CT Native Mike Ballo Jr. Claims Connecticut Open, Becomes Third Family Member to Triumph in Golf

OLD LYME - A final 5-foot birdie put on the 18th hole at the Black Hall Club was all Mike Ballo Jr. required, and the prolonged anticipation would soon come to an end. Thus, Ballo sought out some celestial assistance, as it were.

I asked my dad to stay with me for a single 5-foot put," Ballo Jr. remarked. "This was the toughest putt I faced all week—just 6 inches of slope. It felt great when the ball went into the hole.

Ballo, the chief professional at Tamarack Country Club in Greenwich, claimed victory in the 91st Connecticut Open on Wednesday after securing the win with a single-stroke advantage over Jared Nelson. Overwhelmed with feeling, he took a seat near the 18th green, resting his face in his hands. His caddie, Stuart Waack, offered comfort to him.

Ballo Jr. is just 36 years old, yet he has participated in the Connecticut Open for more than twenty years. The experience was deeply emotional.

You all saw it. The putter went in, and I had no idea how to react," Ballo Jr. said. "I started crying right away and sat down on the ground. I'm just trying to stay composed so Jared can finish.

Ballo was raised and continues to reside in Stamford. His father, Mike Ballo, Sr., previously served as the head professional at Woodway Country Club in Darien for many years, securing victory in the Connecticut Open on two occasions—1969 and 1978. His younger sibling, Peter, who is 34, now works as an assistant at the Connecticut Golf Club in Easton, and he claimed consecutive Connecticut Open titles in 2021 and 2022.

Ballo Jr. was frequently considered for awards throughout his professional journey, placing... second in 2014 ranked jointly second in 2016, shared third place last year, came in joint fourth in 2018, placed seventh in 2021, and finished together in 13th position in 2022.

But no victories.

"If you discuss the Ballo family, what is their top priority in golf? Winning the Connecticut Open, since Mike Sr. consistently mentioned that the Connecticut Open was our state championship," said Mike and Pete's mother, Page.

The tension increased for Mike to succeed in this competition.

Pete claimed his second Open victory as well Pete secured his second Open title once again Pete earned his second Open championship yet again Pete captured his second Open crown for the second time Pete achieved his second Open win another time several months following his father's passing in the spring of 2022 . Everyone received hugs from his wife, mother, and brother. In the preceding December, Mike Jr. delivered his father's induction speech at the Connecticut Golf Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame isn't just the name on a trophy," Mike Jr. stated. "It's about producing seven or eight professional athletes who started as assistants, with everyone becoming close friends, supporting his two sons to reach their current level in golf, being an excellent father and a wonderful husband. These qualities made my dad truly worthy of the Hall of Fame; anyone who knew him would agree.

You can grasp the burden that Ball experienced, which he openly acknowledged. He mentioned feeling it on Tuesday evening when he and Nelson were tied at the top. He sensed it again on Wednesday morning.

He then stepped outside and carded a 3-under-par 68. It was a spotless round of golf: no bogeys appeared on his scorecard. Nelson, the player Ballo was tied with, was the sole individual capable of challenging Ballo, who maintained the lead for most of the round.

Ballo needed to rise and fall on holes 16 and 17 for par. However, Nelson achieved a birdie on hole 16, putting him tied for the lead. Just before Ballo attempted his par putt on hole 17, Nelson—once a top player for the UConn men’s golf squad—had a manageable birdie chance but failed to convert it.

Honestly, I made a really bad putter shot, it went straight to the right," Nelson remarked. "It had no hope from the start.

Both players drove their balls to the left on the last hole. Nelson found himself blocked by a tree and could only chip out. His third stroke landed just short of the putting surface. Ballo sent his second shot up the fairway, and his approach stopped within 5 feet of the hole.

After Nelson failed to make his short putt for par, it provided Ballo with the chance to relieve himself of the pressure. There were also embraces all around, including for his wife Amada, who is due to have a daughter in December, marking Mike's first child. A hug from Mom and Pete, the latter repaying a gesture from three years prior.

This was Dad's favorite competition to participate in," Peter remarked. "Mike has come in second place countless times, likely three or four. It's great to finally witness him take home the victory. I know this had been on his bucket list for quite some time.

Both Ballos mentioned that they are highly probable to be the first family with three champions at the Open tournament.

I would have truly regretted not winning this competition, so I'm happy it's over," said Ballo Jr., adding that this was "the closest I've felt to my father since he died.

Mike Ballo Jr., winner of the 91st Connecticut Open, sounds good.

Usually, when I come to this event, I carry a lot of stress and pressure because I have always wanted to win it since my father did," Ballo Jr. said. "There was something different about this week; I stayed calm and patient. It felt like a huge burden was removed from my shoulders, and it was such a meaningful moment for me and my family.