Mike Strong Captures National Car Rental Connecticut Assistant PGA Professional Title

Mike Strong Captures National Car Rental Connecticut Assistant PGA Professional Title

Earns Berth in 45th National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship taking place in Florida

MADISON, Conn. (August 30, 2021) – Mike Strong, assistant professional at TPC River Highlands, said he feels as comfortable playing at Madison Country Club as he does at his home course where he works. The 22-year old PGA Associate Professional proved it today as he shot rounds of 71 and 67 for a 2-under par, 36-hole total 138 on his way to a 2-stroke margin of victory in the 59th Assistant Connecticut PGA Championship.

“I called Frank Carta (Madison CC Head Professional) a few times and he’s allowed me to bring some members from TPC here to play,” Strong said. “In fact, I’ve probably played more rounds here than at TPC.”

Playing in front of Strong in the penultimate 3-some was host assistant professional Sean Sweitzer, who got off to a hot start in round two, making four birdies on his first five holes. Sweitzer also ended with a final round 67 to finish runner up at even par 140.

“I know how well Sean was playing,” Strong said. “The turning point for me was getting up and down to make pars on holes 7, 8, and 9.”

Both Strong and Sweitzer will advance to the 45th National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida.  The event is supported by Srixon, Cleveland Golf, XXIO, Asics and John Deere and is scheduled to be played November 11-14, 2021.

This is the first Connecticut Section tournament win for Strong who graduated from Springfield College in 2020 and is just beginning his PGA of America membership journey.

C.J. Konkowski (141 – Hartford GC) finished third. Defending champion Brian Quilter (Black Hall Club) and Adam D’Amario (Indian Hill CC) each shot 143 and tied for fourth.

The National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship brings together a field of 132 contestants representing the PGA of America’s 41 nationwide Sections and features a total purse of $150,000. All rounds will be played on the Wanamaker Course. A cut after 36 holes of play to the low 70 scorers and ties will be made.

###

Final Results

Qualifiers: 2  Alternates: 3

1   Mike Strong       TPC River Highlands           71-67–138 -2  $1,650.00

2   Sean Sweitzer     Madison CC                    73-67–140 E   $1,250.00

3   C.J. Konkowski    Hartford GC                   69-72–141 +1  $950.00

T4  Brian Quilter     Black Hall Club               74-69–143 +3  $675.00

T4  Adam D’Amario     Indian Hill CC                68-75–143 +3  $675.00

6   Eric Flood        The Farms CC                  72-74–146 +6  $500.00

T7  Matthew Smith     New Haven CC                  75-76–151 +11 $425.00

T7  Bryan Chalifoux   Pine Orchard Yacht & CC       79-72–151 +11 $425.00

T9  Shane Marchenkoff Stonington CC                 74-79–153 +13 $216.67

T9  Nicholas Segaline Wampanoag CC                  76-77–153 +13 $216.67

T9  Jeff Beale        The Farms CC                  77-76–153 +13 $216.67

T12 Matt Kiehle       Longmeadow CC                 78-77–155 +15

T12 Marie Allo        Gillette Ridge GC             81-74–155 +15

14  John Riordan      Longmeadow CC                 78-78–156 +16

15  William Burns     Hartford GC                   78-81–159 +19

T16 Joseph Forget     Richter Park GC               76-85–161 +21

T16 Tom Pannier       Madison CC                    79-82–161 +21

18  David Wright      Cold Spring CC                80-83–163 +23

19  Drew Michael      Dave DiRico’s Golf & Racquet  86-78–164 +24

20  Chase Brinton     Tradition GC -Wallingford     90-77–167 +27

21  Brian Huber       GC of Avon                    84-84–168 +28

22  R.J. Ugolik       Laurel View CC                86-85–171 +31

23  Eric Linsley      Farmington Woods CC           95-84–179 +39

24  Chris Bohr        Twin Hills Country Club       94-86–180 +40

25  Josh Carney       Manchester CC                 88-95–183 +43

DID NOT FINISH

WD  Isaac Gatewood    Litchfield CC

Past Champions