Groton, Connecticut (October 5, 2021) – The rain stopped and the sun came out just in time for the playing of the 20th Al Acker One Day Championship Invitational presented by Chris Cote’s Golf Shop.
In the Tettelbach Open Division Jason Goshdigian stole the show firing a 1-under 70 at Shennecossett Golf Course to claim the top spot by one-stroke over a trio of players tied for second at level-par. The group included Tettelbach Open Division Player of the Year Chris Maxwell, Chris Flowers, and 2020 Al Acker winner Anthony Salvador. John Sawka rounded out the top-five with a 1-over 72 to place fifth.
“The honor that it is to win a tournament with Mr. Acker’s name on it I can’t even begin to tell you [how much that means],” Goshdigian said. “He was such a huge part of my junior golf and as I grew up he and my Dad were very close so to me it is very special to be holding this trophy with his name on it.”
Goshdigian began the shotgun format tournament on the par-4 1st hole and began his round with four consecutive pars before rolling in his first birdie on the par-5 5th and then his second on the par-5 8th to turn in 2-under 34. On a day where scoring proved to be difficult Goshdigian played a solid back nine penciling in eight pars and his lone bogey of the day on the par-4 14th.
“I was hitting it really good all day. I grinded it out coming in. I hit it inside 10-feet on the last four holes and gave it as good of a try as I could,” Goshdigian said of his round.
Maxwell, may have come up one shot short in the season finale, but his T2 showing allowed him to capture Tettelbach Open Division Player of the Year honors. Maxwell played in 10 tournaments this year earning a win at the Glastonbury Hills Country Club event while also recording three runner-up finishes along with five other top-five showings.
“It feels nice to be able to play and be consistent. I like to play in the One Days rather than most of the other events. I feel like I am a better One Day player than some of the other events.” Chris Maxwell said. “It is more casual, it is a little more fun, and I get to play with a bunch of my buddies. It is nice, I have been playing well this year.”
Leading the way in the Siderowf Gross Division was Jim Romaniello who fired a 1-under 70 to beat some of the best senior players in the state including Glen Boggini and Bill Hermanson who tied for second at even-par, Dave Szewczul was fourth at 1-over while Tom Brett was 2-over to earn a fifth-place finish.
Beginning his round on the par-5 18th Romaniello got his round started in style with a birdie on his opening hole. A run of pars followed until he bogeyed No. 6 only to bounce back with birdies on Nos. 7 and 11 to reach 2-under.
“I putted pretty well today. I hit the ball okay,” said Romaniello a past Al Acker Siderowf Gross Division winner.
Looking to post a number Romaniello played an up-and-down final six holes bogeying twice but offsetting those missteps with what proved to be the winning birdie on the par-4 16th.
“I am always excited to win of course but I want to send a special thanks out to Dick Stevens. He has helped me out. We have been meeting at the driving range and he has been helping me out with the nine ball flights,” said 2014 New England Senior Amateur winner Jim Romaniello. “He is very intelligent and very kind. And also Bill Hermanson. He reached out a couple of weeks ago and helped me so I just want to thank the guys and those two men especially.”
The Siderowf Gross Division Player of the Year honors went to Dave Jones. Not in the field at Shennecossett GC, Jones had a fantastic season teeing it up 12-times and earning five victories.
In the Tettelbach Net Division David Paquette finished 5-under to take home the victory. Branden Strileckis (-2) was second while Maxwell, Sawka, and Salvador shared third at 1-under.
Player of the Year honors in the Tettelbach Net Division went to Mario Argentino who played in 15 tournaments and earned a win at the Country Club of Farmington.
Finishing in the top spot of the Siderowf Net Division on Tuesday was Ed Ligi at 2-under. He was one shot better than Randy Black, Peter Czuchra, and Romaniello all of whom were 1-under in a tie for second. Boggini, John Higgins, Mark Toscano, and Rich Kowal shared fifth at even-par.
Once the points were tallied Scott Harger had done just enough to hold on and win Siderowf Net Division Player of the Year. Harger competed 13-times this season with a win coming at Wampanoag Country Club.
Note: The CSGA would like to thank Shennecossett Golf Course head professional Todd Goodhue and his staff for a fantastic day. The course was in excellent shape despite the rain and the meal was great. Also a big thank you to the East Lyme Driving Range for opening early so players could warm up.
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.
