CSGA Publications: 2016 CSGA Annual Magazine | Page 23

114th Connecticut Amateur throughout the entire final, and bounced back with a win on the following hole each time. Often called the “bounce-back” statistic on the PGA Tour, Zaback played the four holes following a loss in five under-par. With his victory, Zaback becomes just the second player to win both the Russell C. Palmer Cup and Connecticut Amateur Championship in the same season, matching Cody Paladino’s feat from 2013. Although Zaback would go on to turn professional before the Connecticut Open, his start to the 2016 season was more than enough to clinch his second CSGA Player of the Year title (see page 62). Despite falling short on the final day, it was Birch’s first appearance in the Connecticut Amateur finals. Coupled with a runner-up finish earlier this season in the Russell C. Palmer Cup, Birch was off to a great start in the 2016 summer season. He was two under-par for the 29 holes of the match and played solid golf throughout the day. “I only had two bogies out there today and just made a lot of pars,” said Birch. “It was a great week and there were a lot of positives to take away." 2016 ANNUAL / CONNECTICUT STATE GOLF ASSOCIATION / 23