Connecticut PGA Championship

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The Connecticut PGA Championship is a golf tournament that is a championship of the Connecticut section of the PGA of America. [1] The early years of the tournament were dominated by Gene Kunes and Joe Turnesa who won twice apiece. In the mid-1930s, a number of significant changes were made, including adding two rounds to the tournament and then changing the format to match play. In the mid-20th century the tournament was dominated by Eddie Burke and Bob Kay. During this era, both won the tournament five times each though Kay defeated Burke in both of their finals matches. In modern times, the tournament is best known for the 2002 victory of Suzy Whaley, the only female to win the event.

Contents

History

The first tournament was in 1929. Late in the day, the clubhouse leaders entered a playoff to determine the championship. Unbeknownst to them, Maurice Kearney was still on the course with a chance to win. While he was on the 18th hole, he notified the players in the playoff, who were playing on the first hole, that he had a chance to win outright. Kearney did indeed win outright and "the playoff" was terminated. [2] The following year George Siebert won the event defeating Peter Manning, who was also runner-up the previous year, in a playoff. [3]

In the early 1930s, the tournament was dominated by Gene Kunes and Joe Turnesa. Kunes won the tournament in 1931 and 1933. [3] In 1935, Turnesa was the "leader most of the way" and ultimately won by five shots. His final total was 145, one-under-par, to break the tournament record. [4] The following year, as defending champion, he was considered to be the favorite. [5] However, it was Willie Hunter who took the lead after the first three rounds. He led by four over Turnesa entering the final round. [6] However, in the final round Turnesa birdied the first two holes and the tournament suddenly "cracked wide open" when Hunter triple-bogeyed the par-5 5th hole. Hunter continued to struggle and Turnesa expanded his lead. Despite bogeys on the final four holes Turnesa won easily. [7]

It was later decided that the tournament would be moved up a couple months earlier, in August. [8] In April 1936, the Connecticut Section PGA made a number of changes. The "most important decision," according to The Hartford Courant , was to extend the Connecticut PGA Championship to 72 holes. [9] The following year, in 1937, the tournament took a "radical departure" and changed its format to match play. [10] In May 1941, however, the Connecticut PGA decided to return to a medal play format. [11]

In the late 1940s, the tournament was dominated by Eddie Burke and Harry Nettelbladt. Burke won the tournament in 1945 and 1946. [12] In 1947, Harry Nettelbladt scored rounds of 73 and 71 to win. [13] The following year, Burke led the qualifiers while Nettelbladt finished second. [14] Both players made it to the finals. In the morning round of the finals, Burke "coasted" with a 71 (−2) to take a 5 up lead. During the afternoon round, however, Nettelbladt produced a "sensational performance," ultimately scoring a 65 (−8) and tying the match. After halving the first extra hole, however, Nettelbladt took four shots to reach the green of the par-4 38th hole. He made bogey to lose to Burke. [15] Two years later, in the finals, Burke "set an all time record" defeating Frank Staszowski 12 & 11. [16]

In the 1950s, the tournament was dominated by Bob Kay, a professional at Wampanoag Country Club. In 1953, he made it to the finals. Kay took a 5 up lead in the morning round however Burke tied him during the afternoon's back nine. Kay, however, won the 15th and 16th holes to secure the match and championship. He won 2 & 1. [17] Kay won the tournament again in 1956 and 1959. [12] In 1960, Kay qualified for the finals but was expected "to face tough going" against Eddie Burke. [18] It was the second time they met in the finals, the first in seven years. Both were intending to win their fourth title. Kay "got off to a strong start" and took a 6 up lead after only 8 holes. Over the course of the rest of the match, however, Burke "slowly but surely whittled Kay's lead down." Entering the final hole of regulation, he was only 1 down. However, Burke failed to make the green in regulation and conceded the hole. Kay won 1 up. [19]

In the early 1960s, there were some changes. In 1961, the tournament returned to medal play. [20] The following year the tournament returned to Connecticut after having been held in Massachusetts the previous year. [20]

Some controversy exists regarding the winner of the 2002 Championship, Suzy Whaley. By winning the Connecticut PGA that year, she became the first woman in 58 years to qualify for a PGA event, the Greater Hartford Open. The controversy had to do with the fact that she was allowed to play the course off tees 699 yards shorter than the men she competed against. This discrepancy has since been addressed by the PGA with what's commonly called the "Whaley Rule". [21]

Winners

YearWinnerScoreTo parMargin of victoryRunner(s)-upVenueRef.
2025Christopher Tallman136−64 strokesC. J. Konkowski Shennecossett Golf Course
2024Terry Slater142+2PlayoffMichael JezierskiLongmeadow Country Club
2023 Andrew Svoboda 137−53 strokesCorey HarrisCC of Farmington
2022Geoff Gelderman146+4PlayoffAdam D'AmarioBlack Hall Club [22]
2021Brian Keiser143−12 strokesWilliam Street Wampanoag Country Club [23]
2020Brian Keiser140E1 strokeChristopher TallmanWintonbury Hills Golf Club [24]
2019Christopher Tallman133−77 strokesAaron UngvarskyKeney Park Golf Club [25]
2018Adam Rainaud132−83 strokesMarc BayramKeney Park Golf Club [26]
2017Kyle Bilodeau133−72 strokesBilly DownesKeney Park Golf Club [27]
2016Adam Rainaud135−52 strokesFran MarelloKeney Park Golf Club [28]
2015 Kevin Giancola 211−21 strokeAdam RainaudWethersfield Country Club [29]
2014Adam Rainaud135−73 strokesFran MarelloOrchards Golf Club [30]
2013Kyle Bilodeau142−22 strokesBilly DownesMohegan Sun Golf Course [31]
2012Tony Kelley214Playoff [a] Kyle BilodeauEllington Ridge Country Club
2011 Kevin Giancola 221Playoff [b] Tony Kelley, Fran MarrelloBlack Hall Club
2010 Kevin Giancola 209Frank Leja JrLyman Orchards Golf Club - RTJ
2009Fran Marrello2084 strokesTony Kelley, Bob KayWethersfield Country Club
2008 Kevin Giancola 2072 strokesTony Kelley Wampanoag Country Club
2007Ian Marshall2163 strokesJack McConachieEllington Ridge Country Club
2006Jim St. Pierre2079 strokes Kevin Giancola Longmeadow Country Club
2005Mike Carney2133 strokesDavid DellRace Brook Country Club
2004Tom Gleeton208Playoff [c] Tim Gavronski, Kevin Giancola, Tony KelleyCountry Club of Waterbury
2003 Kevin Giancola 211Playoff [d] Fred Kolakowski, Wayne Leal New Haven Country Club
2002 Suzy Whaley 2112 strokesBob MuchaEllington Ridge Country Club
2001Fran Marrello2152 strokesJohn PaesaniBlack Hall Club
2000Tony Kelley2112 strokesJohn PaesaniHartford Golf Club
1999Bill Mackedon2131 strokeTom GleetonWethersfield Country Club
1998Mike Martin215Playoff [e] Joe Cordani Wampanoag Country Club
1997John Paesani2161 strokeMike Carney, Tony KelleyEllington Ridge Country Club
1996Tony Kelley217Playoff [f] Fran MarrelloEllington Ridge Country Club
1995Allan Menne2154 strokesJohn Paesani, Dave Cook, Mike CarneyEllington Ridge Country Club
1994Dennis Coscina218Playoff [g] Fran MarrelloEllington Ridge Country Club
1993John Paesani2094 strokesDennis CoscinaEllington Ridge Country Club
1992Stan McLennan2185 strokesMike Carney, Fred Kolakowski, John PaesaniEllington Ridge Country Club
1991John Paesani2191 strokeLarry Demers, Allan MenneEllington Ridge Country Club
1990Kris Smith2171 strokeTony KelleyEllington Ridge Country Club
1989Tony Kelley2182 strokesJohn PaesaniEllington Ridge Country Club
1988Tony Kelley1471 strokeMike BaileyEllington Ridge Country Club
1987Doug Dalziel214Playoff [h] Paul RyizEllington Ridge Country Club
1986Doug Dalziel2151 strokeMike GrigelyRichter Park Golf Course
1985Dennis Coscina2136 strokesPaul RyizTPC at Connecticut
1984Donald Hoenig2183 strokesPaul Ryiz, Ralph DeNicoloManchester Country Club
1983Dennis Coscina2165 strokesDoug DalzielWoodbridge Country Club
1982Jack McConachie215Playoff [i] Ed RubisThe Golf Club of Avon
1981Doug Dalziel2117 strokesDan DiRicoThe Farms Country Club
1980Dennis Coscina2073 strokesChuck LasherCliffside Country Club
1979Dennis Coscina1392 strokesJack McConachieEllington Ridge Country Club
1978Dennis Coscina2163 strokesJohn CowanHop Meadow Country Club
1977Bob Kay2191 strokeRay Howell Brooklawn Country Club
1976Dennis Coscina2127 strokesDon ParsonTumble Brook Country Club
1975Dennis Coscina2136 strokesDon HoenigHartford Golf Club
1974Ed Rubis218Dick StranahanBlack Hall Club
1973Al Fuchs2162 strokesDick StranahanWallingford Country Club
1972Ed Rubis2201 strokeRay Howell, Dennis Coscina, Frank Guerrara, Chuck Lasher, Tony ClecakEllington Ridge Country Club
1971Dick Stranahan2133 strokesEd RubisCountry Club of Fairfield [32]
1970Ray Howell2094 strokesDick StranahanLongmeadow Country Club [33]
1969Don Headings2151 strokeDick Stranahan Brooklawn Country Club
1968Stan Stanszowski213Dick StranahanThe Orchards Golf Club
1967Dick Stranahan2145 strokesChet WojackEllington Ridge Country Club [34]
1966John McGoldrick2143 strokesWally Cichon, Billy Salvatore Brooklawn Country Club [35]
1965Ed Rubis2193 strokesLarry McCue, Al LabutisOak Lane Country Club [36]
1964Ed Rubis2201 strokeLarry McCueHop Meadow Country Club [37]
1963Bob Kay2116 strokesEddie Kuna Wampanoag Country Club [38]
1962Roger Horton2164 strokesEd RubisEllington Ridge Country Club
1961Ed Rubis2194 strokesHarry Nettelbladt, Frank StaszowskiCrestview Country Club [39]
1960Bob Kay1 up Eddie Burke Torrington Country Club [40]
1959Bob Kay4 & 3Leo ChizinskiTorrington Country Club
1958Al Labutis3 & 1Bob SchappaThe Country Club
1957Bob Bodington10 & 9John GaleskiThe Country Club [41]
1956Bob Kay5 & 4Al Lubutis Shennecossett Golf Course
1955Vic Panciera3 & 2Willie Hunter Shennecossett Golf Course [42]
1954Harry Nettebladt4 & 3Willie WhalenNorwich Golf Club [43]
1953Bob Kay2 & 1 Eddie Burke Indian Hill Country Club [44]
1952Frank Kringle4 & 2Harry BontempoNorwich Golf Club
1951George Buck4 & 3Wally CichonNorwich Golf Club [45]
1950 Eddie Burke 12 & 11Frank StaszowskiWethersfield Country Club [46]
1949Del Kinney3 & 2Wally CichonNorwich Golf Club [47]
1948 Eddie Burke 38th holeHarry NettelbladtRockledge Country Club [48]
1947Harry Nettebladt1442 strokesStan StaszowskiNorwich Golf Club [49]
1946 Eddie Burke 1411 strokeHarry Nettelbladt Wampanoag Country Club
1945 Eddie Burke 1444 strokesJ.J. "Bud" GeogheganAvon Golf Club
1942-44Cancelled due to World War II
1941Hubert Hunsick1404 strokesWillie Hunter, Stan StarzecIndian Hill Country Club [50]
1940 Eddie Burke 9 & 8Ken ReidWoodbridge Country Club [51]
1939Ralph Greenwood5 & 4Paul BellIndian Hill Country Club [52]
1938Hubert Hunsick2&1Willie HunterIndian Hill Country Club [53]
1937Waldo Martin3&2Jack PerkinsIndian Hill Country Club [54]
1936 Joe Turnesa 299PlayoffWillie WhalenTorrington Country Club [55]
1935 Joe Turnesa 145−15 strokesHerb ArmstrongRockledge Country Club [56]
1934George Hunter1474 strokesWillie WhalenThe Country Club [57]
1933 Gene Kunes 1484 strokesGraham ReidThe Country Club
1932Jack Perkins1491 strokeEddie LundCountry Club of Waterbury
1931 Gene Kunes 154Charles NicollIndian Hill (Sequin) Country Club
1930George Siebert149Playoff [j] Peter ManningIndian Hill (Sequin) Country Club
1929Maurice Kearney1572 strokesPeter Manning, Alex Simpson Wampanoag Country Club [2]

Source: [12]

Notes

  1. ↑ Kelly won in a sudden-death playoff.
  2. ↑ Giancola won in a sudden-death playoff.
  3. ↑ Gleeton won in a sudden-death playoff.
  4. ↑ Giancola won in a sudden-death playoff.
  5. ↑ Martin won in a sudden-death playoff.
  6. ↑ Kelley won in a sudden-death playoff.
  7. ↑ Coscina won in a sudden-death playoff.
  8. ↑ Dalziel won in a sudden-death playoff.
  9. ↑ McConachie won in a sudden-death playoff.
  10. ↑ Siebert won in a sudden-death playoff.

References

  1. ↑ "The Connecticut PGA Championship" (PDF). Connecticut PGA. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 8, 2015. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  2. 1 2 "Hartford Courant 14 Aug 1949, page 41". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2023-05-31.
  3. 1 2 "Wayback Machine" (PDF). 2015-12-08. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-12-08. Retrieved 2023-06-09.
  4. ↑ "Hartford Courant 06 Aug 1935, page 13". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2023-05-30.
  5. ↑ "Hartford Courant 19 Sep 1936, page 13". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2023-05-30.
  6. ↑ "Hartford Courant 22 Sep 1936, page 13". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2023-05-30.
  7. ↑ "Hartford Courant 23 Sep 1936, page 17". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2023-05-30.
  8. ↑ "Hartford Courant 17 May 1935, page 19". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2023-05-30.
  9. ↑ "Hartford Courant 22 Apr 1936, page 17". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2023-05-30.
  10. ↑ "Hartford Courant 20 Jul 1937, page 16". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2023-05-30.
  11. ↑ "Hartford Courant 06 May 1941, page 15". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2023-05-30.
  12. 1 2 3 "Wayback Machine" (PDF). 2015-12-08. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-12-08. Retrieved 2023-05-27.
  13. ↑ "The Bridgeport Telegram 23 Sep 1947, page Page 19". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2023-05-31.
  14. ↑ "The Bridgeport Post 15 Sep 1948, page Page 41". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2023-05-31.
  15. ↑ "The Bridgeport Telegram 17 Sep 1948, page Page 41". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2023-05-31.
  16. ↑ "Democrat and Chronicle 17 Sep 1950, page Page 61". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2023-05-31.
  17. ↑ "Record-Journal 25 Jul 1953, page 4". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2023-06-01.
  18. ↑ "Naugatuck Daily News 09 Sep 1960, page Page 4". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2023-06-01.
  19. ↑ "Naugatuck Daily News 10 Sep 1960, page Page 6". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2023-06-01.
  20. 1 2 "Hartford Courant 05 Jan 1962, page Page 36". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2023-06-04.
  21. ↑ "P.G.A. Revises Rule For Women on Tees". The New York Times. January 29, 2003.
  22. ↑ "Connecticut PGA Championship". ctpga.bluegolf.com. Retrieved 2023-06-20.
  23. ↑ "Connecticut PGA Championship". ctpga.bluegolf.com. Retrieved 2023-06-20.
  24. ↑ "Connecticut PGA Championship". ctpga.bluegolf.com. Retrieved 2023-06-20.
  25. ↑ "Connecticut PGA Championship". ctpga.bluegolf.com. Retrieved 2023-06-20.
  26. ↑ "Connecticut PGA Championship". ctpga.bluegolf.com. Retrieved 2023-06-20.
  27. ↑ "Connecticut PGA Championship". ctpga.bluegolf.com. Retrieved 2023-06-20.
  28. ↑ "85th Connecticut PGA Championship". ctpga.bluegolf.com. Retrieved 2023-06-20.
  29. ↑ "Connecticut PGA Championship". ctpga.bluegolf.com. Retrieved 2023-06-20.
  30. ↑ "83rd Connecticut PGA Championship". ctpga.bluegolf.com. Retrieved 2023-06-20.
  31. ↑ "82nd Connecticut PGA Championship". ctpga.bluegolf.com. Retrieved 2023-06-20.
  32. ↑ "The Journal 11 Sep 1971, page 4". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2023-06-06.
  33. ↑ "The Bridgeport Post 12 Sep 1970, page Page 10". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2023-06-04.
  34. ↑ "Hartford Courant 16 Sep 1967, page 20". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2023-06-04.
  35. ↑ "Hartford Courant 10 Sep 1966, page 20". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2023-06-04.
  36. ↑ "Hartford Courant 28 Aug 1965, page 19". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2023-06-04.
  37. ↑ "Hartford Courant 26 Sep 1964, page 14". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2023-06-04.
  38. ↑ "Hartford Courant 28 Sep 1963, page Page 37". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2023-06-04.
  39. ↑ "The Bridgeport Post 30 Sep 1961, page Page 7". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2023-06-01.
  40. ↑ "Hartford Courant 10 Sep 1960, page 13". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2023-06-01.
  41. ↑ "The Bridgeport Telegram 21 Sep 1957, page Page 15". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2023-06-01.
  42. ↑ "Hartford Courant 24 Sep 1955, page 13". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2023-06-01.
  43. ↑ "Record-Journal 25 Jul 1953, page 4". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2023-06-01.
  44. ↑ "Record-Journal 25 Jul 1953, page 4". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2023-06-01.
  45. ↑ "The Bridgeport Telegram 13 Aug 1951, page Page 7". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2023-05-31.
  46. ↑ "The Bridgeport Telegram 17 Sep 1948, page Page 41". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2023-05-31.
  47. ↑ "The Bridgeport Telegram 17 Sep 1948, page Page 41". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2023-05-31.
  48. ↑ "The Bridgeport Telegram 17 Sep 1948, page Page 41". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2023-05-31.
  49. ↑ "Record-Journal 23 Sep 1947, page 11". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2023-05-31.
  50. ↑ "The Journal 19 Aug 1941, page 4". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2023-05-30.
  51. ↑ "Record-Journal 29 Jul 1940, page 4". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2023-05-30.
  52. ↑ "Hartford Courant 31 Jul 1939, page 9". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2023-05-30.
  53. ↑ "Hartford Courant 01 Aug 1938, page 9". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2023-05-30.
  54. ↑ "Hartford Courant 26 Jul 1937, page 11". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2023-05-30.
  55. ↑ Lee, William J. (September 23, 1936). "Joe Turnesa Comes From Behind In Final Round To Win State Pro Golf Title". The Hartford Daily Courant. p. 17. Retrieved 2023-05-30– via Newspapers.com.
  56. ↑ "Turnesa Makes Record In Winning State PGA Title". The Meriden Daily Journal. August 6, 1935. p. 4. Retrieved 2023-05-30– via Newspapers.com.
  57. ↑ "The Journal 09 Oct 1934, page 4". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2023-05-30.
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