Berlin's Cody Paladino Wins CSGA State Amateur

Berlin's Cody Paladino has struggled with his golf game over the past two years but has found it again and took a major step towards establishing himself again as one of the best players in the region. 

The former Baylor University star took a 3-up lead after the morning 18 and went on to win a 3 and 1 over Peter Ballo to win to capture the 111th Connecticut Amateur Championship at New Haven Country Club.

According to the CSGA, the Connecticut Amateur Championship is one of the nation’s oldest state amateur golf championships. The challenging format tests the state's best amateur golfers over two rounds of stroke play to determine the low thirty-two match play qualifiers. Two rounds of match play each day culminate in a thirty-six hole final to crown the top amateur player in Connecticut.

Earlier this season, Paladino won the 10th Russell C. Palmer Cup. 

“After winning the Palmer Cup earlier this year, I knew that was validation that I could perform in competition,” said Paladino. “This win proves that I can play well over an entire week, even when the going gets tough.”

Paladino said his play this season has given him a boost in confidence. 

“Reflecting back on the past few years, it feels amazing to be playing great golf again and have my confidence back. It was such a special week and such a pleasure to be at New Haven CC, and winning today just made the whole experience that much better.”

With his win, Paladino becomes only the second player in CSGA history to capture both the Russell C. Palmer Cup and the Connecticut Amateur, and the first to win both in the same year.