Garren Poirier turned a near-miss into a victory on Wednesday, capturing the Country Club of Vermont Stroke-Play presented by Exit Five with a round of 69 (-3).
Just weeks after falling in a playoff to Sebastian Pell at the Manchester Country Club Spring Classic, the Rutland Country Club member put together a strong closing stretch at the Country Club of Vermont to earn his first Vermont Golf Association victory of the 2026 season.
Poirier’s round began with a steady front nine of 36 (E), featuring one birdie and one bogey. With several players in contention, the tournament remained tightly contested as players made the turn.
The back nine proved to be the difference. Poirier played his final nine holes in 33 (-3), recording two birdies, one bogey, and an unforgettable chip-in eagle on the par-5 12th hole. The eagle provided a spark and helped propel him to the top of the leaderboard.
Despite the pressure of a close finish, Poirier wasn’t done. Standing on the 18th tee with the tournament still within reach of several competitors, he finished in style with a birdie on the final hole to post 69 (-3).
Fellow Rutland Country Club member Reece de Castro finished runner-up at 71 (-1), two shots behind Poirier. The pair were the only players to finish under par on the day.
For Poirier, the victory was a fitting response after coming up just short at Manchester Country Club earlier this month. After losing in a playoff at the Spring Classic, he capitalized on another opportunity, using a spectacular chip-in eagle and a birdie on the final hole to secure the title.
The Vermont Golf Association would like to thank the Country Club of Vermont for hosting the event and Exit Five for its support as title sponsor of the championship.