Berlin Golfer Kevin Josephson Has Found His Game and Love Of The Game Again

After his stellar golf career at both Berlin High School and Central Connecticut State University, Kevin Josephson took a job at the Connecticut State Golf Association last year.

Last summer was a forgettable one for Josephson on the links as, by his own admission, did not play very well especially in the big amateur tournaments.

This summer has been like a breath of fresh air for the long and talented Josephson.

"It's like I found something, I'm not sure what, but I've played really well and had a great season so far," Josephson said. "My game is really good but it's as much mental because I'm just not as nervous on the first tee or trying to finish off a round anymore. It's a good feeling to have."

He was fourth at the first major event of the season, The Russell Palmer Cup, won by Berlin native Cody Paladino. 

He was medalist in qualifying at the State Amateur with a total of 137. He won his first match in match play before falling to semifinalist Larry Haertel. 

He then qualified, as medalist again, for the United States Golf Association (USGA) Amateur Public Links Championship held this week in Virginia. In a field of 156 golfers, Josephson finished 26th in qualifying with a 73-69-142 and won his first match. He was beaten in the Round of 32 by Eric Sugimoto, San Diego, Calif., who is still in the tournament, now in the Final Four. The winner of the tournament gets an invitation to The Masters the following year. 

"I played really well," he said. "I hit the ball great tee to green but the first round of qualifying was pretty cold with the putter. The second round I made some putts and played just as well tee to green. I hit 14 of 18 greens both days."

In his first match, he got off to a strong start and kept the pressure on for a 4 and 3 win over Tanner Owens of Oklahoma. 

Josephson knew his second opponent and actually had played against him in a tournament at San Diego State during is college career.

"He's a nice kid and a really good player," Josephson said. "I didn't get off to a good start but he didn't play his best either and I was able to keep it close. I was only one-down late in the round but hit an errant shot and he gained the momentum."

Josephson said the tournament was amazing in every way.

"It was hot but it was the biggest tournament I have ever played in and everything was first class," he said. "Brent Casner caddied for me and my dad was there for the whole tournament. My mom and sister flew in on Monday so they got to sweat it out with me. It was nice to have everyone there."

While some of his contemporaries are looking are looking at PGA Qualifying School, Josephson is looking for something else.

"That was never part of my plan," he said. "I don't want to have to depend on golf to make money. I want to stay competitive and I can do that as an amateur and I'm hoping to start coaching golf. That is where my focus has always been."