Danbury, Connecticut (June 20, 2022) – On a gorgeous first day of the 120th Connecticut Amateur at Ridgewood Country Club Ben Day and Jack Woods fired 2-under 69s to take the first round lead.
Day (New Haven CC) and Woods (Ridgewood CC) will carry a one shot lead into the final round of stroke play qualifying.
Day, a semifinalist in 2020, played a steady round of golf highlighted by an eagle from 103 yards out on the par-4 ninth and late round birdies on Nos. 15 and 17.
“I will take the same approach tomorrow as I did today,” Day said. “Just one shot at a time and make good decisions.”
Woods, a rising senior at Bryant, got off to a quick start with three birdies in his first seven holes to set the stage for a comfortable opening round on his home course. Overall Woods carded four birdies and just two bogeys.
“Playing on my home course definitely helps,” said Woods who was part of the early story at the 2020 Connecticut Open played at Ridgewood CC. “I’ve played the place a million times so I certainly feel more comfortable with tee shots and strategy. However, there is a bit of added pressure with so many familiar faces following and watching. But overall, I love Ridgewood CC for my home course and always love playing here, especially in tournament play.”
Vanderbilt commit Ben Loomis (CC of New Canaan) is in third place at 1-under while three players share fourth at even-par. The group includes Chris Ayers (Goodwin Park GC), Matthew Chorches (Hartford GC), and Ashton Lewis (H. Smith Richardson GC).
The 120th Connecticut Amateur will continue Tuesday with the final round of stroke play qualifying. Following the completion of play, the field will be cut to 32 for the beginning of match play on Wednesday which will include the Round of 32 and 16. On Thursday the quarterfinals and semifinals will be contested followed by the 36-hole championship match on Friday.
About the Connecticut State Golf Association
The Connecticut Amateur 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.
