(October 6, 2023) – For the first time since 2017 the Tri-State Matches will return to Connecticut. Led by captain Roger Everin Connecticut will welcome the teams from Massachusetts and Rhode Island to fourth time host Wampanoag Country Club.
“The team is looking forward to playing Wampanoag CC for the first time since the course was renovated,” team captain Roger Everin said. “Wampanog is always a great test for the best players.”
This year Connecticut will be represented by an experienced group of players. Of the 16 players on the roster, the only newcomer is Adam Friedman. The team also features seven players – Glen Boggini, Ben Conroy, Bill Hermanson, Rick Malafronte, Pat McGuiness, Bob Murphy, and Jamie Sheltman – from Connecticut’s victorious 2018 team.
The first Tri-State Matches were played in 1928 at the Yale Golf Course with Massachusetts winning the first of their 38 titles. However, for much of the early days of the competition, it was Connecticut that racked up the titles. Winners of 40 in total Connecticut won 23 of the 33 matches played between 1946-1980.
Of late Massachusetts has been the dominant force winning 14 consecutive matches from 2004-2017 and then after Connecticut snapped their streak in 2018 they have won the last three matches. Heading into this year’s competition Massachusetts has won 17 of the last 18 Tri-State Matches.
Rhode Island won four of the first eight matches but has only won 12 times overall and not since 2001.
Each team is comprised of 10 mid-amateurs and six senior amateurs for a total of 16 players. Play will begin Tuesday morning with foursomes in the morning followed by singles in the afternoon. The final day will feature one round of four-ball matches.
“Massachusetts and Rhode Island always present a difficult challenge but I know the players are looking forward to being tested,” said Everin. “I’ve told the players that this is a team event that you can’t win by yourself but only as a team. No matter the outcome I will always be proud of what each of them has accomplished this season.”
The 1924 Donald Ross designed Wampanoag CC is a par-72 layout that can be stretched out to 7,011 yards. Wampanoag CC has previously hosted the Tri-State Matches in 1962, 1965, and 1977.
Connecticut Roster
Tri-State Victories: 40
Last Victory: 2018
Mid-Amateurs
Ben Conroy (New Haven CC): In early September Conroy reached match play at the U.S. Mid-Amateur and in June he made the Round of 32 at the Connecticut Amateur.
Ben Day (New Haven CC): This year Day has reached the Round of 16 at the Connecticut Amateur and finished seventh at the Connecticut Mid-Amateur.
Rick Dowling (Golf Performance Center): In June Dowling won his third Connecticut Amateur and in August he won his third straight Connecticut Mid-Amateur.
Adam Friedman (Great River GC): The 2023 season for Friedman was highlighted by a run to the Round of 16 at the Connecticut Amateur.
Anthony Guerrera (Watertown GC): This year Guerrera won the Russell C. Palmer Cup, the Tettelbach Division at the Tournament of Champions, and the Two Man Championship alongside AJ Ouimet.
Rick Hayes (Silver Spring CC): It has been a strong season for Hayes who reached the quarterfinals of the Connecticut Amateur, finished T4 at the Connecticut Mid-Amateur, and tied for 10th at the Russell C. Palmer Cup.
AJ Ouiment (EClub of Connecticut): In June Ouimet made a run to the semifinals of the Connecticut Amateur while in May he teamed with Anthony Guerrera to win the Two Man Championship.
Cody Paladino (Hartford GC): It has been another strong year for Paladino who finished as the runner-up at both the Connecticut Amateur and the Connecticut Mid-Amateur. Paladino also qualified for and played in the U.S. Amateur and U.S. Mid-Amateur.
Jamie Sheltman (Wallingford CC): A three-time One Day winner this year Sheltman has also tied for fourth at the Connecticut Four-Ball and qualified for the Round of 32 at the Connecticut Amateur.
Peter Tomlinson (Orange Hills CC): This year Tomlinson has finished fourth at the Russell C. Palmer Cup and reached match play at the Connecticut Amateur.
Seniors
Glen Boggini (Manchester CC): The 2023 Connecticut Senior Match Play winner has also won two One Day titles this year.
Bill Hermanson (Black Hall Club): The Siderowf Division Tournament of Champions winner also won a One Day title and reached the Round of 16 at the Connecticut Senior Match Play.
Dave Jones (Mohegan Sun GC): In 2023 Jones reached the quarterfinals of the Connecticut Senior Match Play, finished T5 at the Connecticut Senior Amateur, and claimed a One Day Tournament.
Rick Malafronte (New Haven CC): It was another strong year for Malafronte who made a run to the quarterfinals of the Connecticut Senior Match Play, finished T9 at the New England Senior Amateur, and tied for second at the Connecticut Senior Four-Ball.
Pat McGuiness (Keney GC): Earlier this month McGuiness tied for second at the Connecticut Senior Amateur while in June he qualified for the Round of 32 at the Connecticut Senior Match Play.
Bob Murphy (Brownson CC): This year Murphy has only played in three events winning two of them. Coming off an injury he won the Connecticut Senior Four-Ball and then last week he claimed his first CSGA individual major title at the Connecticut Senior Amateur.
Massachusetts Roster – click for more
Tri-State Victories: 38
Last Victory: 2022
Mid-Amateurs
Herbie Aikens
Shuvam Bhaumik
Colin Brennan
Mike Calef
Bill Drohen
Sean Fitzpatrick
Joe Harney
Matt Parziale
Ricky Stimets
George Zolotas
Seniors
John Hadges
John McNeill
Jim Patterson
Keith Smith
Steve Tasho
Frank Vana
Rhode Island Roster
Tri-State Victories: 12
Last Victory: 2001
Mid-Amateurs
Mike Caparco
Tyler Cooke
John Drohen
Mike Hamilton
Larry Lafauci
Bobby Leopold
Jamie Lukowicz
Tom McCormick
Kevin Silva
Auggie Sottile
Seniors
Mike Arter
Darren Corrente
Dave Marshall
Brian O’Leary
Dr. George Pirie
Dean Parziale
Hero Image – 2022 Connecticut team (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.
