(January 29, 2026) – Another exciting Connecticut State Golf Association season is just months away and this year the championship schedule includes stops at the Country Club of Fairfield, Wampanoag Country Club, Madison Country Club, and Richter Park Golf Course.
Once again major championship season will begin at the 23rd Russell C. Palmer Cup presented by Michaels Jewelers, where Jake Portugal will look to defend his title. His title defense will take place at the Country Club of Waterbury from May 18-20.
2026 will mark the 16th time that the CC of Waterbury has hosted the championship. For the first time in event history, the championship will span across three days.
Jumping ahead to June, Tumble Brook Country Club will host the 27th Connecticut Women’s Open from June 2-4, with Yvonne Cox-Holmes looking to defend.
“Tumble Brook has a long history of hosting different events throughout our 100 years of the club,” head professional Rory Maxwell said. “We are honored to bring the Connecticut Women’s Open back to Bloomfield and Tumble Brook CC this year.”
The 2026 championship will be the third time that Tumble Brook CC has hosted the Connecticut Women’s Open. When Tumble Brook CC last hosted the championship in 2013, future LPGA Tour star Megan Khang won her second straight Connecticut Women’s Open title.
One week later, Wampanoag Country Club will host the 124th Connecticut Amateur for the first time since 2003 and the eighth time overall.
“Hosting the Connecticut Amateur is a tremendous honor and comes at a particularly meaningful moment in the club’s history, head professional Donny Kirkpatrick expressed. “With the opening of our new clubhouse this year and the completion of a fully historical course restoration in 2023, the club is experiencing a renewed sense of pride while staying true to its roots. Hosting the Connecticut Amateur allows us to showcase not only a classic, restored golf course, but also a revitalized club that honors its traditions while investing in its future.”
Adam Friedman will be poised to defend his title from June 9-13.
At the end of the month, the Mohegan Sun Golf Club will welcome the 20th Senior Match Play Championship. With Rick Malafronte seeking to defend from June 29-July 2, this year will mark the first time that Mohegan Sun GC has hosted the championship.
“Hosting the Senior Match Play Championship for the first time is a tremendous honor,” stated head professional Joe Mentz. “We take a lot of pride in being selected and view it as validation of the course, our agronomy standards, and our staff’s ability to host high-level championship golf. It’s an opportunity for us to showcase the property and provide a memorable competitive experience for Connecticut’s best senior amateur players.”
The first full week of July sees the Connecticut Junior Amateur presented by Chris Cote’s Golf Shop return to Watertown Golf Club. This year’s 85th Connecticut Junior Amateur will be played from July 6-9.
Speaking on what makes Watertown GC a good match play course head professional Peter Seaman stated, “I believe that there are several reasons that Watertown GC is a good match play course. I believe there are several holes that require strategic thinking and shot placement making each match unique and competitive.”
The month will come to a close when the 92nd Connecticut Open returns to the Country Club of Fairfield for the first time since 2010 and for the third time overall. Mike Ballo, Jr., will look to defend his title from July 27-29 against what is sure to be a deep and talented field.
“We are very excited about hosting the Connecticut Open in 2026,” head professional Eric Steindel said. “It will be a lot of fun to watch a talented field test their mettle on our historic Seth Raynor course.”
With Justin Beal set on defending his title, a busy month of August kicks off with the 41st Connecticut Public Links Championship hosted by Richter Park Golf Course from August 3-4.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Connecticut Public Links Championship back to Richter Park GC for the third time,” said head professional Jonathan Pinto. “The level of talent and the added publicity that comes with this event always create an exciting atmosphere, and it’s something our members truly enjoy. Great golf, strong competition, and a vibrant energy have made this championship a favorite whenever it returns to the Park.”
A few weeks later, Mill River Country Club will host its first Connecticut Mid-Amateur when the 39th edition of the event pulls into town from August 24-25.
However, despite this being the first Connecticut Mid-Amateur at Mill River CC, hosting major championships is nothing new to the club, explains head professional Billy Street.
“Hosting the Connecticut Mid-Amateur for the first time is a significant honor for Mill River CC. We have hosted two Connecticut Opens (1961 and 2004), along with the Senior Match Play Championship last year. The opportunity reflects the quality of the golf course and the club’s commitment to championship golf. It allows the club to showcase its layout and conditions to the top mid-amateur players in the state.”
In 2026, Thomas McCarthy will be the one looking to defend against a field that once again will be elite.
The major championship season will come to a close at Madison Country Club when the 81st Connecticut Senior Amateur is contested from September 29-30. In the final major of the season, defending champion Bob Murphy, Jr., will be seeking his third title in four years.
“Our members are excited to host the Connecticut Senior Amateur Championship back at Madison CC for the second time,” stated head professional Frank Carta. “Our members have always been passionate in their support for competitive golf in Connecticut, and they love seeing the best players compete for championships at their course.”
Additional 2026 CSGA Championship Schedule Dates:
- 7th Parent Child Championship (Chris Bargas Golf Club at Whitney Farms) – June 23
- 90th Father Son Championship (Fox Hopyard Golf Club) – July 13
- 30th Super Senior Championship (Longshore Golf Course) – August 10
- 45th Senior Four-Ball (Glastonbury Hills Country Club) – August 17
- 89th Mixed Team Championship (Pine Orchard Yacht & Country Club) – August 18
- Two Man Championship (Black Hall Club) – September 14
*The complete 2026 schedule will be available in the coming weeks. For more information continue to visit csgalinks.org.
Editor’s Note: Hero image of the Country Club of Fairfield is courtesy of the Metropolitan Golf Association.
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.
