(December 15, 2025) – The season long race for Chris Cote’s Golf Shop One Day Player of the Year began in early April and concluded in October. Here is a look at how Cody Paladino (Tettelbach Gross Division), Dean Godek (Siderowf Gross Division), Walter Keuchkerian II (Tettelbach Net Division), and Tom DeRienzo (Siderowf Net Division) earned Player of the Year honors.
2025 One Day Player of the Year Rankings
Tettelbach Gross Division
Cody Paladino (Hartford GC)
- Points: 431.4
- Number of Tournaments: 6
- Wins (3): Al Acker One Day Championship, Farmington Woods GC, Hop Meadow CC
Q&A with Cody Paladino:
CSGA: What is your most memorable moment from the season?
Cody Paladino: My most memorable moment from the One Day season was playing against Charlie Hathaway in a playoff at the Al Acker One Day Championship. We work with the same team of coaches, so it’s awesome to see Charlie’s game evolve and improve. He has such a bright future, so it will be exciting to see where he takes his game next year. And it’s always fun for me to compete against someone half my age!
CSGA: What do you enjoy about the One Day Tournaments?
CP: One Day tournaments are amazing in so many ways, but the camaraderie and atmosphere, I think, is what draws so many people to play and why they are so popular. The fields are competitive and the courses are great too, but above all, I think it’s the perfect balance of competition and friendship that makes the events so much fun.
CSGA: How did you start playing in the One Day Tournaments?
CP: I started playing One Days as a way to get ready for the majors and the beginning of tournament season, so typically I would play Stonington in April and maybe one other event. But I’ve started playing a few more recently because they are so accessible and a great way to play some extra tournament golf.
CSGA: What do you do for work?
CP: I work full-time for Lyle Health as a healthcare recruiter, specializing in the placement of Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners at facilities across the country.
CSGA: It is always difficult to win a Player of the Year award. What does earning this honor mean to you?
CP: I’m very grateful and proud to earn this Player of the Year award, but more importantly, I’m so grateful for the CSGA and Chris Cote’s Golf Shop for their support and dedication to the One Day series and their continued efforts to make these tournaments better and better each year.
Tettelbach Net Division
Walter Keuchkerian II (Pequabuck GC)
- Points: 350
- Number of Tournaments: 5
- Wins (3): Al Acker One Day Championship, Tumble Brook CC, CC of Farmington
Q&A with Walter Keuchkerian II:
CSGA: What is your most memorable moment from the season?
Walter Keuchkerian II: My most memorable moment from the season was chipping in for an eagle on the second to last hole at the Al Acker One Day Championship to win the Net title. I knew I was tied going into that hole, so it was a very cool moment for me knowing that chip-in had basically secured me the title!
CSGA: What do you enjoy about the One Day Tournaments?
WK: I really enjoy two things about the One Day Series. First, it is the chance to play on some awesome private courses that are challenging and would be hard to play otherwise. The second thing I really enjoy is the chance to compete and test my game. There is no hiding your flaws in tournaments, and the One Day tournaments are the perfect opportunity to push yourself to get better.
CSGA: How did you start playing in the One Day Tournaments?
WK: I started playing in the One Day tournaments by just randomly signing up. I saw it online and thought it would be fun to play, and I’m glad I made the decision to start playing in them!
CSGA: What do you do for work?
WK: I currently work for a mid-sized insurance company as an account coordinator. I started working there this year, and I love it! The company and the team I work for are extremely supportive and it’s great knowing you work for a team and place that wants to support you and help you succeed.
CSGA: It is always difficult to win a Player of the Year award. What does earning this honor mean to you?
WK: Winning the One Day Player of the Year means a lot to me. It shows that I can compete and battle against some great golfers and that I have had a successful season. I was fortunate enough to win it two years ago and come in second last year. So winning it again this year helps me push myself to try to win more in the coming years!
Siderowf Gross Division
Dean Godek (Cedar Knob Golf Club)
- Points: 715.4
- Number of Tournaments: 12
- Wins (5): Suffield CC, Farmington Woods GC, Lake Waramaug CC, Hop Meadow CC, Stonington CC
Q&A with Dean Godek:
CSGA: What is your most memorable moment from the season?
Dean Godek: The most memorable moment of the season was winning the Mixed Team Championship with my daughter, Alia. Whenever I play with my daughter, I feel that I’m already a winner. Getting to spend a day with her is priceless.
The One Day tournament that was most memorable was the first of the year at Stonington CC. It was a very cold, windy day. I have been warmer skiing, but I birdied four out of the first five holes. The run included a chip-in and a 45-foot birdie putt. I would have been happy to break 80, and I shot 2-under-par to win.
CSGA: What do you enjoy about the One Day Tournaments?
DG: What I enjoy about the One Day tournaments is competing in medal play, playing on different golf courses, and being able to make your own foursomes. It gives you the opportunity to create friendships with many nice people.
CSGA: How did you start playing in the One Day Tournaments?
DG: A friend of mine, Gary Mattessen, convinced me to start playing in the One Day tournaments. He said, “you get to play some really nice courses and meet a lot of good players.” Thank you, Gary!
CSGA: What do you do for work?
DG: I’m a financial advisor. My son and daughter work with me. It gives me a chance to take time off and play more golf. My schedule is very flexible.
CSGA: It is always difficult to win a Player of the Year award. What does earning this honor mean to you?
DG: Winning anything is very difficult. Things have to go your way. The One Day Series is very difficult to win because it is over six months and at various golf courses. Some of the courses I played for the first time.
You need to be consistent all year. I was very excited to win Player of the Year! It’s a great honor. There are a lot of good players who compete throughout the season, which makes it challenging. Overall, I am pleased with the way I played and look forward to next year.
Siderowf Net Division
Tom DeRienzo (Watertown GC)
- Points: 310.35
- Number of Tournaments: 8
- Wins (0): Season was highlighted by three second-place finishes and never finishing outside the top 10
Q&A with Tom DeRienzo:
CSGA: What is your most memorable moment from the season?
Tom DeRienzo: Looking back at the season, probably one memorable moment was an eagle at Stonington CC to open the season. I wasn’t playing great and it was cold and windy, but the eagle definitely helped me finish in the Net top five. Also, the Al Acker One Day Championship where I was steady and tied for low Net.
CSGA: What do you enjoy about the One Day Tournaments?
TD: I enjoy playing the One Day tournaments because of the opportunities to play different courses around the state while getting a chance to meet a lot of nice players. My friend Vin Capece helps to organize some of the times and groups so we have a good time and feed on each other’s good play. The competition is stellar.
CSGA: How did you start playing in the One Day Tournaments?
TD: I belonged to the Golf Club at Oxford Greens when I started playing One Day tournaments in probably 2016. That year, I started off playing in the Senior Match Championship at Oxford and then transitioned more into the One Day tournaments. I currently belong to Watertown GC but my days in golf started as a caddie at Race Brook Country Club back in the 1970s. Just a great place to get started in golf.
CSGA: What do you do for work?
TD: I am a dentist. I sold my practice in Plantsville in late 2023, but I still work part-time at Southern Connecticut Dental in Southbury. I have been fortunate to have the flexibility in my profession to play golf, especially on Mondays.
CSGA: It is always difficult to win a Player of the Year award. What does earning this honor mean to you?
TD: I was surprised when Bob Sparks announced my name. I didn’t really follow my position on the list. I knew I had some nice top-five finishes, but I was unaware of my actual position going into the Al Acker One Day Championship. When I play, I try not to look at the results or positions. I try to play one shot, one hole at a time and then add them up. But now I have the plaque on my wall that has Dick Siderowf ‘s name on it, and the irony is that I caddied back for him in either 1975 or 1976 at Racebrook CC in a CSGA event!
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.
