Waterbury, Connecticut (May 20, 2025) – Late in the final round of the 22nd Russell C. Palmer Cup presented by Michaels Jewelers the trophy was still very much up for grabs. Ashton Lewis had been clinging to the lead since late in the second round. Last year’s Connecticut Public Links winner Adam Friedman (Great River GC) was in the mix as were past champions Thomas McCarthy and Rick Dowling.
However, on a day when birdies were hard to come by and grinding was mandatory it was the relative unknown Jake Portugal that rose to the occasion. The rising Fairleigh Dickinson University junior began the chilly and often windy 36-hole final day at the Country Club of Waterbury one shot behind first round leader and 2023 winner Anthony Guerrera. He found himself trailing by the same margin heading into the final round and then was still one back as he made the turn towards the closing nine.
But as others faltered Portugal surged. After beginning his final round with three bogeys in his first seven holes to fall to 6-over Portugal began his charge. First, he birdied the 153-yard par-3 eighth, then Portugal showed off his touch around the greens by getting up and down for birdie on the reachable par-5 ninth. The birdie on No. 9 pulled Portugal within one shot of the lead. A birdie on the ensuing par-4 10th moved Portugal into a share for the lead at 3-over.
Portugal (Richter Park GC) did bogey the par-3 12th but the slip-up was a mere blimp on the radar. Playing in the group ahead of Lewis, Portugal regained his form with a par on No. 13 and then stepped to the tee of the 230-yard par-3 14th.
One of the most challenging holes on the course, Portugal’s tee shot missed the green coming to rest in the rough pin high to the left of the hole. Just looking to get it close and escape with a par, Portugal did one better as he chipped in for birdie to regain a share of the lead.
“I was on the upslope,” Jake Portugal said of his lie. “We clubbed down and it just landed on a perfect spot and it rolled right in.”
A few moments later, when Lewis bogeyed the same hole Portugal led by himself for the first time since early in round number two.
Once in the lead Portugal would not relinquish it. He two-putted the par-4 15th from 60 feet and then executed a brilliant sand save on the ensuing par-4. Portugal then put the exclamation point on his round with a birdie on No. 17 to reach 2-over and create just enough separation for an enjoyable stroll up the closing par-4 18th.
“It didn’t seal the deal but it allowed me to enjoy the walk on 18,” said Portugal who parred the closing hole to complete a final round 1 under 68 that saw the 20-year-old play the final 11 holes in 4-under-par.
“This win is huge,” continued Portugal. “It’s my first real amateur win. I think it’s going to boost my summer immensely and it’s going to put me on a good track for college in the fall.”
Behind Portugal were a trio of players in a tie for second place at 5-over. After leading for much of the day Lewis (H. Smith Richardson GC) finished alongside 2009 champion and last year’s runner-up Thomas McCarthy (eClub of Connecticut), and 2020 winner Rick Dowling (Golf Performance Center). Rounding out the top five was Alex (Elia) who finished 6-over and in fifth place.
Note: Just four players posted under-score rounds at the par-69 CC of Waterbury and they all came during the final round. Three players – Portugal, McCarthy, and Dowling – shot 1-under 68s. Meanwhile, Kyle Bilodeau (GC of Avon) fired the round of the tournament, a 2-under 67.
About the Connecticut State Golf Association
The Russell C. Palmer Cup presented by Michaels Jewelers 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.
