Windsor, Connecticut (October 16, 2023) – With one round of the 38th Connecticut Public Links in the books at Keney Park Golf Course the lead is shared by Dave Jones and Peter Tomlinson.
Both Jones and Tomlinson fired 1-under 69s but they did it in completely different ways.
Playing in the first group of the day Jones (Mohegan Sun GC) parred his first 17 holes before ending his day with a birdie on the long closing par-3 18th. With a strong finish in the final round Jones could win the Dick Siderowf Senior Play of the Year award for a third consecutive year.
Tomlinson (Orange Hills CC) played his way to the top of the leaderboard with a seesaw round that included six birdies, three bogeys, and a double-bogey.
The 2019 Connecticut Public Links winner started his day with birdies on each of the first two holes and got as low as 3-under with a birdie on the par-4 12th before falling all the way back to even-par with a bogey on No. 14 and a double-bogey on No. 15.
“I started out hot with birdies on the first two holes and then I kind of put it in cruise control from there,” Peter Tomlinson said. “I was hitting the ball great all day long. My ball striking was definitely a strength so hopefully I can continue that tomorrow.”
After falling back to level-par Tomlinson righted the ship with a par on the 16th, his final birdie of the day on No. 17, and a nifty up-and-down for par on the final hole.
“I just need to stay aggressive tomorrow,” said Tomlinson of his mindset heading into the final round. “This course can really beat you up if you fall asleep on a couple of holes. There is trouble, particularly around the greens. I just have to stay patient and not get too far ahead of myself. I think today I got a little too excited when I got to 3-under-par. I just have to take it one shot at a time and patience is key and I have to stay in the present.”
Bret Lawrence (East Mountain GC) is in third place at level par one shot in front of Kyle Bilodeau (Blackedge CC), Chris Maxwell (Blue Fox Run GC), and defending champion Mark Eells (Blackledge CC) all of whom are tied for fourth at 1-over.
The final round of the 38th Connecticut Public Links will begin on Tuesday morning at 8:30 a.m.
About the Connecticut State Golf Association
The Connecticut Public Links 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.
