CONCORD — For the first time in more than two decades, two local brothers squared off in match play during the round of 16 of the 114th Massachusetts Amateur Championship at Concord Country Club Wednesday.
Christian and Aidan Emmerich, St. Mary’s graduates and Swampscott natives, went through a gauntlet to get to the point where they matched up against one another. Both advanced through two rounds of stroke play — Aidan, the youngest, with a total to par of +6; and Christian at +8.
They then advanced through the round of 32 in matchplay against their respective opponents. Christian took down the top-seeded Arthur Zelmati, and Aidan defeated Sean Fitzpatrick.
As for the matchup of the two brothers, Christian took the victory 1-up over his brother, advancing to the quarterfinals. For the length of the match, Christian never trailed, but Aidan made it close, winning the 11th and 12th holes, tying it up.
Going into the 17th, the brothers were still tied, but eventually, Christian steadied himself winning the hole, and they tied on 18, giving Christian the win.
Regarding each other’s play, both seemed like they felt they could have played a lot better.
“Neither of us played great, but someone had to win, so I am happy it was me,” said Christian Emmerich.
Aidan expanded on the quality of their play, saying, “I mean, we both played pretty bad. The wheels fell off the bus a little late for me, but he let me back in it, kind of.”
He continued, “The door was creaking open, and I was taking advantage of it to get it back to square on 13. Then whoever went one up was most likely going to win.”
Now with the match behind them, the brothers could reflect on what was a pretty special moment.
“I mean, playing him in the second round is not ideal. I would have much rather played him in the final, but the fact that it happened was super fun,” said Christian Emmerich.
Aidan agreed, saying, “You always kind of think of it, but it never really happens, but it happened; It was definitely pretty sweet.”
He added, “It would have been a lot cooler if it was the final, but I mean, you get what you get. I mean bad luck of the draw but also good.”
Although Aidan was not able to get the victory, he does feel a little better knowing that his loss came to his brother. “It is not as bad, but it still obviously hurts,” said Aidan Emmerich.
For now, Christian sets his eyes on his quarterfinals bout against Conner Willett, which is scheduled to tee off at 7:30 a.m. today.
However, Christian did make it a point to say that this probably will not be the last time the brothers face off.
“I do not think this will be the last time we square off in this event or another tournament,” said Christian Emmerich.
