Portsmouth, Rhode Island (October 13, 2022) – Team Connecticut tried to rally on the final day of the 88th Tri-State Matches at The Aquidneck Club but their deficit was too big to overcome. Connecticut did win the final day four-ball matches however they weren’t able to overtake Massachusetts and had to settle for a second place finish.
Massachusetts with a total of 81 points won their third consecutive Tri-State title and 17th in the last 18 matches. Connecticut earned 62.5 points with the hosts Rhode Island finishing third with 48.5 points.
Led by six points from the team of Rick Dowling and Ben Day Connecticut got off to a solid start in the opening session foursomes on Tuesday morning tallying 21.5 points. The teams of Bill Hermanson/Patrick McGuiness and Jamie Sheltman/Anthony Guerrera also contributed in a big way earning 5.5 and 4.5 points.
In a good position after the first session, it was the afternoon singles matches that ultimately created too big of a deficit. Connecticut tallied just 13 points allowing Massachusetts to open a sizable gap heading into day two.
The final of two glorious days along the Rhode Island coast saw Connecticut play their best golf of the week as they won the closing four-ball session with 28 points. It was the second most points earned in a session only behind Massachusetts’ 32 in foursomes.
Connecticut was led in the four-ball matches by Anthony Guerrera/Arthur Ouimet (6 points), Dan Gallo/Chris Ayers (5.5 points), and Dave Jones/Bill Hermanson (5 points).
Overall Connecticut was paced by rookie Anthony Guerrera and Bill Hermanson both of whom earned 12 points while Rick Dowling and Patrick McGuiness tallied 9.5 points.
Next year the Tri-State Matches will be contested in Connecticut. The site and dates are still to be determined.
Hero Image courtesy of David Colt Photography
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.