(May 24, 2022) – The 16th Connecticut Senior Match Play presented by Middlesex Health will head to Madison Country Club from May 31-June 3 with Craig Platt set to defend his title.
Last year Platt outlasted Bob Murphy, Jr. to win his first CSGA championship but as he prepares for his title defense his only focus is playing well, “I want to be prepared for qualifying and not think about defending,” Platt said. “My focus is on improving my game and understanding my weaknesses and strengths heading into the tournament.”
Platt and the remainder of the field will face a stiff test when they arrive at Madison Country Club situated just steps away from Long Island Sound. “The course should play firm and fast and will be in excellent condition,” head professional Frank Carta said.
The par-70 Willie Park, Jr. designed links course opened in 1900 and seven years ago a major renovation led by Brian Silva was completed. When the field arrives at this coastal gem every aspect of their game will be challenged but no skill may be more necessary than consistent ball striking. Fairly forgiving off the tee Madison CC demands players are locked in on their approach shots. Adding to the importance of ball striking will be the likelihood that players will encounter difficult winds.
“Each year the weather the first week of June tends to be windy and our native grasses and fescues should be grown in adding to the difficulty,” Carta said.
The week will begin with eighteen holes of stroke play qualifying on Tuesday followed by the Round of 32 and Round of 16 on Wednesday. Play will continue on Thursday with the quarterfinals and semifinals all culminating with Friday’s 18-hole championship match.
“Nos. 8, 10, and 17 will be the most exciting match play holes,” Carta said. “They are all short par-4s and depending on the tee location may be drivable. At the least, they will all offer multiple risk-reward options.”
Play at the 16th Senior Match Play will begin at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning.
Notes on the Field:
Number of Players: 115
Past Champions (5): Craig Platt (2021), Mark Vasington (2019), Pat McGuiness (2018), Tom Brett (2017), Bill Hermanson (2015)
Players to Watch:
Glen Boggini (Manchester CC): Boggini turned 55 years old late last year and in his first CSGA senior championship he finished T5 at the Connecticut Senior Amateur. He also finished T2 at the Al Acker One Day Championship.
Tom Brett (Rockledge CC): Brett won the Senior Match Play title in 2017. This year in One Day Tournament play he has three top-five finishes including a win at Indian Hill CC.
Paul Fitzsimmons (Brooklawn CC): In 2020 Fitzsimmons was a semifinalist and last year he made another spirited charge reaching the Round of 16.
Bill Hermanson (Black Hall Club): The 2015 champion last made match play in 2020 making it as far as the semifinals. The Connecticut Golf Hall of Famer finished T5 at the Connecticut Senior Amateur last year.
Michael Hooper (Brooklawn CC): When Hooper makes match play he has a habit of making a run. Although he only reached the Round of 32 last year in 2020 he made it to the quarterfinals and in 2018 he was the runner-up.
Dave Jones (Mohegan Sun Golf Club): Last year Jones had a banner year earning Dick Siderowf Player of the Year honors. Last year Jones reached the quarterfinals of the Senior Match Play, finished T2 at the Senior Four-Ball, and won five One Day Tournaments.
Bob Murphy, Jr. (Brownson CC): Murphy, Jr. has been knocking on the door at the Senior Match Play for the last four years. In 2018 he earned medalist honors, in 2019 he made the semifinals, in 2020 he reached the quarterfinals, and last year he was the runner-up.
Patrick McGuiness (Keney GC): The 2018 winner has reached match play on three other occasions including a trip to the semifinals in 2020.
Craig Platt (Mill River CC): Last year at Torrington CC Platt captured his first CSGA title with a hard fought victory in the title match over Bob Murphy, Jr. Platt backed up his Senior Match Play performance with a T12 at the Connecticut Senior Amateur a few months later.
Donal Reilly (H. Smith Richardson GC): Last year Reilly won the Connecticut Senior Amateur and reached the Round of 16 at the Senior Match Play.
Dick Stevens (Western Hills GC): In 2020 Dick Stevens won his second Connecticut Senior Amateur while last year he earned the two-seed in the Senior Match Play and finished T7 at the Connecticut Senior Amateur.
Mark Vasington (Wampanoag CC): In 2019 Vasington captured the Senior Match Play title.
About the Connecticut State Golf Association
The Senior Match Play Championship presented by Middlesex Health 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.
