This week we will highlight the top male and females by naming the Player of the Year winners from the 2025 Maine Golf season. The first winner is Eli Spaulding, a 19-year old member of Brunswick Golf Club and resident of Freeport. Spaulding won his second consecutive Maine Amateur Championship this summer at Waterville CC, only to then take it deep under par just weeks later to win the New England Amateur Championship in Vermont with a final round 64. We asked Spaulding a few questions about his year and what it means to win his first Dr. Leonardo Buck Player of the Year title.
Maine Golf: How does it feel to be named as the Player of the Year?
Eli Spaulding: Being named player of the year is an honor I will appreciate for my entire life. Growing up playing in my backyard, I played golf because it was fun. I loved hitting shots, the more challenging, the better. Back then, I was more interested in trying to pull off nearly impossible shots than I was in shooting a great score or winning a tournament. I started playing in more tournaments as I got a little older, but I was still interested in other sports, and I didn’t dedicate myself to golf in any formal way.
In high school, I focused on golf and got a lot better, but I never realized how far golf would take me. From the people I have met, the friends I have made, and the amazing places I have traveled to, golf has taken me on an amazing journey that I am very grateful for. I would like to thank my family, friends, and supporters, as I would not be where I am without them. None of this has come by chance. It is the result of a consistent work ethic, practicing and playing in the rain, snow, wind, and whatever else each day brought. That kind of dedication is what led me here, and I am excited for what’s next.
MG: What was the highlight of your 2025 tournament season with Maine Golf?
ES: I have one clear shot that stands above the rest. It was on the 9th hole at Waterville, my 18th hole in the second round of the Maine Amateur. I hit my tee shot right and was in the 1st cut of rough next to the first green. I had 225 to a back pin and had a small pine tree between me and the hole. I pulled out a 4 iron and practiced for a high cut up and over the tree to the pin. I gave that swing everything I had, and it came out a hair too low, clipped the pine, and I didn’t think the ball would reach the green. But it had only nicked the tree by a little, and as I watched the ball in the air, it still flew with plenty of height, landing on the front of the green and rolling up to about 6 feet. I sank the putt for eagle.
MG: What were your highlights outside of the state of Maine?
ES: Outside of Maine, I had some very notable highlights. I won the New England Amateur, which consists of some of the best amateurs in New England. I played in the US Amateur at the Olympic Club, and in my college fall season, I had 3 top 10 finishes and an 11th-place finish. This past spring, I helped lead our team to a conference championship win and was one of our top players at NCAA Regionals, which was a great way to end my freshman year.
MG: Is there anything else you’d like to add about being named Dr. Leonardo Buck Player of the Year?
ES: It is and will always be an honor to represent my state at a high level. I not only love the golf in Maine, but I love the people here too. And that will never change. Being able to excel and follow in the footsteps of Cole Anderson and Caleb Manuel, two amazing amateurs and now professionals, makes me grateful for the opportunities I have.