2-Time Defending Champ To Face Tough Competition At Connecticut Open

BERLIN, CT — Among the 150 players competing for the top prize in the 89th Connecticut Open next week will be two-time defending champion Peter Ballo and 10 other former winners.

The three-day event, operated by the Connecticut State Golf Association and presented by GSB,will be contested at Shuttle Meadow Country Club, a Scottish-style Willie Park Jr.-designed course founded in 1899. It moved to its current site in the Kensington section of Berlin in 1917.

Set to host the tournament for the fourth time, but first since 1954, the par-71 course is not the longest at 6,550 yards, but promises to challenge players right out of the gate.

"The club is very excited to host the Connecticut Open as it kicks off its 125th anniversary of the club's founding," club professional Ian Marshall said. "We look forward to providing a great experience for all who visit during the event. Shuttle Meadow provides a unique layout. Placement off the tee will be critical to allow the players the best angle for their approach shots. Many of the greens have large sloping areas that will challenge players to be precise with approaches."

Ballo, 32, fired a 12-under par 201 to cruise to a five-stroke victory over Ben James at the Country Club of Darien in 2021. Last year at New Haven Country Club, he posted a 7-under par total of 203 which provided him a three-shot margin over Brett Stegmaier, Matt Shubley and Jason Thresher.

His father, Mike Ballo, is an inductee into the Connecticut Golf Hall of Fame who won the tournament in 1969 and 1978. He passed away in April 2022 at age 80.

The younger Ballo seeks to become the first golfer to capture three straight Connecticut Open championships since Ed Sabo won the title in 1981, 1982 and 1983.

"It is an honor to be the defending champion," he said. "It means a lot to me to be playing again this year as defending champ with the history of my dad as a two-time winner. Last year meant the world to me with everything that happened and hopefully, I can perform again this year and have my name in the conversation for the championship. I do not know much off the top of my head (about Shuttle Meadow) so I am looking forward to a practice round there to see what it is all about. I have heard a lot of great things about the course. It's a Willie Park course, which I am used to and enjoy his style of design."

In addition to Ballo, past champions competing include four-time winner Kyle Gallo (1998, 2000, 2004, 2010), three-time titlist Frank Bensel (2009, 2011, 2014), and two-time champions Jeff Curl (2007, 2013), Mike Gilmore (1993, 1997), Ken Green (1985, 1992) and Jim Becker (1975, 1976). Max Theodorakis (2020), Rasmey Kong (2019), Adam Rainaud (2016) and Cody Paladino (2015) are also former winners seeking another crown.

Earlier this week, Paladino qualified for next month's 123rd U.S. Amateur Championship. At Shuttle Meadow, he will be in a strong contingent of amateur players, including Ben Carpenter, Ben Conroy, Ben Day, Bill Hermanson, Arthur Ouimet, Tommy Rosati, Bradley Sawka, Andrew Stickel and Dave Szewczul.

Other top professionals expected to contend include Mike Ballo Jr., Alex Beach, Geoff Gelderman, Evan Grenus, Blake Morris, David Pastore and Andrew Svoboda.

The tournament begins Monday at 7:30 a.m. with players going off both sides. Following the second round on Tuesday, the field will be cut to the top 40 plus ties for the final round on Wednesday.

The complete field of players and first-round starting times may be found here.