West Hartford, Connecticut (June 9, 2026) – With day one of Stroke Play Qualifying at the 124th Connecticut Amateur presented by Middlesex Health in the books, it is Austin Perkins who leads the way.
On a picture-perfect, yet challenging day at Wampanoag Country Club, Austin Perkins got as low as 6-under before settling for a 4-under 68 and a two-shot first round advantage.
Results I Photo Gallery I Video: The Leaders
“I didn’t really know where my game was coming into this week,” the 2024 champion said. “But I (started on No. 10 and) got off to a good start with an eagle on 11 and then a tap-in birdie on No. 12.”
Quickly 3-under, Perkins (Hartford GC) gave a couple of shots back throughout the rest of his front nine, and he made the turn at 1-under.
The late opening nine blemishes were forgotten in short order as the Florida commit blitzed the first six holes of his second side playing them in 5-under. His run was highlighted by a birdie on No. 1 after sticking his second shot into the par-4 to three feet and by his second eagle of the day, this time on the par-5 sixth.
Perkins did drop a pair of shots coming in, but a nice par save on the par-3 ninth ensured that Perkins carried the lead into the final day of stroke play qualifying.
“It was a great day overall,” Perkins said. “I’m happy with a 68, but there’s a lot more work to be done.”
Perkins will continue that work on Wednesday as he tries to hold off a number of pursers in the chase for medalist honors. Among the day two chasers are Kevin Josephson (Timberlin GC) playing in his first Connecticut Amateur in 10 years, Angus Klintwork (eClub of Connecticut), and Luke Stennett (Tallwood CC) all in a tie for second at 2-under.
Last year’s runner-up Bradley Sawka (Ellington Ridge CC), Drew Southwell (eClub of Connecticut), and Gabe Van Ness (Quinnatisset CC) are one shot further back at 1-under in a tie for fifth.
Play at the 124th Connecticut Amateur presented by Middlesex Health will continue on Wednesday morning with the final round of stroke play qualifying. The top 32 players will advance to match play, which is set to begin on Thursday. Day one of match play will feature the rounds of 32 and 16, followed by the quarterfinals and semifinals on Friday. The week will conclude with the 36-hole championship match on Saturday.
Of Note: Two-time Connecticut Senior Amateur champion Dick Stevens was the only player in the field at the field to beat his age. The 76-year-old shot an opening round 2-over 74.
About the Connecticut State Golf Association
The Connecticut Amateur presented by Middlesex Health 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.
