At tiny North Canaan course, the state's top senior golfer

NORTH CANAAN — Whether he’s behind the counter at the pro shop at the Canaan Country Club or giving lessons out on the course, Fran Marello maintains a calm demeanor. Talking about his career as a golfer, he is modest.

But he allowed himself a moment of exuberance on the 18th hole of the Wethersfield Country Club Aug. 25, after winning the 78th Senior Connecticut PGA Championship.

Back in North Canaan the next day, he talked about playing in the last 15 tournaments, winning the title as well in 2001, and about being a national club pro champion. At 55, he is grateful to have chosen an athletic career that he can pursue almost indefinitely.

He neglects to mention he finished the three-day, 54-round tourney with a score of 208, four points under par.  He is also one of only 14 players to win the title more than once.

For the many local golfers who come to the tiny North Canaan course, this is a triumph, and lends a large degree of public credibility and fame to the nine holes where they unwind on the weekend, or during evening league play.

Marello has been there five years. He is a friend of General Manager Pete Trozzi, who brought him on board in a dual role. Marello drives up from Plymouth, Conn., each day. He has been part of the effort to keep the course active through a major rebuilding, completed a year ago April.

When a May 2007 fire destroyed nearly all of the club and restaurant — housed in a small, old and inefficient building — the golf course, on lush lowlands just south of the town center, was about all that remained. The old course kept the country club afloat while a bigger and better facility was built.

Marello began caddying at age 11 in his hometown of Waterbury.  He turned pro in 1979 and played in his 10th major tournament this year.

He was assistant pro at Waterbury Country Club and the pro at Pomperaug Golf Club in Southbury for eight years, and was an assistant pro in 1989 in Wethersfield.

“It’s somewhat typical for pros to move around. Some are looking for their niche course. Others, like me, like to get to know different courses. It’s a personal choice.�

He loves the small-town golf club atmosphere here, and is glad he landed at a public course for now.

Golf has been on a decline for a handful of years everywhere, he said.

“The economy is not helping. The private clubs are really struggling. Most public clubs are doing OK. There are no public 18-hole courses right around here, but that’s okay, because the people that seem to be keeping up with their game don’t have time for 18 holes. This is a player-friendly course for a lot of reasons. We stay very busy with leagues and a variety of ages.�

Marello said golf is a great way to keep active, even into old age. He recommends cross-training to stay flexible. His personal choices: the gym and yoga.

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