EAST HADDAM, Conn. - The Tufts Jumbos hold a two-shot lead on the field following the first round of the 2026 NESCAC Men's Golf Championship at Fox Hopyard Golf Club in East Haddam, Connecticut.
 
Four teams are separated by 10 shots in the team standings. Tufts sits first with a score of 298 and is followed by Williams at 300. Trinity and Hamilton are tied for third with scores of 308.
 
Nick Smith of Williams stands first on the individual leaderboard after shooting an even-par 71 on Friday. Smith carded four birdies, including three on the back nine, and 10 pars to pace the Ephs. All four scoring golfers for Williams posted rounds in the 70s.
 
Brendan Roy and Holden Kittelberger each posted rounds of +1 72 to lead the Jumbos. Roy posted par on 12 of the 18 holes, while Kittelberger parred five holes and with two birdies on the front nine, and added six pars and birdied 18 on the final nine holes.
 
Day 2 of the 54-hole NESCAC Men's Golf Championship begins at 10:10 a.m.