Travelers spot on the line at the Connecticut PGA

Brian Keiser will be trying for the three-peat at the 91st Connecticut PGA Championship beginning Monday at the Black Hall Club in Old Lyme.

The head pro at Longmeadow Country Club in Longmeadow, Mass. — which is a part of the Connecticut Section — is not only trying for his third consecutive victory in the championship, but also the exemption into the Travelers Championship. It is the one exemption granted to the Connecticut Section.

Among the former champions in the field is Adam Rainaud, the head pro at CC of New Canaan and a former assistant at the Black Hall Club. Rainaud won the event three times (2014, 2016, 2018).

Also among those competing are Jim Alexander (Brownson CC), Ron Dellostritto (Fairways Golf Range and Pro Shop), Jim Hanlon (The Farms CC), Jason Loomis (Great River GC), William Street (Whitney Farms GC) and William Wallis (New Haven CC).

The winner of the 36hole championship earns $4,500.

EAGLE-ACE FOR DEMPSEY

Jay Dempsey has had his share of good rounds throughout his life, including four club championships.

But what he pulled off in consecutive shots on Tuesday at Indian Hill CC in Newington is quite notable even for the world’s best golfers.

Dempsey went eagle-ace — in consecutive shots — in a one-day tournament the Connecticut State Golf Association runs on a weekly basis.

“Consecutive shots, that is the coolest thing,” said the 66-year-old Dempsey, a Groton resident and a member in town at Shennecossett GC.

Add more one more interesting twist: Dempsey’s eagle came on the

short, dogleg par 4 fourth hole. Dempsey said the second shot was no more than 50 yards, but straight uphill. So he was unable to see his 58-degree wedge shot go into the hole.

The next hole, Dempsey said, was playing at 162 yards downhill. He chose a 7-iron.

“It headed straight for the hole, bounced once and went right in,” Dempsey said.

So Dempsey found himself at 4-under through five holes. But as the old saying goes, “The Golf Gods giveth, the Golf Gods taketh away.”

He made an 8 on the ninth hole and ended up shooting an 81.

It was the second ace for Dempsey. His first came in the Palmer Cup when it was held at Hartford GC.

Contributed photo Jay Dempsey, pictured here on the 15th green on his home course, Shennecossett Golf Course in Groton, went eagle-ace in consecutive shots at Indian Hill CC on May 17.