Rocky Hill Resident Eric Steger Has A Chance To Win Connecticut Open

Jeff Curl of Ellington and Eric Steger of Rocky Hill both fired rounds of five under-par 67 at Torrington Country Club to share the lead after the first round of the 79th Connecticut Open Championship. Only Curl could keep up that torrid pace, however, and Steger fell back to a tie for third place, shooting 67-71 -6. The state’s top open event is being held at the 6,589 yard, par 72 Torrington Country Club.

Curl shot back-to-back 67s to finish -10. He is ahead of defending champion Jason Caron, who shot 71-67 -7. 

Steger posted a round of 67 in the first round afternoon after a steady breeze increased the average score by nearly two shots. Steger had a slow start to his round and was one-over for the day standing on the par-5 12th hole. After hitting his second shot to inside six feet, he rolled in the eagle putt to jump into red figures. He would go on to record five more birdies, only offset by a lone bogey on the 3rd.

“It got pretty windy as the day went on, so I am definitely happy with that score,” Steger said. He graduated from Ball State University in 2011 and is seeking to capture his first Connecticut Open title in his debut appearance. A member of TPC River Highlands, Steger relocated to Connecticut from Indiana last year and currently plays professionally on the NGA Tour.

With eighteen holes left to play in the 79th Connecticut Open Championship, Jeff Curl of Ellington, Conn. holds a three shot lead after a pair of 67’s and is poised to capture his second Connecticut Open Championship. 

Steger will start at 11:20 a.m. while the leaders, Curl and Caron will be in the last group of the day Wednesday at 11:40 a.m.