(May 1, 2023) – As the calendar flips to May so begins another Connecticut State Golf Association championship season. Once again the championship slate will begin with the Two Man Championship hosted by Black Hall Club.
On May 8 a deep, talented field will compete for the championship with Jamie Sheltman and Daniel Murphy set to defend their title. Last year Sheltman and Murphy combined to win their second Two Man Championship and first outright title after they shared the championship in 2020.
“Jamie and I have a great relationship both on and off the golf course,” said Daniel Murphy when talking about why the tandem is so successful. “When we are partners we have a pretty simple gameplan. Since Jamie is one of the best and most consistent players in the state, he tees off first and makes sure we have a ball in play. This allows me to play aggressively, which I am most comfortable with. It seems to have worked out well in the past and in multiple events.”
The history of the Two Man Championship at the Black Hall Club dates back to 2008 when the course became the yearly home for the tournament. Black Hall Club members, including former CSGA President Peter Bulkeley, pitched the idea of hosting the tournament to the Black Hall Club board on an annual basis in honor of Bill Hermanson and the event has been held at the club ever since.
“Bill is such a great ambassador [for Black Hall Club],” said head professional Andrew Campbell of Hermanson, a 2012 Connecticut Golf Hall of Fame inductee, 27-time Black Hall club champion, and 11-time senior club champion. “He has such a storied history with the CSGA. We were excited when our offer was accepted.”
The par-71 layout will play at approximately 6,600 yards with the field’s best scoring chances coming on the opening two holes of each nine. The first and 10th holes are shorter par-4s while the second and 11th holes are two of the three par-5s on the course.
“The key to success at Black Hall is to keep the ball in play,” continued Murphy. “Every shot on the course is as important as the next. It is a long day, so staying focused the entire time is a necessity.”
The most difficult stretch at Black Hall Club is Nos. 15-18. The most challenging hole in that stretch is the 415-yard par 4 15th. The tee shot is straight forward but the hole presents arguably the most difficult second shot on the course. Facing an uphill shot players will need to navigate greenside bunkers on the left and right to find a large undulating green that slopes from back to front. Players will be relieved to play the four-hole stretch in level par.
“The most challenging aspect of the Two Man Championship format is that it’s such a long day,” Jamie Sheltman said. “Also relying on your partner to hit good shots in the alternate shot, and keep you in the game. It’s easy to get distracted especially if you haven’t hit a putt in a while, or a long iron into the green.”
The 36-hole shotgun style tournament will begin at 8 a.m. on May 8. In the morning round, players will compete in four-ball followed by foursomes, selected drive alternate shot in the afternoon.
Teams to Watch:
Jamie Sheltman (Wallingford CC) & Dan Murphy (H. Smith Richardson GC): The defending champions, competing together for the fifth time in the Two Man Championship, also shared the title in 2020. In 2021 they tied for fifth place.
Ben Day (New Haven CC) & Ed Day (Wallingford CC): The Day brothers are teaming up for a fourth consecutive year at the Two Man Championship. Each of the last two years they have finished just two shots off the pace. In 2021 they tied for third and last year they finished in a tie for second.
Kevin Newlan (Grassy Hills CC) & Kevin Ward (Race Brook CC): The co-champions in 2020 will once again be paired together in 2023.
Cody Paladino (Hartford GC) & Kevin Josephson (Timberlin GC): In 2021 Cody Paladino and Kevin Josephson teamed up to finish in second place at the Two Man Championship.
Rick Dowling (Golf Performance Center) & Nick Taylor (MGA eClub – New York City): The duo of Rick Dowling and Nick Taylor have won the Two Man Championship three of the last five years. Their most recent title was in 2021 and last year even though they didn’t win they were right in the mix finishing just three shots back in a tie for fourth.
Bill Hermanson (Black Hall Club) & Dave Szewczul (TPC River Highlands): The Connecticut Golf Hall of Famers are always a threat.
Brett Shulick (Great River Club) & Matt Fuller (Great Neck CC): Whenever there is a team competition the duo of Brett Shulick and Matt Fuller always seem to be in the mix. In 2021 they finished in second place at the Four-Ball Championship and tied for ninth at the Two Man Championship. Last year they had a T3 showing at the Two Man Championship and then broke through for their first CSGA victories at the Four-Ball Championship.
Brad Tilley (Brooklawn CC) & Conor McGovern (Brooklawn CC): Competing in the Two Man Championship for a second consecutive year Tilley and McGovern will come in full of confidence after sharing second place one year ago.
About the Connecticut State Golf Association
The Two Man Championship is one of 20 championships conducted by the Connecticut State Golf Association. The CSGA 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.
