(April 10, 2026) – In 2025, according to the USGA, Connecticut led the country in nine-hole rounds posted by women at 51%. Leading the way was Sarah Daggett of Farmington with a remarkable 108 rounds.
Shortly before the 2026 season began, we got a chance to talk with Daggett, an Athletic Director Secretary in the Farmington School system, about what draws her back to the course time and time again.
Here is what Sarah, a first-year assistant girls’ golf coach for Farmington High School, had to say!
CSGA: 108 nine-hole rounds is remarkable! How did you do it?
Sarah Daggett (SD): Because I work for the Farmington school system, it helps that I have the summer off. So I’ll play a round in the morning and in the afternoon. Sometimes I will play 18 holes at Tunxis Country Club in Farmington and then immediately go across town to Westwoods Golf Course and play nine more. It all depends on the day and how much golf I feel like playing. But generally, I just go, go, go.
CSGA: When did golf become such a large part of your life?
SD: When I was little, my dad and I would just hit golf balls in the backyard or go to the driving range, nothing serious. I didn’t step onto a course until high school, but I did play for the Farmington High School team as a junior and senior.
I wasn’t one of the top competitors. I looked at old scorecards, and I was maybe 15-over for nine holes, and then I took 17 years off because of a hand injury sustained from working at an outdoor adventure place.
Then I started again during COVID when I started having arthritis all over my body. It took 18 months to figure out that it was from a tick-borne illness. But at the time, there was nothing to do with people other than hike or walk and be active, and I couldn’t do that. So, I was like, what can I do? So, I tried golf again because I knew I liked it. So, hit the ball, drive the cart, hit the ball, drive the cart, no real walking involved. And ever since then, it just took off!
It’s a constant battle against yourself. I never took a lesson. I don’t practice. I don’t go to the drive range. I don’t putt on the greens. I just like to play!
CSGA: You are now an 8.7 handicap. Were you good right away, or have you gradually improved?
SD: I gradually improved, and now I usually play from the back tees. When I first started, I was probably 15-over for nine holes, and just hacking away at it. But I just kept playing and playing and playing, and eventually, it just started to click.
CSGA: What is your favorite part of the game? What keeps you coming back?
SD: It’s something I can do with my friends, my dad, especially my dad. We used to spend so much time together when I was a child, and then we kind of got away from it. But now, as an adult, it’s just something we can go off on our own and do. So that’s really fun!
But yeah, it’s just always trying to improve, because one day I can break 80, and then the next day I’m shooting 100. There’s no rhyme or reason for it. So for me, it’s just constantly trying to get better and competing with yourself.
CSGA: What is it about nine holes that you like so much?
SD: I play a lot of nine-hole rounds because I would go to work, and then the gym, and then go golf before I played pickleball. I’d have that short window of time to play. Then there is only so much daylight, and the ability to get in the 18 just wasn’t happening, so I would play nine holes.
CSGA: How often are you playing to post 108 nine-hole rounds? Are you playing in any weather as long as the course is open?
SD: My cutoff is 40 degrees, no wind or minimal wind, but I will pretty much go out in anything. I love it when it’s disgustingly hot because nobody else is out there.
CSGA: What’s the worst weather that you have played in?
SD: The cold is the worst. Your hands are numb, and it feels like you are hitting rocks. There was one day when it was freezing, and I found some old hot hands in a drawer. I cracked open one, and it worked! I grabbed another set for my dad, and we went out to play.
By the fourth hole, they ran out because they were so old. By the fifth hole, I ordered some of the rechargeable ones!
CSGA: Have you used the rechargeable ones?
SD: They are phenomenal. You keep them in your pocket and just throw your hands in your pocket, and it’s all good.
CSGA: You mentioned that you played a number of unposted rounds. Do you play unless the course is closed?
SD: Yeah. I was playing on Christmas Day last year and New Year’s Day. As long as it’s decent outside and the course is open, I’ll go. This year was really tough with the snow, and I’m still waiting for that to subside. By now (March 10), I have usually already played 5-10 rounds.
CSGA: What are some of your most memorable shots?
SD: I have one hole-in-one at Westwoods GC. It was on the par-3 16th hole. I also almost had a hole-in-one on the par-4 15th at Westwoods GC. I drove the green and probably had a foot left for an eagle.
Then last year, I shot even-par on the front nine of the White Course at Tunxis CC. I ended up 10-over that day, but shooting even par on nine holes is awesome.
CSGA: Well, Sarah, this has been great! Anything else you would like to add?
SD: I just love it! I love playing any chance I can get!
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.
