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Stamford's Mike Ballo is making a name for himself on the West Florida Golf Tour. He won two tournaments in four days, including a win Monday in The Founders Club Series in Sarasota.
"It feels really great to be back from my ankle injury over the winter,'' Ballo said in an email. He is a graduate of Trinity Catholic and St. John's. "I've been working really hard on my game and it is amazing to win two events on the mini tours."
Ballo won Friday in the IMG Series at the IMG Academies and Country Club. He shot 69 and defeated Brian Warde in a playoff. Ballo sank a 6-foot birdie putt to win the tournament.
On Monday, Ballo was even better. He shot 69 to win by two shots over two players. Ballo stands 23rd on the WFGT Order of Merit despite playing just five events due to his injury.
"I am learning a lot,'' Ballo wrote. "You wouldn't know it, but the difference between tour golf and mini tour is not much. There are so many great players out here and I'm learning so much. I am really enjoying the process and it is a good feeling for some of my work to come out in victories. It's all part of the process of reaching my ultimate goals."
Ballo's brother, Peter, is a member of the St. John's golf team. Mike turned professional last year after playing as an amateur after his graduation from St. John's. Ballo's father, Mike Sr., was the longtime head golf professional at Woodway Country Club in Darien. His mother, Paige, was also a professional golfer.
What do you think of Ballo's two wins in Florida? Are you surprised? Start the discussion below!
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