May 16, 2013 – Torrington, CT
The Connecticut State Golf Association held its annual Connecticut State Open Championship Media Day on Thursday, May 16 at the Torrington Country Club. The 79th Connecticut Open Championship, a 54-hole stroke play test for the State’s best amateur and professional golfers will be contested July 29th through the 31st. Members of the media gathered for a press conference, followed by lunch and golf, and were given an opportunity to interview several competitors and tournament officials.
Opening remarks at the press conference were delivered by CSGA Executive Director Mike Moraghan, Torrington Country Club President Mike Nejaime and Ivan Lendl, a former tennis player once ranked number one in the world, a member of the club and competitive golfer who has competed in USGA and CSGA events. Players Dave Szewczul, Kyle Gallo, Fran Marrello, Cory Muller, and Bobby Gage were at the podium to answer questions.
Gallo is one of two players to win the Connecticut Open Championship four times (1998, 2000, 2004 and 2010) and was runner up in 2012 at Wee Burn. Gallo commented that he is playing in fewer tournaments this year and plans to participate in about ten. He stated that he has not played in a tournament since last October but feels he will be ready for the Open.
Cory Muller, a Torrington native and Head Professional at Country Club of Darien, is excited to get a chance to play in front of hometown friends and family.
Fran Marrello, a PGA life member, who was inducted into the Connecticut Golf Hall of Fame in 2009, has won many tournaments but not the Connecticut Open. He stated that he is looking forward to the event and would, of course, love to add an open win to his resume.
Bobby Gage a nine year PGA/Nationwide tour member who teaches at Candlewood Valley Country Club in New Milford, CT has had three top five finishes in the Connecticut Open.
Dave Szewczul, 2012 CSGA Player and Senior Player of the year has one of the most impressive playing records in the state but he too has never won the Connecticut Open. Szewczul stated that the older he gets the better golfer he becomes both physically and mentally.
Torrington Country Club has twice played host to the Connecticut Open Championship. In 1946, F.J. Torza of Wethersfield Country Club shot a four-round total of 293 for his victory, and in 1962, Bob Cloughen of Ridgewood Country Club recorded a three-round total of 207.
More recently, Torrington Country Club has also hosted two Connecticut Amateur Championships in 1994 and 2006. The 1994 Championship was highlighted by PGA Tour Champion J.J. Henry of The Patterson Club capturing his first of three Connecticut Amateur titles. In 2006, Tommy McDonagh captured his first Connecticut Amateur title in dramatic fashion, winning the final match in 39 holes over 2006 Player of the Year Cody Paladino. McDonagh, who also won the 2011 Connecticut Amateur Championship, will return to Torrington Country Club as a professional, having had a spectacular amateur career that also included two Met Amateur titles.
The Connecticut Open Championship is the only CSGA Championship open to both amateurs and professionals. The tournament was first played in 1931, with Henry Ciuci winning the inaugural championship at the Course at Yale.
In 2012, Jason Caron of Siwanoy CC captured his first Connecticut Open Championship at Wee Burn Country Club with a 54-hole total of 2-under par 214, edging 4-time Open Champion Kyle Gallo by a single shot.
Schedule of Events
Monday, July 29 – First Round, 18 Holes Stroke Play
Tuesday, July 30 – Second Round, 18 Holes Stroke Play
*The low 40 players including ties will advance to the final round on Wednesday; July 31st. Starting times will be reassigned following the cut based on scores with the leaders teeing off last
Wednesday, July 31st– Final Round, 18 Holes
The lowest 54 hole total will be declared the champion. In the event of a tie, a hole-by-hole playoff will begin immediately following conclusion of all rounds.
For additional information about the tournament including starting times and directions for spectators please visit connecticutopen.com
