Elliott finds himself in a good place
Ex-NFA star shoots a 4-under 67 and shares lead after first round
Groton — John Elliott says he's known fellow Connecticut Senior Open leader Billy Downes "forever."
The two old friends will have plenty of time to catch up on Tuesday.
Elliott, Downes and Robin Byrd of Satellite Beach, Fla., will play in the final threesome after all shooting a 4-under 67 to earn a share of the top spot after Monday's first round. The Connecticut Senior Open teed off for the 20th straight summer at Shennecossett Golf Course and 35th time overall. The field was whittled down to the lowest 72 scores plus ties after Monday's first round. The cut line was above 75.
While sitting in the clubhouse following his round, Elliott wondered just how low Downes would go. Downes, who's from Longmeadow, Mass., became eligible to play senior events this year.
"Hopefully, he doesn't get too much more than 6 (under)," Elliott said. "I want to be next to him (Tuesday). Unless something goofy happens, I think we'll probably be in the last group." Elliott got his wish. This is familiar territory for Elliott, a Norwich Free Academy graduate.
Elliott, who splits his time between Atlantis, Fla. and Westerly, tied for fourth last year and lost in a playoff with Jerry Courville of Stratford in 2014.
"I'm looking forward to (Tuesday)," Elliott said. "It will be fun for me. Maybe I'll get on a summer roll."
Playing a course that he used to compete on in high school, Elliott piled up three birdies on the front and three on the back nine to go with two bogeys. It was a terrific score considering he hasn't played much golf in the last six weeks. He works as a caddy when not playing in tournaments.
"I haven't done much," Elliott said. "I went and hit balls last night at Shelter Harbor . ... I didn't
have a groove today. I drove it well and hit some good irons. I hit some bad putts and hit some good putts. Four-under is always good."
No lead is safe when the remaining field features some top-flight golfers.
Kerry Johnston of Indo, Calif., is one-shot off the lead while Kirk Hanefeld of South Hamilton, Mass., and Darrell Kestner of Glen Cove, N.Y., both trail by two.
East Lyme's Bill Hermanson and Baltic's Philip Krick, who both shot 2-over 73, also made the cut.
Since Shennecossett began serving as tournament host in 1998, no one has repeated as overall champion. And that streak will stay alive this season as defending champion Eric Egloff didn't return.
Course conditions were golfer-friendly Monday, as recent rain softened the fairways and made the greens receptive. Shennecossett pro Todd Goodhue predicted that there would be some really good scores, and he was right.
Nine golfers finished the first round below par. James Becker, a two-time champion, is within striking distance at even par.
"It was probably the easiest day on this course," Elliott said. "The pins were good. It was a little softer than it has been. Hopefully, it will dry out a little and tomorrow play a little harder . ... It's always a good test."
If Elliott plays his best golf, he believes he'll win. The tri-leaders are scheduled to tee off at 11:54 a.m.
"I think I'm the best player here," said Elliott, who qualified for two Champions Tour events earlier this year. "But you've still got to make putts and do your thing."
News and notes
• Hermanson had an interesting front nine, following a bogey by sinking a 20-foot eagle putt on the par 5, fifth hole. Then he bogeyed the next two holes. He finished strong, rolling in a birdie putt on the 18th. ... Dave Jones of Norwich withdrew from the tournament. He won low amateur honors in 2012 and 2015 . ... Former tennis great Ivan Lendl, who lives in Goshen, shot an 80. He's a big fan of Shennecossett. "I just love playing links golf, or trying to play links golf. Coming out here is special. It's a beautiful part of the state. The golf course is a fantastic golf course. It's always a pleasant day to come here." ... Locals failing to make the cut include: Groton's Mitch Marron (76), Westerly's Mark Toscano (77), Gales Ferry's Tony Susi (78), Waterford's Chris Hedden (78), Stonington pro Mike Myszkowski (79), Old Saybrook's Archie Cart (79), Uncasville's Kipling Visintini (79), South Lyme's Michael Minkos (80), Old Lyme's Mark Vinchesi (82), Uncasville's Chris Grimsey (83) and Oakdale's David Wheatley (91). g.keefe@theday.com