114th Connecticut Amateur
throughout the entire final, and bounced back with a win on the
following hole each time. Often called the “bounce-back” statistic on
the PGA Tour, Zaback played the four holes following a loss in five
under-par.
With his victory, Zaback becomes just the second player
to win both the Russell C. Palmer Cup and Connecticut Amateur
Championship in the same season, matching Cody Paladino’s feat
from 2013. Although Zaback would go on to turn professional before
the Connecticut Open, his start to the 2016 season was more than
enough to clinch his second CSGA Player of the Year title (see page
62).
Despite falling short on the final day, it was Birch’s first
appearance in the Connecticut Amateur finals. Coupled with a
runner-up finish earlier this season in the Russell C. Palmer Cup,
Birch was off to a great start in the 2016 summer season. He was
two under-par for the 29 holes of the match and played solid golf
throughout the day.
“I only had two bogies out there today and just made a lot of
pars,” said Birch. “It was a great week and there were a lot of positives
to take away."
2016 ANNUAL / CONNECTICUT STATE GOLF ASSOCIATION / 23