North Stonington, Connecticut (October 10, 2023) – On a crisp fall day at the 22nd Al Acker One Day Championship presented by Chris Cote’s Golf Shop Scott Johnson and Shawn McLoughlin captured the titles.
Scott Johnson, with a 3-over 75 at the Lake of Isles, won the Tettelbach Open Division by one shot over Uttdom Sowinkong and Lance Gillett both of whom tied for second at 4-over.
Beginning his round on the 357-yard par-4 fourth hole Johnson got his day off to a quick start with a 15-footer for birdie to quickly move into the red. For much of the remainder of the round Johnson played solid golf while also keeping the big numbers off his scorecard.
Johnson, an industrial hygienist, did bogey five times on the day but by mixing in his birdie on No. 4 and a second birdie from 6 feet on the 334-yard par 4 12th he was able to pull out the victory.
“It is a first for me. I’ve come close before but to come in first place means a lot,” Scott Johnson said. “I think the best finish I’ve had in a CSGA event was tied for ninth at the Public Links and then I finished in a tie for third at the Tournament of Champions one year so [this win ranks up there for me].”
Rounding out the top five of the Tettelbach Open Division were Steve Tamagni (+5) and Greg Dubois (+6).
Leading the way in the Siderowf Gross Division was Shawn McLoughlin. One month after turning 80 years old McLoughlin fired a 1-over 73 to win the title by two shots over four players tied for second at 3-over. The group included Brian Geary, David Boggini, Stuart Goldstein, and John Herbert.
“I played good,” Shawn McLoughlin said. “I was kind of surprised because I haven’t been playing a lot of golf. I came here with the attitude that if I can just make it in the top five or top 10 then it would be a good deal for me.”
McLoughlin, who almost didn’t play due to the course length, began his round on No. 16 and despite an early birdie on No. 17, it was a seesaw day. The birdie on the par-4 17th was the first of five throughout the round but those were offset by two double-bogeys and two bogeys.
Of the five birdies, McLoughlin highlighted his 30-footer on the 457-yard par-5 fifth as a key moment in his round. His birdie on No. 5 was the back end of consecutive birdies that for a stretch moved him to 1-under-par.
Two additional birdies fell for the 2001 Connecticut Senior Amateur winner on Nos. 11 and 14 as he did just enough to fend off his pursuers.
“I love to compete,” said McLoughlin. “It makes me feel younger. I don’t hit the ball as far but if I get some roll I can still get it out there. I was pleased with the way I played.”
In the Tettelbach Net Division Glenn Pelt (-2) finished two shots in front of runner-up Scott Johnson (E). Greg Dubois and Timothy Roy (+1) shared third while Sowinkong (+2) finished fifth.
Scott Harger (-5) led the way in the Siderowf Net Division finishing three shots in front of Shawn McLoughlin (-2). Third place was shared by David Boggini, Blase Sanzone, Stuart Goldstein, and John Herbert at 2-over.
Four players clinched Player of the Year honors. In the Tettelbach Open Division Jamie Sheltman earned the top spot by one point, Walter Keuchkerian II finished atop the standings in the Tettelbach Net Division while Rick Lawrence was the Siderowf Gross Division winner and Scott Harger took home the Siderowf Net Division honors.
Note: The CSGA would like to thank Director of Golf Lucas Hitchcock 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.
