(June 24, 2026) – For the first time in tournament history, the Connecticut Senior Match Play is heading to Mohegan Sun Golf Club. A field of 70 players is anticipated to compete from June 29-July 2 for the title of the 20th Connecticut Senior Match Play.
Stroke Play Qualifying Tee Times
“Hosting the Connecticut Senior Match Play for the first time is a tremendous honor,” head professional Joe Mentz said. “We take a lot of pride in being selected and view it as validation of the course, our agronomy standards, and our staff’s ability to host high-level championship golf. It’s an opportunity for us to showcase the property and provide a memorable competitive experience for Connecticut’s best senior amateur players.”
The par-71 layout will be played at roughly 6,350 yards, but it is controlling angles into the greens that will be the key to success throughout the week.
“The course rewards thoughtful strategy more than raw power, particularly into the greens,” Mentz explained. “Players who manage their position on the greens, avoid short-siding themselves, and remain patient tend to separate themselves over the course of a match.”
In this year’s field, ten past champions will tee it up when play begins with one round of Stroke Play Qualifying on Monday.
Among the past champions in the field are defending champion Rick Malafronte, 2024 champion David Baker, the 2022 champion and 2025 runner-up Dave Jones, and the five-time winner Dave Szewczul.
Following Monday’s round of Stroke Play Qualifying, the field will be trimmed to 32 for the start of match play on Tuesday. Day two will begin with the Round of 32 in the morning, followed by the Round of 16 in the afternoon. Wednesday will continue with the quarterfinals and semifinals before the tournament comes to a close on Thursday with an 18-hole final match to determine the champion.
Notes on the Field:
Number of Players: 70
Past Champions (10): Rick Malafronte (2025), David Baker (2024), Glen Boggini (2023), Dave Jones (2022), Craig Platt (2021), Dave Szewczul (2010, 2012-2014, 2020), Mark Vasington (2019), Pat McGuiness (2018), Tom Brett (2017), Bill Hermanson (2015)
Players to Watch:
Glen Boggini (Ellington Ridge CC): The 2023 winner and 2024 quarterfinalist is always a threat to make a run.
Michael Halpert (Highfield Club): The 2025 Connecticut Senior Match Play semifinalist and 2024 Father Son Champion will be looking to make another run in 2026.
Brian Hedstrom (Indian Hill CC): After finishing as the runner-up on his home course in 2024, Hedstrom reached the Round of 16 last year. He also held the first round lead at the 2025 Connecticut Senior Amateur before finishing T2.
Bill Hermanson (Black Hall Club): The three-time Super Senior Player of the Year and 2015 champion regularly reaches match play.
Mike Hooper (Brooklawn CC): The 2024 Connecticut Senior Amateur champion is seeking his second major title.
Dave Jones (Mohegan Sun GC): The 2022 champion returns after his runner-up finish last year.
Rick Malafronte (Wallingford CC): The 2025 champion will be looking to become the first player to defend since Dave Szewczul won three in a row from 2012-2014.
Patrick McGuiness (Keney GC): The 2018 winner reached the semifinals in 2020, the quarterfinals in 2024, and the Round of 16 in 2025.
Bob Murphy, Hr. (Brownson CC): The 2023 and 2025 Connecticut Senior Amateur winner reached the finals of the Senior Match Play Championship in 2021 and last year he made a run to the semifinals.
Craig Platt (Mill River CC): The 2021 champion has reached match play three times since he captured his title.
Dave Szewczul (TPC River Highlands): The five-time champion reached the Round of 32 in 2025.
Photo Courtesy of Mohegan Sun Golf Club
About the Connecticut State Golf Association
The Senior Match Play 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.
