The CSGA Links Volume 6 Issue 2 May, 2018 | Page 14

CHAMPIONSHIPS
CSGA Amateurs Win Back Challenge Cup
Six ‘rookies’ shine in first win against the pro side since 2011

A
fter six consecutive years of frustration, CSGA amateurs early this month convinc-
ingly defeated PGA Section Connecticut professionals, 36.5 - 26.5 in the 47th playing of the
Julius Boros Challenge Cup at New Haven Country Club.

It was the CSGA’s first victory since 2011 and only the 11th time in the history of the
Matches that the CSGA team has prevailed. What’s more, it took a rather green side to accom-
plish it.

“It’s a surprise, it really is,” said Roger Everin, in his final of CSGA captaincy. “On paper
our side was pretty inexperienced. We had six players who had never played in the event
before. But they came through beautifully.”

It would be overdoing it, though, to call the CSGA team anything like a Children’s Cru-
sade. Each of those “rookies” had won major CSGA events. Still, it was difficult to predict how
a team made up of almost half newcomers would fare against Captain Ralph Salito’s PGA
side, with Captain’s Pick Suzy Whaley and 100 years of Cup experience.

After nine holes the CSGA led 5-2 in the team matches, 9.5-4.5 in singles, but most
matches were close, and the first one to finish suggested that this year’s event might go the
way of 34 others. PGA pros Billy Downes of GreatHorse and Fran Marrello of Canaan Country
Brian Ahern and Kyle Nolin swept their team competition
14 | CSGA Links // May 2018
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