ADAM RAINAUD WINS FOURTH CONNECTICUT PGA CHAMPIONSHIP
By Tim Paragone
OLD LYME, Conn. (June 7, 2024) – After spending the first part of his career as an assistant professional at Black Hall Club, Adam Rainaud was well versed in the challenges he would face heading into the championship.
Rainaud, who has been the head professional at Country Club of New Canaan since 2018, entered the field as the second most decorated player in Connecticut Section history with fifteen championship victories.
Earlie this week, Rainaud captured the 93rd Connecticut PGA Championship with a 36-hole total of 2-under 140 and a two-stroke victory over runner up Terry Slater.
Rainaud earned $4,000 from a $20,000 purse.
“It’s nice to be back at Black Hall. I felt there was a lot of pressure to play well in front of my old members and represent at my old stomping grounds,” said Rainaud.
“I felt I handled the stress well, took it one shot at a time and execute as well as I could. The course played tough. The greens were very smooth, and I was able to read them well which is what helped me hang on in the end”.
Working at Black Hall for six seasons to start his career, Rainaud credits current Black Hall head professional Andrew Campbell for molding him into the golf professional he is today. When speaking about his time at the club it was clear the club has a special place in his heart.
“The place means a lot to me which makes the win extra special. It’s been fun to see old faces support me and take time out of there day to watch me play.”
Despite being his fourth victory in Connecticut’s oldest professional event, Rainaud said this one ranks at the top of his list. “My priorities have changed since the days when playing was more of a priority. With my focus shifting towards work and family it’s nice to win for the first time since 2019 and have it come at my old club.”
Terry Slater of Race Brook CC played two solid rounds to finish with a 36-hole total of even par 142 and Geoff Gelderman of H. Smith Richardson shot the low round on day two, but finished four strokes back in third place with a 36-hole total of two-over 144.