(May 8, 2026) – As golf season begins in earnest across Connecticut, two of the state’s most storied organizations, the Connecticut State Golf Association and the Connecticut Section PGA, are once again set to square off in one of their most enduring traditions: the Julius Boros Challenge Cup Matches. Approaching its 55th playing, the event stands as a testament to both spirited competition and longstanding camaraderie between the best amateurs and professionals across the region.
The Matches return to New Haven Country Club for the 50th time in 55 years and promise to be another championship test for the state’s best players. Adding to the drama this year, the CSGA has a chance to tie the Connecticut Section PGA’s record of nine straight victories. The Section still holds a commanding advantage of 34-20 in the series, but under 10-time team captain and newly inducted Connecticut Golf Hall of Famer Roger Everin, the CSGA has reigned supreme, winning eight in a row. Everin, and his talented team of amateurs, will seek to add to that list and tie the Section’s record of nine wins in a row, which they achieved from 1984 to 1992.
“Our team is excited and ready to return to New Haven Country Club for the Challenge Cup Matches yet again. New Haven is one of the best golf courses in the state, and the Club’s history, classic feel, and outstanding staff make it the perfect host for such a storied event” said Captain Roger Everin. “I’m really looking forward to being out there with the players and hopefully bringing another victory home for the CSGA,” Everin continued.
The CSGA returns 8 players from last year’s Challenge Cup team, along with 5 others who have played in the Challenge Cup previously, including one of the most accomplished players in state history: Cody Paladino. Joining them are newcomers who are no strangers to high level golf in the state: recent college graduates Connor Goode (UConn) and Mike Rothberg (Sacred Heart) along with Watertown’s Thomas Labbe, who teamed up with Luke Stennett to win last year’s state four-ball.
Everin, confident in the strength of his team, says his pre-round message to his players will be similar to what it is every year, “No matter the outcome, representing the CSGA in this prestigious event is an experience you will always remember.”
That experience begins at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 14 with matches beginning on Nos. 1 and 10.
CSGA Roster:
Justin Beal (Timberlin GC)
Eric Bleile (Great River GC)
Benjamin Conroy (New Haven CC)
Ben Day (New Haven CC)
Adam Friedman (Great River GC)
Connor Goode (Glastonbury Hills CC)
Anthony Guerrera (Watertown GC)
Rick Hayes (Silver Spring CC)
Mike Kennedy (Tashua Knolls GC)
Thomas Labbe (Watertown GC)
Cody Paladino (Hartford GC)
Mike Rothberg (Mill River CC)
Seniors
Dave Jones (Mohegan Sun GC)
Rick Malafronte (New Haven CC)
Patrick McGuiness (Keney GC)
Bob Murphy Jr. (Brownson CC)
Captain: Roger Everin
Connecticut Section PGA Roster:
Marc Bayram (Timberlin GC)
Bob Bigonette (H Smith Richardson GC)
Ian Fedorchak (New Haven CC)
Jordan Gosler (Manchester CC)
Brian Keiser (Longmeadow CC)
CJ Konkowski (Hartford GC)
Mike Martin (Highland GC)
Terry Slater (Race Brook CC)
William Street (Mill River CC)
Sean Sweitzer (Madison CC)
Chris Tallman (GreatHorse)
William Wallis (New Haven CC)
Seniors
Jason Gobleck (Lyman Orchards GC)
Joe Cordani (Hop Meadow CC)
Bob Mucha (Edgewood CC)
Jan Wivestad (Chris Cote’s Southington)
Captain: Bob Sparks (Honorary President)
Format: Play will begin at 9:30 a.m. with matches going off both sides. Players will compete in teams of two, with individual matches played simultaneously. Each match, team, and individual is worth three points, one for the first nine, one for the second nine, and one overall. Nine points are at stake in each foursome. The teams compete for the Julius Boros Trophy, donated by Boros, the former PGA and U.S. Open champion who hailed from Connecticut. The members of the professional team qualify by finishing among the top eight in the section PGA Player of the Year point standings and the top four seniors in the section Senior PGA Player of the Year point standings. Also joining the team is the reigning Connecticut PGA Champion, the PGA Professional from the host club, and two captain’s selections. Members of the amateur side, in both regular and senior categories, likewise earn points in a Player of the Year competition and are chosen accordingly. All points were earned in 2025.
About the Associations
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.
The Connecticut Section PGA is one of 41 sections chartered that together comprise the Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA of America). There are a total of 350 golf professionals affiliated with the section (292 PGA Members and 58 Registered Apprentices). These professionals are employed at over 175 PGA Recognized Golf Facilities throughout the region.
