Quinn makes Connecticut Senior Open win look easy ... but he's had plenty of practice

Groton — Fran Quinn is as comfortable as a well-worn pair of slippers playing tournament golf.

He’s battle-tested from his experience competing in high-profile events like the U.S Open and British Senior Open.

“I’ve played in a lot of them,” Quinn said.

Quinn made something difficult, winning the 42nd Connecticut Senior Open, look relatively easy, seizing a two-shot lead Monday and never losing his grip on the top spot in Tuesday’s final round. He finished with an 8-under 134 (65-69) at Shennecossett Golf Course.

“Believe me, it isn’t easy,” said Quinn, who’s from Holden, Massachusetts. “But that’s what you try to do. … It’s nice to win anything. This has a really nice field. They do a great job.”

Alan Sorensen, the 2022 Connecticut Senior Open champ from Bakersfield, California, finished three strokes behind in second place with a 5-under 137 (68-69). Robert Meheran of Tampa, Florida, and 2018 champion Bobby Gage of Lake Worth, Florida, tied for third at 3-under 139.

After shooting a 6-under 65 in Monday’s first round, Quinn liked his chances on Tuesday at closing out his first Connecticut Senior Open title victory in his second appearance.

“I really felt like I was pretty much in control, so I knew if I went out and did what I had to do, I would be in good shape,” Quinn said. “I just did what I needed to do.”

Quinn, 59, arrived at the Connecticut Senior Open feeling good about his game. And his low scores reflected that.

He consistently kept the ball in the fairway and finished with 10 birdies in the two rounds.

“I drove it fantastic,” Quinn said. “I was never in trouble. I missed two greens. Thirty-four out of the 36 holes I had looks for birdies. I had some good chances.”

Quinn has an impressive resume.

Just two years ago, he was the oldest player ever to qualify for the U.S. Open at the age of 57. He’s played five U.S. Opens overall. He plans to compete in some PGA Tour Champions events later this summer.

Quinn will try to maintain his high level of play later this month when he competes in the British Senior Open for the fifth time.

“It’s been fun,” Quinn said. “I’ve been lucky to do what I love my entire career and that’s play golf on the various tours. I wish I spent more time on the regular tour, but I’ve had a great run.”

David Jones of Norwich was the top local finisher, tying for ninth at even-par 142 (70-72).

If a few more putts dropped, Jones would have had a great shot at earning his fifth Connecticut Senior Open low amateur honor instead of taking third. Kris Lang of West Hartford and Patrick McGuiness of Glastonbury shared top amateur status and tied for fifth overall.

Jones finished his second round Tuesday by just missing a 7-foot birdie putt on the 18th.

“That was my day today,” Jones said. “I probably missed eight putts under 10 feet today. I hit the ball great. I hit 17 greens in regulation and shot 1-over par. … I’m feeling good, so things are good.”

Overall, it was a typically strong Connecticut Senior Open performance by Jones, who regularly places in the top 10.

“It’s one of my favorite events of the summer and I love the golf course,” Jones said. “If you have that positive attitude all the time, it doesn’t matter what happens.”

Other golfers with local ties include: Norwich Free Academy graduate John Elliott (71-74-145), tied for 19th; North Stonington’s Jim Lathrop (71-76-147), tied for 31st; East Lyme’s Bill Hermanson (73-77-150), tied for 55th; Colchester’s James Lawler (75-79-154), tied for 74th; Waterford’s Kevin Shea (75-81-156), Waterford’s Kenny Hall (75-81-156), tied for 76th.

g.keefe@theday.com