(October 9, 2024) – Team Connecticut will be looking for a second straight win at the annual Tri-State Matches when they head to Worcester Country Club from October 15-16.
This year’s Connecticut roster will feature nine returnees from the 2023 team, three players who have been on the team previously, and four rookies. The rookies on the roster include Tim Murphy, Ashton Lewis, David Baker, and Michael Hooper.
“It is a very talented and tournament tested group,” said eighth-year team captain Roger Everin. “They love being in these kind of situations. I know that each of them will be well prepared to face Massachusetts and Rhode Island’s best.”
The first Tri-State Matches were played in 1928 at the Yale Golf Course with Massachusetts winning the first of their 38 titles. However, for much of the early days of the competition, it was Connecticut that racked up the titles. Winners of 41 in total Connecticut won 23 of the 33 matches played between 1946-1980.
Of late Massachusetts has been the dominant force winning 14 consecutive matches from 2004-2017. Despite the defeat last year Massachusetts has still won 17 of the last 19 Tri-State Matches.
Rhode Island won four of the first eight matches but has only won 12 times overall and not since 2001.
Each team is comprised of 10 mid-amateurs and six senior amateurs for a total of 16 players. Play will begin Tuesday morning with foursomes in the morning followed by singles in the afternoon. The final day will feature one round of four-ball matches.
This year the Tri-State Matches will head to Worcester CC in Massachusetts. The 1913 Donald Ross designed course will be hosting the matches for a third time after previously serving as the host site in 1954 and 1982.
Worcester CC has played a large role in the history of worldwide and American golf hosting the 1925 U.S. Open and the 1960 U.S. Women’s Open. However, the course is best known as the host of the first Ryder Cup in 1927.
“Each year the Tri-State Matches have been played on some of the best courses in New England,” said Everin. “This year is different in that we are not only playing a great course but one that hosted the first Ryder Cup in 1927. The players are so excited to get the opportunity to see how their games match up to this historic course.”
Connecticut Roster
Tri-State Victories: 41
Last Victory: 2023
Mid-Amateurs
- Ben Conroy (New Haven CC)
- Ben Day (New Haven CC)
- Richard Dowling (Golf Performance Center)
- Adam Friedman (Great River GC)
- Anthony Guerrera (Watertown GC)
- Mike Kennedy (Tashua Knolls GC)
- Ashton Lewis (H. Smith Richardson GC)
- Tim Murphy (The Stanwich Club)
- James Sheltman (Wallingford CC)
- Peter Tomlinson (Orange Hills CC)
Seniors
- David Baker (Wallingford CC)
- Brian Hedstrom (Indian Hill CC)
- Michael Hooper (Brooklawn CC)
- David Jones (Mohegan Sun GC)
- Patrick McGuiness (Keney Park GC)
- Craig Platt (Mill River GC)
Rhode Island Roster
Tri-State Victories: 12
Last Victory: 2001
Mid-Amateurs
- Kevin Blaser (Segregansett CC)
- Mike Carparco (Agawam Hunt)
- Jonathan Cooper (Alpine CC)
- Chris Delucia (Button Hole GC)
- Mike Hamilton (Kirkbrae (CC)
- Larry Lafauci (Kirkbrae CC)
- Bobby Leopold (Wannamoisett CC)
- Tom McCormick (Kirkbrae CC)
- Cam Moniz (Swansea CC)
- Jon Pannone (Warwick CC)
Seniors
- Jeff Dantas (Cranston CC)
- Darren Correnete (Wannamoisett CC)
- John Drohen (Apline CC)
- Dave Marshall (Quinatisett CC)
- Tim Murray (Quinatissett CC)
- John McNeill (AGTNE)
Massachusetts Roster
Tri-State Victories: 38
Last Victory: 2022
Mid-Amateurs
- Shuvam Bhaumik (Thorny Lea GC)
- Mike Calef (Pine Oaks GC)
- Matt Cowgill (Granite Links GC)
- Patrick Frodigh (Dedham Country & Polo Club)
- Danny Frodigh (Dedham Country & Polo Club)
- Joe Harney (Charles River CC)
- Brandon Parker (Worcester CC)
- Jake Ratti (Wollaston GC)
- Daniel Schwartz (George Wright GC)
- Ricky Stimets (Worcester CC)
Seniors
- Doug Clapp (Old Sandwich GC)
- Kevin Daly (Salem CC)
- Andy Drohen (The Ranch GC)
- Dean Godek (Agawam Municipal GC)
- John Hadges (Thorny Lea GC)
- Frank Vana (Marlborough CC)
About the Connecticut State Golf Association
The Connecticut State Golf Association functions as an extension of the USGA and provides stewardship for amateur golf in Connecticut. Founded in 1899, it is the country’s oldest state golf association and conducts over 60 Championships, Qualifiers, and One Day Tournaments throughout the year.
