Watertown, Connecticut (July 11, 2022) – Will Lodge fired a flawless 4-under 67 to earn medalist honors at the 81st Connecticut Junior Amateur hosted by Watertown Golf Club.
Following five straight pars to begin his round Lodge jump started his day with a 15-footer for birdie on the par-4 sixth and then carded a second consecutive birdie on the par-5 seventh.
“I just kept it simple out there and hit greens,” said Lodge who reached match play last month at the Connecticut Amateur. “I hit 17 greens and just relied on the putting a little bit. I didn’t do anything crazy. I just made the birdies when I had the opportunity.”
Turning in 2-under 34 the Yale commit continued his fine play with a 5-foot birdie on No. 10 and then he converted a tap-in birdie on the 490 yard par-5 16th after his eagle putt lipped out.
For Lodge (CC of Darien) the focus now shifts to match play where he will be looking for redemption after having to concede his Round of 32 match last year due to a lower back injury.
“Match play is definitely a whole different animal but I feel pretty solid with where the game is right now. It is a course I am coming to like over the years of playing it. I feel fairly comfortable at this point so hopefully, it translates to match play.”
Austin Perkins (Hartford GC) finished second with 3-under 68 highlighted by an eagle on the par-5 first. Elias Kennon (Golf Performance Center) was third at 2-under while Bradley Sawka (Ellington Ridge CC) and Andrew Beauton (Madison CC) shared fourth.
The 81st Connecticut Junior Amateur will continue on Wednesday with the Round of 32 and 16. Thursday will feature the quarterfinals and semifinals with the 18 hole championship match to follow on Friday.
About the Connecticut State Golf Association
The Connecticut Junior Amateur 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.
