Harwinton, Connecticut (August 20, 2024) – The tandem of Rick Malafronte and Brian Hedstrom fired an 8-under 64 to capture the 43rd Connecticut Senior Four-Ball Championship hosted by Fairview Farm Golf Course.
On a sunny but blustery and chilly day that was more reminiscent of mid-October than mid-August Malafronte (New Haven CC) and Hedstrom (Indian Hill CC) played a flawless round of golf that was highlighted by eight birdies.
After a par to begin their round, Malafronte caught fire beginning with a 25-foot birdie on the par-4 second hole. Four additional front nine birdies on Nos. 4, 5, 8, and 9 by Malafronte, all from within inside five or six feet, to go along with a birdie by Hedstrom on the 350-yard par-4 8th saw the duo turn in 5 under 31.
“Rick Malafronte was working for us today,” Hedstrom, a finalist in June at the Senior Match Play Championship, said of his teammate. “He played great. It was my first time playing the course and I started off a little shaky but I just rode him for a little bit until I got my bearings. And then I tried to help out when I could. But he played amazing today. Hats off to Rick.”
With the lead, as they made the turn, Malafronte and Hedstrom, who paired up for the first time in the Connecticut Senior Four-Ball last year and finished in second place, kept the peddle to the mettle. Another birdie for Malafronte dropped on the par-4 11th and then Hedstrom got into the mix when he rolled in a 20-footer for birdie on the par-4 15th moving the duo to 7 under.
Already with a comfortable lead both Malafronte and Hedstrom birdied the 510-yard par-5 18th for good measure to complete their day.
“We have played together a few times and we are very comfortable together,” Malafronte said. “(Today) was great.”
The top five was rounded out by Eric Ashworth (Orange Hills CC)/Jim Ezold (EClub of Connecticut) in second place at 6 under while four teams shared third at 5 under. Included in the tied for third group were – Craig Platt (Mill River CC)/Mark Stewart (Highland GC), Mark Vasington (Wampanoag CC)/Mark Vassalotti (Sterling Farms Mens GC), Paul Fitzsimmons (Brooklawn CC)/Michael Hooper (Brooklawn CC), and Greg Tufano (CC of Farmington)/Ralph Giansanti (CC of Farmington).
About the Connecticut State Golf Association
The Connecticut Senior Four-Ball Championship 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.
