punter Bryce Baringer is going to have a busy summer but in a different way than most NFL players.
Baringer, a standout golfer for Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, made his Massachusetts Golf championship debut at the Massachusetts Amateur qualifier at Stockbridge Golf Club.
Baringer put on an impressive showing, shooting 1-under 69 to earn medalist honors in his first time playing the course. He recorded five birdies, going 2-under on the back nine.
Baringer, who was drafted out of Michigan State in the 6th round of the 2023 NFL Draft, played in all 17 games and led the league with 38 punts inside the 20 during his rookie season.
The longest punt in the NFL this season now belongs to Bryce Baringer. 79 yards. pic.twitter.com/L5WwyMZYgb
— Brian Hines (@iambrianhines) November 14, 2023
Baringer has always been around great golfers. He was college roommates with James Piot, the 2021 U.S. Amateur Champion.
"Golf is a big part of my life," Baringer told Mass Golf after his round. "I’ve tried to qualify for the Michigan Amateur back home but have never made it through. Stockbridge was a good track. I’m not upset with my performance today. I was 3-under through 12 and made a sloppy double bogey."
Baringer added, "Being even-par going into 17, I just wanted to play those holes even. On 18, I got the putt to fall from 25 feet. It landed paces behind the hole, and 25 feet left, I put a good roll on it. Making a putt like that feels like you’re pinning the opponent deep. I thought I had a complete round. A lot of practice."
The 116th Massachusetts Amateur Championship will take place July 8-12 at Framingham Country Club. After 36 holes of stroke play, the low 32 scorers will advance to match play.
Entries are open to amateur golfers now at massgolf.org.