Stonington, Connecticut (April 15, 2024) – On a gorgeous spring day the 2024 CSGA season began at the Stonington Country Club One Day Tournament sponsored by Chris Cote’s Golf Shop. A full field of 131 players teed it up with Gregg Dubois emerging victorious in the Tettelbach Open Division while Shane Hassett and John Herbert captured the Siderowf Gross Division title.
However, the highlight of the day came at 8 a.m. when Tommy Dowd (seen in the hero image) rang in the new year with a perfectly struck tee shot down the middle of the dew covered opening fairway.
“It was great to get the year started. Especially at Stonington CC, a course that I love,” said Tommy Dowd. “I didn’t play very well but there was no wind here for the first time in years and it is great to get it going again.”
Although the golf didn’t go as planned for Dowd when he exited scoring following the completion of his round he was all smiles as were the rest of the members in his group – two-time Siderowf Net Player of the Year Scott Harger, Jason Starkey, and Scott Weston.
“I really enjoy getting out and playing with my friends and playing the different courses,” Dowd explained when talking about what he enjoys most about the One Day events. “I also really enjoy that it is an actual tournament format. It is serious but not too serious.”
With ideal conditions presented to the field thanks to the warm weather, no wind, and soft greens Gregg Dubois took advantage on his way to a 3-under 69 that saw him finish one shot better than runner-up Cody Paladino. The winner of the last two Stonington CC One Day Tournaments, Paladino, finished with a 2-under 70.
Dubois had a stellar round carding five birdies and two bogeys. After playing the first four holes in even-par Dubois converted birdies on Nos. 5, 9, 11, 15, and 18. His three birdies on the back nine were all part of a flawless second nine 3-under 33.
The top five of the Tettelbach Open Division were rounded out by Jason Zaniewski (+2) and five others at 3-over in a tie for fourth. The fourth-place group was comprised of Matthew Shea, Keith Kwasnik, Jeffrey Delucia, Eric Bleile, and Chris Maxwell.
Sharing the top spot in the Siderowf Gross Division were Shane Hassett and John Herbert both of whom shot even-par 72s.
Hassett put together a three birdie, three bogey round with birdies falling on Nos. 1, 3, and 12. Meanwhile, after a 2-over start through four holes, Herbert played bogey-free golf the rest of the way with birdies falling on Nos. 5 and 6.
Eric Litke, Dave Jones, and Richard Stevens rounded out the top five with 1-over 73s that saw them finish tied for third place.
First place in the Tettelbach Net Division was taken by Dubois (-6) with Chris Cote, Kwasnik, and Delucia sharing second at 1-over. Mark Ashby, Zaniewski, James Marzi, and David Golas tied for fifth place with 2-over showings.
In the Siderowf Net Division Litke led the way with a 2-under tally. One shot behind in a 1-under tie for second were Hassett, Tom Cutone, Herbert, and Robert Bartha.
Note: The CSGA would like to thank Stonington CC head professional Justin Turner and his staff for a great day!
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.
