Stratford, Connecticut (July 2, 2025) – 2022 champion Dave Jones will square off on Thursday against Rick Malafronte in search of his first CSGA major title in the championship match of the 19th Senior Match Play Championship.
On a steamy Wednesday at Mill River Country Club Dave Jones (Mohegan Sun GC) was the first to punch a ticket into the final thanks to a 6&5 semifinal win over Michael Halpert (Highfield Club).
Following a 1-up win in the quarterfinals over Ken Parisi (Indian Hill CC), Jones wasted no time in his semifinal match, taking a quick lead with a victory on the opening hole. The lead was 2-up after three holes and 3-up by the turn. On the second nine Jones stepped on the gas winning Nos. 11, 12, and 13 to close out the match.
The 2022 winner now has a chance to become just the second player to win the Senior Match Play Championship more than once. Only Dave Szewczul, with five titles has accomplished the feat.
Rick Malafronte (New Haven CC) has knocked on the door of the championship match a number of times. Finally, on Wednesday, his perseverance paid off.
Beginning the day with a quarterfinal match against home course favorite Sean O’Leary, Malafronte needed extra holes to escape with a 19-hole victory. In the match, Malafronte never trailed by more than 1 down but he never led until he won with a par on the first extra hole.
In the semifinals against 2021 runner-up Bob Murphy (Brownson CC), Malafronte trailed briefly but after wins on Nos. 4 and 5 the 2020 Connecticut Senior Amateur runner-up took a lead he would never relinquish. Malafronte would eventually close out the match 2&1.
With the championship match set all that remains at the 19th Senior Match Play Championship is to determine a winner. Jones and Malafronte will do just that on Thursday morning beginning at 7:30 a.m. when they meet head-to-head in the 18-hole title match.
About the Connecticut State Golf Association
The Senior Match Play is one of 20 championships conducted by the Connecticut State Golf Association. The CSGA 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.
