Gallo Shoots 14-under to Capture Cleveland Golf Tour’s Vermont National Open

            South Burlington, VT-Kyle Gallo fired a final round 4-under par 68 for a five shot victory over Julian Trudeau and Sean O’Hair in the Cleveland Golf Tour’s inaugural Vermont National Open. Gallo scorched the par 72 Vermont National course for a three day total of 14-under par. O’Hair closed with a bogey free 68 to earn his second runner up finish in as many Cleveland Golf Tour events. Trudeau, meanwhile, shot a finishing round of 2-under par in his debut on this tour. Noah Zelnik began the day just four shots back but struggled to an even par round of 72 to end up solo 4th. Paul Dickinson completed play at 5-under par to share 5^th place honors with Jim West, who was 8-under par through 14 before playing the final four holes in 5-over.

            Gallo, who started the day with a four shot cushion, bogied the first hole but rebounded beautifully with six consecutive birdies beginning on the par three 6^th hole. Despite the early setback, he remained confident. “I didn’t waiver from my game plan at all,” he said. Having made several changes to his game in the past two years, Gallo admits that his game has reached a new level. “Everything is coming to a crescendo right now, “Gallo said. As for his dominating performance this week, he admitted that until very recently, “he was never able to do this.”

            Trudeau credited much of his success to the sound advice of his caddie, Craig Fuller, a member at Vermont National. He picked up a shot immediately following Gallo’s opening bogey, but was never able to pose a serious challenge as he recorded just three birdies on a perfect day for scoring. “I learned how good the competition is out here,” he said. “It forces you to elevate your game,” he added.

            The most serious challenge of the day came from Jim West, who toured the front nine in 4-under par then made birdies on 10, 11, 12, and 14 before his unfortunate finish on the challenging finish.

            Gallo’s win could serve as a springboard into next week’s Massachusetts Open, an event he calls “the biggest event in New England.” Heading into Monday’s first round, he is taking a why not me approach. “Somebody’s got to win it,” he said. “It might as well be me.”

            This tournament marks the first time Vermont National has played host to a Cleveland Golf Tour event. Based on the club’s response, though, it won’t be the last time. “We hope to see you next year,” said head professional Zack Wyman.

            With the win, Gallo collected $11,500. The next Cleveland Golf Tour event is scheduled for July 8^th-10^th at Passaconaway Country Club in Litchfield, NH.