CSGA Publications: 2014 Championship Annual | Page 11

Clockwise from top: With the help of Host Professional Ray Ford and the Folds of Honor Foundation, an active member of the United States military was on-site throughout the week to tend the American Flag on the 18th green; The effort put forth by the membership at Rolling Hills CC, including Club President Tim Mahon (pictured above) helped make it a truly special week for the players and spectators; At day’s end, the leaderboards positioned around the course all had a familiar name at the top; Jason Caron, the 2012 Open Champion, finished in the top-five for the third consecutive year. “I’ve played really well in this tournament and had a bunch of good finishes, but today was really special,” said Bensel. “The putter got hot for me today. I was a little squirrelly off the tee, but my irons were great and I really putted the best I’ve putted in a long time.” Bensel needed just eleven putts on his closing nine, good enough for a two shot victory and his third Connecticut Open title. “I love the tournament and we always play really great venues,” said Bensel. “Rolling Hills put on an incredible tournament and the CSGA makes you feel like you’re at a tour event. The course conditions were fantastic and it really was a fun week.” www.csgalinks.org For Ballo, Jr. a closing round of three under-par 67 wasn’t enough for the victory, but a solid second place finish for the 2006 Connecticut Junior Amateur Champion. His brother, Peter, runner-up in the 2013 Connecticut Amateur, also finished inside the top 5 after shooting rounds of 71-68-68—207. “I played a really strong round today and I have nothing to be ashamed of,” said Ballo, Jr. “Making birdie on #18 was strong and I thought if I could post something five or six under I might have a chance. You really just have to take your hat off to Frank. He’s a great guy, a great player and a great champion.” Connecticut State Golf Association 2014 11