The final round of the 78th Connecticut Open Championship concluded today, and just like the previous days of competition, host Wee Burn Country Club challenged the 45 competitors making the cut. With the thick rough dampened by morning rain and a fitting final round course set up, only two players finished the championship under par.
Professional Jason Caron (Greenwich, CT) was able to hold off Kyle Gallo’s run at a record fifth Connecticut Open title to claim his first tournament victory in 13 years and become the 78th Connecticut Open champion. Caron’s three day total of two under par 214 was one better than Gallo, who had the low round of the day at three under 69.
Caron played steady golf over the three days of the championship. He made only eight bogeys over 54 holes on a golf course where the field averaged almost 80 strokes. With this win, Caron takes home the first place check worth $10,000. The soon to be father credits his laid back mentality that he carried with him throughout the week. “When you're out there every week grinding it out, a lot of people, including myself, start caring too much instead of just playing like you do when you're playing with your buddies. I just tried doing that all day, and I'm still kind of shocked that it's good enough.”
Jeff Hatten claimed low amateur honors as he finished tied for fourth at two over par 218. Hatten, playing in the final group, had his best open finish to date and earned 175 points towards his bid at the Dick Tettelbach Player of the Year award.
The Connecticut State Golf Association thanks Wee Burn Country Club members and staff for hosting the 78th Connecticut Open Championship. For the first time in the events history players and spectators were treated to live (online) scoring, on-course leader boards, and standard bearers in the final five groups.
