Article compilation by Anthony Curry, Ashleigh Halligan, Josh Martinez, Dan Munro & Justin van Eyndhoven
The Connecticut Summer Junior Open was won by Coginchaug’s Tyler Woodward who has been dominant this past season. The event took place on June 16-17 at Fairchild Wheeler Golf Course in Fairfield, Connecticut and had 19 participants.
Woodward has made a name for himself this past golf season. He helped bring home back-to-back Shoreline Championships and also helped the team place in good standings for States.
By the end of the first day of the Junior Open, Woodward had a score of 71 points. Sean Fitzgerald, a junior from Newton, Massachusetts, was the leader with 69 points.
Midway through day two, Woodward had 39 points and needed to change up his game if he wanted the trophy. As he finished up the back nine, he managed to score 37 points to get a combined total of 76 for the day.
In the end, Woodward came out on top with a score of 147, just barely beating junior Mark Gerstein from New Canaan, Connecticut who had a score of 148. Even with his first place finish, Woodward was not impressed by his performance. “My putting in the second round was not great,” he said. “I missed three putts on the front nine alone that usually need to fall if you want to win.”
“It felt awesome to finally win on the Hurricane Tour because last [year], I was devastated placing second,” Woodward said. “The Connecticut Junior Open felt awesome not only because it is my first win outside of school but it also places me in the National Tournament of Champions in Champions Gate, Florida on December 1-2.”
“From his freshman year, I knew Tyler would be one to watch,” said former golf coach and Coginchaug business teacher Ms. Susan Wagemaker. “His dedication, demeanor and steadiness on and off the course has led him to where he is today.”
Woodward said spending time with his father and grandfather, having them watch him play golf on Fathers Day “is a great memory.”
“He is a model teammate, a fantastic golfer, and the kind of player every coach wants,” said Head Coach Brian Dailey.
Woodward will have a busy summer, touring the country in various competitions.
July 7-8: NY Summer Junior Open
July 9-12: 77th CT Jr. Open
July 14-15: Mohegan Sun Jr. Classic
July 17: Northern Jr. Open
July 23-24: Cas Cocina Memorial Jr. Open
July 28-29: BeCool Invite at Sandy Burr
July 30-Aug 1: 184th CT Open Championship
Aug 12-14: NE Jr. Am Championship
