MAGAZINE IN FULL SWING - LOOKING FORWARD HOFFHINE MEMORIAL FALL MEETING TOURNAMENT RECAP - Metropolitan PGA
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MAGAZINE
IN FULL SWING
Third Edition Highlights
LOOKING FORWARD
HOFFHINE MEMORIAL
FALL MEETING
TOURNAMENT RECAP
ASSISTANTS CORNER
FOUNDATION
2019 THIRD QUARTER
Introduction As we’ve turned the corner on Labor Day, it’s hard to believe that summer has come and gone. The months of June, July, and August seem to whip by with member guests, outings, charity events, and Met PGA tournaments. Most of the time, it feels like there isn’t even half of a day to spare for family, friends or catching up on personal demands but somehow the talented professionals of the Met PGA find a way to participate in tournaments, bring members to Pro-Ams, and volunteer to help kids and veterans learn and enjoy the greatest game. Another major focus of the summer month is junior golf. It is incredible to witness the number of kids we see at Junior Tour Events, Drive, Chip & Putt, and PGA Junior League. For many of them, golf is every day event in the summer and Met PGA professionals are at the stewards, giving golf courses, providing opportunities, and simply making golf cool and fun. This issue of our magazine will recap many of the successes and events of the last few months and also preview our fall run of championships, meetings, and events. Among those will be an exciting announcement of our newest tournament sponsor, Medterra, along with the details of the reimagined Hoffhine Memorial Tournament at Westchester Country Club. Thanks for reading this issue of the Met PGA Magazine and we look forward to seeing you on the tee!
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Carl Alexander, PGA
The Golf Club of Purchase
The fall season is here. I’m sure you all are busy at your club this time of year. I’m happy to
report that the Met PGA and the golf business are in a good place. The PGA Championship
is behind us and our tournament season is well underway. Whether people are talking about
Brooks Koepka and how far he hits it, how slow the pace of play is on the PGA tour, or the
latest golf equipment, people are talking about golf and you, the PGA Professional are the
expert in the game.
Recently I had the unique experience of hosting and playing in a Met PGA Tournament. I
am continually impressed by how hard our Met PGA Staff works. From sun up to sun down
they work with a smile and professionalism that should make us all proud. They put on the
best tournaments in the country and are excited to run our events and provide a competitive
experience for all members. It was great to see Darrell Kestner and champion Frank Bensel
hit great shot after great shot and dual it out at Purchase.
As we come into fall, I hope everyone looks at their calendar to set time aside for educational
opportunities, volunteer opportunities, and playing opportunities to close out the season in a
positive way. We have a great line up of courses with historic Sleepy Hollow that hosted our
Section Championship accompanied by The Augie Pro-Am and great venues for the Team
Championship, Squire Cup, and Farley Cup matches. We are also excited to announce a new
event for the Met PGA at one of our areas most well-known courses. Westchester Country
Club is rearranging the 75 year old Hoffhine tournament to include a professional and a pro-
am component. Our Travel Pro-Am to Las Vegas already has a waiting list!
Carl Alexander, PGA
President Please remember there is still time to run a fundraiser for the foundation or volunteer for a PGA Hope
program. Trust me, whatever time and effort it takes to do something for others will come back to you
Theron Harvey, PGA in dividends. Golf is one of the most philanthropic sports there is and you can easily find a way to get
Secretary involved. My staff here at Purchase recently ran a Jr. Golf Marathon and raised over $10,000 in one
day. By talking with our students and our members about all the good things the Met PGA supports,
they were able to not only raise awareness, but gain their respect for giving back. I encourage you to
Stuart Waack, PGA
consider a fundraiser at your club.
Treasurer
As a fraternal organization, we can all benefit from helping each other. Through our foundation we
Chris Kenney, PGA continue to help many juniors, veterans and people within our area. Please know that your board and
1st Vice President your officers are also working on programs, tournaments, educational opportunities, and employment
services to help you. The Met PGA has a long history of developing great players, teachers, leaders
James Ondo, PGA and businessmen and women and your continued involvement will help us continue this important
2nd Vice President tradition.
We are all fortunate to be PGA Professionals and to be part of the Met Section. Your Board and
Board of Directors
your officers are dedicated to helping you enjoy a long and prosperous career in the game of golf.
Bill Bresnan, PGA
There are many success stories around you, within the Met PGA, that you can look to and find
Jack Druga, PGA
Andrew Gruss, PGA
inspiration and support. Attending meetings, tournaments and pro-ams are great ways to meet other
Rich Jones, PGA
professionals and discuss similar challenges and find solutions. Keep looking for new opportunities
Jim Lusk, PGA to help strengthen and improve your work environment. Coach your associates and assistants to
Gary Murphy, PGA add value to the club. Look for ways to communicate better, generate revenue, and build a high-
Shaun Powers, PGA performing team. There is a solution to every problem and there are professionals all around you who
Peter Procops, PGA can help.
Alex Smith, PGA
David Young, PGA I look forward to seeing many of you at the Team Championship, the Fall Meeting, the Assistants
Meeting, the Squire Cup or any one of the many events we still have on our calendar.
Brian Crowell, PGA
Honorary President Sincerely,
Tom Henderson, PGA
District Director
Jeff Voorheis
Executive Director Carl Alexander, PGA
www.met.pga.com || 3rd Quarter 2019 || 2
Contents PAGE TOPIC/SECTION 5-6 Looking Forward - Hoffhine Memorial 7-8 Team Championship and Expo 9 Farley Cup and Squire Cup 10 Morrell Studios Member Milestones 11-12 Fall Meeting and Special Award Recipients 13-14 Met Professional Championship 15-16 Womens Met Open & Girls to the Tee 17-18 New York State Open 19-20 Pro-Junior 21 Mastercard Senior Match Play Championship 22 Lincoln Pro-Ams 23-24 Assistants Corner | Met PGA Assistant Championship 25 The Augie Met PGA Championship Pro-Am 26 Met PGA Senior Professional Championship 27-28 Met PGA Championship 29-33 Foundation Updates 34-38 Junior Tour Wrap Up 3 || 3rd Quarter 2019 || www.met.pga.com
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Sept 25 Met PGA Pro-Lady Championship
Century Country Club
Sept 26 Lenox Advisors/NFP NYSO Pro-Am
Bethpage Black Course
Sept 30 - Oct 1 Met PGA Team Championship
The Bridge/Gardiner’s Bay
Oct 2 Senior Junior Championship
South Fork Country Club
Oct 3 Women’s Match Play Championship
Shinnecock Hills Golf Club
Oct 7 Assistant Tour Championship
Inwood Country Club
Oct 7 Jack Mallon Pro-Am
Brookville Country Club
Oct 10 Whitey Voight Pro-Am
Sunningdale Country Club
Oct 15 - Oct 16 Hoffhine Memorial
Westchester Country Club
Oct 17 Mohegan Sun Tournament of Champions
Mohegan Sun Golf Club
Oct 21 - Oct 22 Atlantic City Pro-Am
Galloway National Golf Club/ Hidden Creek Golf Club
Oct 23 Met PGA Fall Meeting & Celebration
Old Westbury Golf and Country Club
Oct 24 Farley Cup
Sebonack Golf Club
Oct 28 Assistants Fall Meeting
Innis Arden Golf Club
Oct 30 Squire Cup
Maidstone Club
Nov 18-20 Las Vegas Pro Am
Shadow Creek Golf Club/TPC Summerlin/Southern Highlands
www.met.pga.com || 3rd Quarter 2019 || 4
LOOKING FORWARD
HOFFHINE MEMORIAL
OCTOBER 15TH-16TH
We are very excited to announce a new fall tournament and partnership between Westchester Country Club
and the Met PGA. When the Treiber Memorial was discontinued at the end of 2018, we immediately began
looking for an alternative and attempted to bolster two events by creating one great one.
The Hoffhine Memorial, originally named the Westchester Invitational, was established in 1944 by long time
Westchester Country Club member John J Hoffhine. John was a consummate entertainer with a larger-than-
life personality and loved cigars, jokes, and wine. He was passionate about Westchester Country Club and
upon becoming Green Chairman enthusiastically promoted competition amongst members and friends at
other clubs. The first five years of the tournament were a tremendous success highlighted with John as the
emcee for the signature stag dinner. The tournament has attracted athletes and celebrities including: Joe
DiMaggio, Babe Ruth, Claude Harmon, Byron Nelson, Vince Lombardi, Fred Astaire, Humphrey Bogart,
John Wayne, and Dean Martin. Following John’s untimely death in 1949, longtime member and close friend,
Ed Sullivan proposed the tournament be re-named The Hoffhine Memorial in his honor.
The Hoffhine Memorial has traditionally been a one day, 18-hole event held on Westchester Country Club’s
West Course. In 2019, Westchester Country Club and the Metropolitan PGA are partnering to create a
reimagined Hoffhine Memorial that maintains the event’s tradition and history while highlighting local clubs,
memberships and PGA Professionals.
This year’s event will be a 36-hole championship for the professionals that
includes the Pro-Am portion on day two. The professionals only will play
round one on Westchester’s West Course. On day two, the amateurs will
join the professionals for the final round of the professional competition
and the Pro-Am. There will be separate prize funds for both the Pro-Am
and the professional tournament with a celebration following golf with food,
beverages, and a keynote address all included as part of the event.
The Metropolitan Section is thrilled to announce our newest partner and the
title sponsor for the reimagined Hoffhine Memorial Pro-Am, Medterra CBD.
As CBD takes the golf world by storm, we’re proud to be aligning with the
leading CBD brand in golf. Medterra is driving that charge by offering a wide
range of CBD products, all 100% guaranteed to be THC free, non-GMO,
5 || 3rd Quarter 2019 || www.met.pga.com
grown in the USA and exceeding the purity standards set by the US Hemp Authority. With over twenty
PGA Tour pro’s using Medterra, golfers at every level are discovering how CBD, from a trusted brand, can
elevate their game.
U.S. Open Champion, Lucas Glover, says, “At
our level everybody is really good and 1% of an
edge makes a difference. For me the recovery,
after working out, after playing, after travel stems
from regulating inflammation and sleeping well.
Medterra CBD has given me a leg up on that
which I didn’t have before.”
Four-time PGA winner and the 2019 Player Director
to the PGA Policy Board, Charley Hoffman, adds,
“I did my research. I had heard a lot of players
talking about the benefits of CBD and I wanted to see for myself. I started using Medterra because they
have a great portfolio of products and I knew that I could trust that their products had zero THC. They are
extremely transparent with their testing processes.”
You will be hearing more about Medterra in the coming months. In the meantime, with less than a month
until the first tee time at the renown Westchester Country Club, we couldn’t be more excited that this
grand tournament is stronger than ever. With a strong commitment from our partners, members, and title
sponsor Medterra, the Metropolitan Section PGA looks forward to another wildly successful tournament.
We hope to see all our members at the Westchester CC, Oct 15-16th.
CLICK ABOVE FOR A MESSAGE ABOUT THE HOFFHINE MEMORIAL!
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP
www.met.pga.com || 3rd Quarter 2019 || 6
TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
Your favorite championship is back, and
it returns to The Bridge. Be a part of this
fun team competition as we return to
The Bridge and Gardiner’s Bay for this
better-ball of two event. PGA Members
will have priority, but PGA Associates are
eligible to play provided the event is not
over-subscribed.
Rounds one and two will be split up and
sent separate ways to Gardiner’s Bay and
The Bridge. Once the round is complete,
we ask that all to join us back at The
Bridge for our Met PGA Expo.
The following day, the field will finish the
tournament at the opposite course. Thank
you to The Bridge’s Head Professional, Jeff
Warne, General Manager, Chris Arancio,
and Superintendent, Greg Stanley
for hosting the Team Championship
and Expo. Thank you to Gardiner’s
Bay’s Head Professional, Leigh Notley,
General Manager, Charlie Marcus, and
Superintendent, Tim Gorman.
7 || 3rd Quarter 2019 || www.met.pga.com
AND EXPO We hope you are ready for our 2019 Partners and Sponsors Expo ran in conjunction with our Team Championship at The Bridge on Monday, September 30th. This is one of our most highly anticipated events of the year where our partners will have the opportunity to showcase their newest, and most exciting products to all of you. The support and attendance of our PGA Professionals is invaluable to the Expo. Whether you are playing in the Team Championship or not, all are welcome to attend. The Expo is not only a tremendous opportunity to network with our greatest supporters, but the festive and fraternal atmosphere guarantees you an experience you will not only appreciate but will not soon forget. Remember much of the success of the Met Section is a product of our irreplaceable partners and sponsors. We look forward to having you there at this grand showcase.
FARLEY CUP SEBONACK CLUB As the fall comes so do our Team Invitationals. The Farley Cup and the Squire Cup are two of our most sought-after invitations in the section. All season, players vie for a chance to compete in these two prestigious events. The best players from Long Island and Westchester compete for the John Farley Cup. This fraternal yet competitive event continues to honor the memory of our great friend and Tournament Director, John Farley, who passed away in 2008. The top 10 professionals and top 2 senior professionals on the Farley Cup Standings from each jurisdiction will earn a place on their respective teams. The points system for both Long Island and Westchester will conclude at the Met PGA Championship. SQUIRE CUP MAIDSTONE CLUB The Squire Cup born in 1986, was named after the great “Squire,” Gene Sarazen, who began his legendary career here in the Met area as an assistant at Brooklawn. The first victorious Squire Cup team of 1987, autographed a copy of his biography with the following inscription: “Thank you for the image to which we aspire”. In 2004 the event was renamed the Gene Borek Squire Cup Matches in honor of one of the Metropolitan PGA’s most decorated professionals. Gene Borek’s legacy of achievements in the areas of Leadership, Professional Performance and Playing Ability are well documented making this event the perfect competition to carry his name. The perpetual trophy has also been named in his honor. It is with this foundation that the Squire Cup continues. Recognition of the outstanding Assistant Professionals for all that they do for the golf community and the Met PGA is an essential way of preserving their dedication and devotion to the game and the area. The Gene Borek Squire Cup Matches continue as a celebration of what makes the Metropolitan PGA Section and our outstanding golf professionals truly special. We have the opportunity to again pay tribute to one of our greatest professionals, the late Gene Borek and to celebrate today’s leaders in our association at a venue that has already made its mark on golf’s history.
Each year at our Spring and Fall Meetings, will be presenting
Met PGA Milestone Awards to those professionals who have
either earned their PGA Membership, Quarter Century, or
Half Century status since our previous gathering.
We are also excited to implement our legendary Partner of the
Year Award in honor of the dedicated partners in our Section.
Part of the inaugural class are: George Altman, Judy Altman,
Mike Brannon, Howard Burr, Ely Callaway, Charlie Carr, Bob
Catapane, Vin Draddy, Bill Egan, Gordie Faulkner, John Fink,
Ted Galgano, Aleck Gaylor, JP Howard, Jim Judson, Gene
McMasters, Terry Murphy, Ray Nolan, Al Northrup, Wally
Phillips, Mike Reardon, Scottie Robertson, Gary Scenti, Irv
Schloss, Don Temple, Howard Trieber, Joe Turnessa, Wayne
VanHorn, and Dennis Watson.
MEMBER MILESTONES
NEW MEMBERS
Jacob Anderson Christian Cardarelli Ty Klippenstein Reed Riley
Peter Ballo Connor Costello Nicholas Langelotti Kramer Samuelson
Henry Bannwarth Christopher Gabriele Steven Luerssen Austin Snow
Nathan Bratcher Conor Hannan Daniel Meyer Jonathan Solimano
Benjamin Bruning Hoyoung Heo Del Ponchock
Carina Capobianco Steven Kaufmann Joseph Raitano
Q UA RT E R C E N T U RY H A L F C E N T U RY
Thomas Berry Peter Serafimoff Bob Brzoska
David Buth Richard Stucklen
John Connelly Heath Wassem
Brian Crowell Howard Weiss
Bob Posillico
NEW MEMBER Q UA RT E R C E N T U RY H A L F C E N T U RYFALL MEETING
OLD WESTBURY CC
Evening Meeting & Awards Dinner
As the season comes to an end and many Met Section Professionals flock to Florida, we have
one last chance to get together in 2019. The Met PGA Fall Meeting and Awards Celebration on
October 23rd will be hosted by Old Westbury Golf & Country Club. Not only is Old Westbury
helping us celebrate 2019 but they will play host to the Met PGA Championship in 2020. The
business meeting will include an overview of the 2019 season, election of new Section Directors,
and the Special Awards Presentation fireside
chat with Brian Crowell. We will also have the 5:00PM | Met PGA Fall Meeting
honor to induct esteemed Met Section Members
6:00PM | Cocktail Reception
Greg Hurd, George Lewis, and Nelson Long into
our Hall of Fame. All members are welcome 6:30PM | Special Awards Dinner
and encouraged to bring guests to join us for
9:30PM | Dessert & Open Bar
the evening. Tickets will be available online by
visiting met.pga.com
2019 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
GREG HURD GEORGE LEWIS NELSON LONG2019 Special Award Recipients Professional of the Year Bill Strausbaugh Award Horton Smith Award David Young Sam Wiley Andrew Gruss Sleepy Hollow CC Wee Burn CC Greenwich CC Teacher of the Year Merchandiser-Private Merchandiser-Public Bobby Miller Cory Muller Angela Aulenti Knollwood CC CC of Darien Sterling Farms GC Patriot Award Player Development Youth Player Development Bob Bigonette Rich Jones Roger Knick Michael Breed GA Pine Ridge GC Golf Performance Center
DANNY BALIN WINS THE MET
PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Regarded as the most important tournament for our members, the Met PGA Professional Championship was
played under ideal course conditions at Paramount Club and The Tuxedo Club thanks to the leadership of
PGA Professionals Jim Lusk and Chris Muldoon, and the work of golf course superintendents Matt Kerens
and Casey Klossner. 36-hole leader Charlie Maizel, PGA Assistant at Siwanoy Country Club, couldn’t hold
off Fresh Meadow Head Professional Danny Balin, but did accomplish the goal of qualifying for the PGA
Professional Championship.
Like the PGA Professional Championship, our Sectional event is fascinating for several reasons. The intensity,
especially during the final round is very high, as qualifying for the next level is of utmost importance to the
competitors. It is also interesting to watch two separate leaderboards develop. For many players, winning
the championship becomes secondary to the goal of grabbing one of the
coveted spots and advancing. “This is our major for
the year... You always
As the competition on the last nine holes at Tuxedo Club
want to play well in
became a two-horse race between Balin and Josh Rackley
of Tam O’Shanter, there was great pressure and attention this championship
placed on the players lingering near the projected cut line and one of my goals
of a few shots over par. Deepdale’s Kevin Breen controlled being exempt is to
his own destiny, and that of a few others, when he made a become player of
six-foot par save on the last hole to keep the grab the last the year again... to
qualifying spot and avoid a playoff. be able to win and
get those points puts
All 18 Met PGA qualifiers and those exempt from qualifying
me on track for the
for next year’s PGA Professional Championship are
rest of the season.”
pictured on the next page:
- Danny Balin
13 || 3rd Quarter 2019 || www.met.pga.comPGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIERS
Kyle Baehler Danny Balin Alex Beach Frank Bensel Greg Bisconti Kevin Breen
Willow Ridge Fresh Meadow Westchester Century Saint Andrew’s Deepdale
Jason Caron Tony DeMaria Matt Dobyns Darrell Kestner Rob Labritz Brian Mackey
Mill River KonnectGolf Meadow Brook Deepdale GlenArbor Hollow Brook
Charlie Maizel James Ondo Tim Puetz Sean Quinlivan Josh Rackley Adam Rainaud
Siwanoy Apawamis Siwanoy Piping Rock Tam O’Shanter New Canaan
www.met.pga.com || 3rd Quarter 2019 || 14WOMENS MET OPEN
Janie Sirmons Ina Kim-Schaad
For over twenty years Lincoln has supported the Women’s Met Open Championship,
positioning their luxury auto brand alongside the top professional and amateur golfers
in the Metropolitan New York area. Thanks to Lincoln’s sponsorship, the championship
boasts a $20,000 purse with $3,500 going to the winner.
Picturesque Green Brook CC and their leadership team of Andrew Bostrom, PGA
Head Professional, golf course Superintendent Pat Hickey, and Club Manager
Stephen Wolsky welcomed the best professionals and amateurs
in the Met area as hosts of this year’s Lincoln Women’s Met Open
The Met Sectio
Championship. A slew of amateur players topped the leaderboard
led by our champion, Ina Kim-Schaad of Deepdale GC who carded takes pride in the
a final round score of 65 to capture the victory, shooting 6-under par presence and ta
for the tournament. This is what mak
like the Wome
Another amateur, Kaitlyn Lee of Westchester CC shot a 36-hole total
of 1-under par to finish in second, followed by Elizabeth Choi of Pine
and the Wome
Hills G&CC who claimed the top professional prize at 1-over par. Championship i
Loretta Giovanettone of Woodway CC (t-4) was the low Met PGA women who p
Professional in the field. In the Senior Division, Janie Sirmons of these events are
Cold Spring CC edged Wendy Modic of Fenway GC to take the title.
continue to gro
golf eac
15 || 3rd Quarter 2019 || www.met.pga.comGIRLS TO THE TEE
The next generation of female golfers found inspiration and motivation at the 11th
Annual “Girls to the Tee” event held at Westchester Country Club. For three hours,
95 girls from local clubs, public courses, and the First Tee of Metropolitan New
York were given individual instruction by Met PGA professionals. Lizzy Blomgren,
Tish Certo, Tyler Lower, Abby Mann, Wendy Modic, Carly Peters, Ali Prazak, Sarah
Stone, Monique Thoresz, Joann Walker Pike, and LPGA and area golf professionals
were among those who volunteered. Also thank you in large part to Gary Weir and
his efforts in making this event successful. Great event conducted by the Women’s
Metropolitan Golf Association’s charitable foundation.
on as a whole
e strong female
alent we have.
kes tournaments
en’s Met Open
en’s Met PGA
important. The
participate in
e the ones who
ow the game of
ch day.MIKE BALLO WINS
NEW YORK STATE OPEN
It was a hot and humid week as Bethpage Black once again put the skills of the best golfers in the state to the
test during the playing of this year’s Lenox Advisors/ NFP New York State Open Championship. Mike Ballo Jr.
of Winged Foot GC welcomed the challenge, capturing the biggest win of his career in dramatic fashion.
Ballo edged Rob Labritz of GlenArbor GC on the first hole of a sudden death
playoff, held on the 18th hole at Bethpage Black. Ballo carded a 69 in his final
round, finishing the 54-hole championship with 14 birdies and an eagle. Labritz,
three-time NYS Open Champion and 2019 PGA Championship Low Club
Professional, made a bid for another shooting a 3-under 68 in the final round.
John Clare of Pompey Club finished 3-under par to capture a third-place finish,
followed by Peter Ballo of Silvermine GC who shot 1-under par to finish alone
in fourth. James Nicholas of Westchester CC
and Christian Cavaliere of Mahopac GC shared
Low Amateur honors, tying for fifth along with
2018 New York State Open Champion Andrew
Svoboda of Engineers GC.
The New York State Open and Bethpage Black have provided pages for the
scribing of some tremendous stories. We’ve seen: tour careers launched,
local champions compete on golf’s biggest stage, fathers pass the torch to
their sons, and the constant maturation of young players. These traditions
17 || 3rd Quarter 2019 || www.met.pga.comcontinued as Mike Ballo Jr. advanced
his father’s legacy as a champion “To win a tournament at
golfer, former Met PGA Junior Tour Bethpage Black means
players Cavaliere and Nicholas shared everything to me. The
low amateur honors, and three time day I started working
winner Rob Labritz demonstrated at Winged Foot and
extraordinary grace in finishing runner- the Met PGA working
up after having a legitimate opportunity toward becoming a
to win in regulation. Golf brings out PGA Member. This is
all sorts of things in people and New the first thing I think
York State is lucky to have had so about every year. It’s the
many great characters in its Open most important event
Championship stories. for me every year. With
everything going on, It’s
The elite golfers in New York State such a special week for
are fortunate that Bethpage State me right now.”
Park, a major championship venue, - Mike Ballo
is committed to annually hosting our
open championship. It would be easy to dismiss a regional event
when focused on PGA’s, Ryder Cups, and large revenue generating
corporate outings, but thanks to the leadership of Park Director, Betsy
Wintenberger, Bethpage remains committed to this tournament. We
are further blessed that the agronomy team, led by Golf Courses
Superintendent, Andy Wilson, and Black Course Superintendent, Mike
Hadley, are the best in class and provided a perfect playing conditions
despite coming off hosting the PGA Championship earlier this year.
The sponsorship continues because of the affinity Lenox Advisors and NFP have for the game of golf,
golf professionals, and elite players. They are proud of their relationship with Bethpage State Park, the
Met PGA, and the tournament players who walk the fairways of the Black Course alongside them in their
annual Pro-Am.
CLICK BELOW FOR AN INTERVIEW WITH 2019 NEW
YORK STATE OPEN CHAMPION, MIKE BALLO!
F I N A L R E S U L T S
Mike Ballo 72 68 68 209
Winged Foot GC
Rob Labritz 72 69 69 209
GlenArbor GC
John Clare 69 69 69 210
Pompey Club
Pete Ballo 70 74 74 212
Silvermine GC
James Nicholas 72 74 74 213
Westchester CC
Andy Svoboda 74 68 68 213
Engineers GC
Christian Cavaliere 72 71 71 213
Mahopac GC www.met.pga.com || 3rd Quarter 2019 || 18PRO-JUNIOR
The Pro-Junior, consider
Lake Isle CC. Dave Steve
years. Golf was seconda
ice cream kiosk, and ple
TEAM
TEAMGROSS
NET
1 st
SILVERMINE I (-11)
PETE BALLO
HUDSON HAGMANN
WESLEY RAVER
TEDDY CALLERY
2 nd
SCARSDALE I (-8)
ANTHONY CASALINO
ELLIE BOWEN
OLIVIA LOVE
JASPER DORR
3 rd
BETHPAGE II (-7)
CHARLIE BOLLING
MATT DIFIORE
JOJO DOLEZAL
BRIAN ZHAOred by some to be a Major Championship in the world of the Met PGA, took place July 24th at
enson and his incredible team of volunteers have been hosting this world class event for over 20
ary to the endless abundance of food available on nearly every hole. Between a world class BBQ,
ethora of snacks and drinks not one person left the premises without a sugar rush or food coma.
TEAMNET
TEAM NET
1 st
ROTELLA (-21)
MICHAEL LAUDIEN
MIKEY LAUDIEN, JR
AVERY HOOD
QUINLAN HOOD
2 nd
LAKE ISLE II (-20)
KEVIN CHIN
ALEXANDER HOLT
WILLIAM HOLT
WILLIAM BORNMANN
3 rd
ROLLING HILLS (-16)
MICHAEL DIMEGLIO
HARRISON BROWNE
KYLE CHENG
GARRET BOUVIERsenior match play championship
FRANK BENSEL
CENTURY CC
2&1 DARRELL KESTNER
DEEPDALE GC
The leadership team of PGA Head Professional,
Carl Alexander, Golf Course Superintendent,
Bob Miller and Club Manager, Sophie Mond
welcomed the best Senior Professionals in
the Met Section to The Golf Club of Purchase
for the 2019 Mastercard Senior Match Play
Championship.
In the final match, defending champion, Frank
Bensel of Century Country Club faced off against
three-time winner Darrell Kestner of Deepdale
Golf Club. Bensel was 3-up after nine holes but
still needed a late surge, including three birdies
and an eagle, to hold off Kestner and successfully
defend his title.
Both Bensel and Kestner knocked off three-
time champions on their respective roads to the
finals. Bensel defeated Bobby Heins of Old Oaks
in their semifinal match, while Kestner got past
Craig Thomas of Metropolis Country Club in the
other semifinal.
21 || 3rd Quarter 2019 || www.met.pga.comPRO AMS
LOCATION TEAM GROSS TEAM NET
Trump National WC Trump Westchester Aspetuck Valley
June 3rd Mark McGuire
Paul Petrylak
Michael Ingwer
64
John Bushka
Jeff Speed
Steve Weitzer
63
Doug Senderoff George Corey
Montauk Downs Engineers Montauk Sands Point
Jean Bartholomew Tom Lupinacci Larry Flammia
June 3
66 64
rd
Janet Mallon Marc Schoen Kealan O’Reilly
Deb Feldstein Marc Zakinsky Paul Buckley
Angela Tocco Doug Maxwell Jason Kondry
Huntington CC Tam O’Shanter Cold Spring
July 29th Josh Rackley
Jake Falk 63 Jim Weiss
Alex James 57
Jeff Falk Danny Monosson
Trent Rackley Lori Guttentag
The Augie A.M. 63 P.M. 62 A.M. 54 P.M. 56
Met PGA Pro-Am Glen Oaks North Hempstead Empire City Casino Cold Spring
Scott Ford Bobby Brown Peter Ballo Jim Weiss
at Sleepy Hollow David Weissman Gerry Elicks Steve White Allen Wolfbiss
Sept 9th Tony Fromer Kevin Dolph Peter Arrichiello Jeff Garyn
Jeff Capazzi Hunter Semels Victor Grazzi Brett Jacobson
Rich Radutzky Siya Madikane John Daut John Laruffa
Women’s Pro-Am at Wykagyl Patterson
The Patterson Club
Sept 16th
Patrick Schwarze
Laurie Adamo-Ricigliano 67 Chris Kenney
Renee Gacso 60
Patricia Memoli Vicki Yurkerwich
Kim Nicastri Bernadette Jackel
*Low Combined Gross and Net Team will be invited to ARE YOU, A FAMILY
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RESULTS
The Metropolitan PGA Assistant Tour is fortunate to visit clubs and courses in the Section to compete and
network throughout the season. We are grateful to the facilities that go out of their way to host these events.
Below are photos of our recent winners and links to leaderboards and post round interviews:
Justin Bardgett Charlie Maizel Cian Curley Peter Ballo
West Point Siwanoy CC The GC of Purchase Silvermine GC
@ Metropolis CC @ Saint Andrews @ Waccabuc CC @ VC of Sands Point
Head Pro: Craig Thomas Head Pro: Greg Bisconti Head Pro: Martin Granda Director of Golf: Karl Obermeyer
Super: David McCaffrey Super: Robert Milar Super: Patrick Hagan Super: Ethan Johnson
GM: Steven L. Bielsky GM: Karen Degnan GM: John Assumma GM: Dana Cancellaro
INTERVIEW INTERVIEW INTERVIEW INTERVIEW
LEADERBOARD LEADERBOARD LEADERBOARD LEADERBOARD
Charlie Maizel Philip Cardwell Matt Dubrowski Rob Corcoran
Siwanoy CC Rockville Links CC Westhampton CC Poxabogue GC
@ Redding CC @ Lawrence Y&CC @ Mill River Club @ Rockaway Hunting Club
Head Pro: Sam Olson Head Pro: Peter Procops Head Pro: Jason Caron Head Pro: Ryan George
Super: Brett Chapin Super: Adam Thomas Super: Steven Sweet Super: Nick Brodziak
GM: Carolyn Kepcher GM: Cory Menking GM: Az-dine Boucetta GM: Frank Argento
INTERVIEW INTERVIEW
LEADERBOARD LEADERBOARD LEADERBOARD LEADERBOARDANTHONY CASALINO WINS THE
MET PGA ASSISTANT CHAMPIONSHIP
The 2019 National Car Rental Met Assistant Accompanying Casalino and Ballo for the remaining
Championship was held at Bethpage Red in qualifying spots are: Casey Pyne of The Stanwich Club,
Farmingdale, New York. The 36-hole, stroke Frank Bensel of Century CC, Tim Puetz of Siwanoy CC,
play event advanced 12 Assistant Professionals Mike Midgette of Hempstead GC, Connor Costello of
and 5 alternates to the 43rd National Car Rental Piping Rock, Chris Trout of Winged Foot GC, Peter Ballo
PGA Assistant Professional Championship being of Silvermine GC, Caleb Wilson of Meadow Brook Club,
held November 14th-17th at the PGA Golf Club, Chris Gabriele of Sleepy Hollow CC and Corey Layton of
Wanamaker Course in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Atlantic.
The National Car Rental Assistant PGA The following five Met Assistant Professionals have earned
Professional Championship gathers 132 Assistant alternate positions (in order as listed): Jesse Fitzgerald of
Professionals representing the PGA of America’s Garden City GC, Kent St. Charles of Westchester Hills
41 nationwide Sections and features a total purse GC, Ethan Votraw of Westchester Hills GC, Mitch Gray of
of $150,000. Pelham CC and Nick DeFalco of The Creek Club.
Leading our 12 qualifiers to Port St. Lucie in Josh Rackley of Tam O’Shanter Club has earned an
November is the 2019 Met Assistant Champion, exemption into the 43rd PGA Assistant Professional
Anthony Casalino of Scarsdale GC. Casalino Championship by placing in third at last year’s National
recorded a 7-under par total to top the leaderboard competition and will join the 12 qualifiers at the Wanamaker
and claim victory with a clutch par putt on the Course in Port St. Lucie.
18th hole. Followed
closely by Casalino was
2019 New York State
Open Champion, Mike
Ballo of Winged Foot
GC. Ballo was just one
shot back of Casalino
at 6-under par.
www.met.pga.com || 3rd Quarter 2019 || 24CLICK ABOVE TO WATCH THE 2019 AUGIE MET PGA CHAMPIONSHIP RECAP VIDEO THE AUGIE MET PGA CHAMPIONSHIP PRO-AM It was a perfect day to play golf at Sleepy Hollow Country Club for the 2019 Augie Met PGA Championship Pro-Am. The day kicked off with a morning shotgun, followed by lunch with the great Rod Gilbert of the New York Rangers and our 2019 Honorees, Dr. Larry Rosenthal and Mike Diffley, PGA. We were privileged to be in the company of Dr. Larry at this year’s Pro- Am. His energy, generosity and dedication to growing the game of golf is unmatched. An avid golfer himself, he is responsible for many of the wonderful smiles of players on the PGA tour and is known by many of his friends as the “Dentist of the Stars”. Accompanying Dr. Larry as a 2019 Honoree is PGA Professional Mike Diffley of Pelham Country Club. We are lucky to have an individual like Mike DR. LARRY ROSENTHAL Diffley as part of the Met Section. He is a champion player, a decorated award winner, a board member, a nominating committee participant for countless years, and we are fortunate to have him as this years PGA Professional Honoree. As a section, we are overwhelmed by all the support and generosity that the Met Section Foundation received at this year’s Augie Met PGA Pro- Am. Thank you to our Met Section Professionals for participating and to all of those who came out to play and donate to this cause. As Augie Hoerrner so wisely states “There are many blessings in life, but none more gratifying than giving back to those in need”. 25 || 3rd Quarter 2019 || www.met.pga.com MIKE DIFFLEY, PGA
MARK BROWN WINS THE MET PGA
SENIOR PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
CLICK ABOVE TO WATCH AN INTERVIEW WITH MARK BROWN
The team of Head Professional Bob Miller, Superintendent Scott Olson and Club Manager Christopher
Thomas played host to the 2019 Met PGA Senior Championship at Knollwood Country Club on September
10th-11th. The 36-hole stroke play event also served as qualifying for 31st Senior PGA Professional
Championship to be held on October 3rd-6th at Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa in Austin, Texas.
Mark Brown of Tam O’Shanter Club shot an impressive 4-under par in his final round to clinch victory and win
his first Met PGA Senior Championship. Having already earned an exemption into the Senior Professional
Championship by making the cut in this years’ Senior PGA Championship, Brown will lead the six section
qualifiers to Austin. Frank Bensel of Century Country Club finished at 3-under par to earn the first qualifying
spot, followed closely by Tony DeMaria of Konnectgolf and Mike Meehan of Old Westbury Golf and Country
Club who both totaled 1-under for the tournament. Carl Alexander of The Golf Club of Purchase shot even
par, earning the fourth qualifying position, followed by Shaun Powers of Fairview Country Club whose eagle
on #17 helped propel him into the fifth qualifying position. David Young of Sleepy Hollow Country Club
earned the final national championship berth over first alternate Bobby Heins. The following four players
also earned alternate positions (in order as listed): Charlie Bolling of Bethpage State Park GC, Bill Van
Orman of Meadow Brook Club, Scott Ford of Glen Oaks Club and Nelson Long of Century CC.
The $20,000 professional purse is thanks to the sponsorship of Empire City Casino and Daniel Clark,
Director of Casino Marketing.
www.met.pga.com || 3rd Quarter 2019 || 26METROPOLITAN PGA
CHAMPIONSHIP
RECAP
PETE BALLO TAKES HOME HIS FIRST SECTION TITLE
2019 Met PGA Professional of the Year, David The weather was ideal for firm, fast conditions and
Young welcomed 132 of the top players in the the golf course set up put a premium on shot making
Metropolitan Section to Sleepy Hollow Country and putting. Patience would be more than a virtue as
Club and the playing of the 93rd Lincoln Met PGA there were only fourteen sub-par rounds throughout
Championship. Golf Course Superintendent the entire championship. Two of those were shot by
Tom Leahy and his team worked Silvermine’s Peter Ballo who grabbed the
tirelessly before and during the lead early shooting four under par 66 in
event to provide an incredible test of “For this to the first round. Ballo led Brandon Holden
championship golf, while General (Apawamis) by one, and Jason Caron (Mill
Manager Paul Brock and his staff
be my first River), Matt Sita (Old Westbury), and Ryan
went above and beyond to ensure big win in the Kalista (Tamarack) by two.
that everything ran smoothly for
both the championship and the section, there’s Shooting a second round of 70, Ballo found
preceding Pro Am. himself atop the leaderboard by four shots
not a word to heading into the final round. After a few
Due to some changes to our describe the early bogeys by Ballo and some birdies by
tournament schedule, this year’s Caron, the lead shrunk to two shots early
Lincoln Met PGA Championship feeling.” in the final round. Ballo shortly got back
marked the conclusion of our on track and cruised to a six-shot victory
OMEGA Player of the Year race.
-Pete Ballo over Meadow Brook Head Professional
Coming into the event, Fresh and two-time Met PGA Champion, Matt
Meadow Head Professional Danny Balin held a Dobyns who used a final round 66 to propel himself to
628-point lead over GlenArbor Director of Golf, a solo second place finish. Behind Dobyns was Adam
Rob Labritz and a slightly larger lead over Matt Rainaud of The Country Club of New Canaan and Tim
Dobyns of Meadow Brook, Jason Caron of Mill Puetz of Siwanoy Country Club both recording 3-over
River and Alex Beach of Westchester CC. To tie par total to tie for third.
Bruce Zabriski for a record fifth Player of the Year
Award, Balin would need a strong showing to Defending champion and 2019 PGA Championship
hold off these pursuers. participant Jason Caron of Mill River Club, 2018 Met
PGA Assistant Player of the Year, Josh Rackley of Tam
27 || 3rd Quarter 2019 || www.met.pga.comO’Shanter Club, and Kent St. Charles of Westchester Hills Golf
Club tied for fifth with a 4-over par total.
After the trophy presentation Ballo was asked about the golf
course saying, “It was awesome, this golf course was a true
testament to good golf. The greens were phenomenal, they were
fast, they were quick, the rough was long. I was lucky enough
to keep everything in play, I minimized mistakes, kept it in the
fairway and hit as many greens as I could.”
The win was extra special for Ballo, second-generation PGA
professional, son of PGA members Mike Sr. and Paige Ballo.
Mike Ballo Sr. was a champion player himself and is exceptionally
proud of his sons. Peter’s brother Mike Jr. won the New York State
Open earlier this summer. Despite some health problems earlier
this year, Mike Ballo Sr. was able to come watch his son hoist
the Joseph J. Lannin trophy as the Metropolitan PGA Section
Champion on his 78th birthday. Peter added, “Its special, with
everything going on with my family, through the ups and downs,
for my brother and I to win two of the biggest events that our
section hosts, it’s just special”.
www.met.pga.com || 3rd Quarter 2019 || 28FOUNDATION From the Foundation: The summer is an exciting busy time for all Foundation activities and with a blink of an eye – it is over. There were so many amazing accomplishments that we have witnessed over the last few months and we want to thank our Professionals for giving us the access to their courses which gives us the ability to impact the lives we are each and every day. We are truly making a difference. PGA HOPE With the continued success of our PGA HOPE chapters in the Hudson Valley, Long Island, and in the Bronx, we were excited to introduce a newly launched chapter for our veterans in Fairfield County, CT. In 2018, with the help of Met PGA Foundation Board Member, Ed Fitzmaurice, we held a fundraiser to help start a PGA HOPE program in Connecticut. The success of that fundraiser allowed us to expand our reach to Veterans in Connecticut. PGA Head Professional Ray Ford and the members of Rolling Hills Country Club jumped at the opportunity to host and welcomed a new Met PGA HOPE class with open arms. We are excited and so proud to have graduated 17 new veterans into the PGA HOPE Program. Thanks to Callaway and our generous donors, each graduate received a new set of golf clubs to further their journey in the game of golf. CONNECTICUT CHAPTER 29 || 3rd Quarter 2019 || www.met.pga.com
SPRING GRADUATION
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2019 MET PGA HOPE
SPRING GRADUATES! Our Spring HOPE Graduation on
July 9th was a huge success.
As always, we cannot thank the staff at Trump Ferry Point
enough for hosting our veterans, friends and families. The
hospitality is always outstanding, and we appreciate all you
do for our veterans.
Thank you to the The Marine Corps detachment in Newburgh,
NY for joining us to give the Color Guard Presentation.
Callaway Golf is a huge part in making our HOPE program
so special. Receiving a set of clubs at the end of this
program means the world to our veterans! Thank you for
your dedication to our section!METROPOLIS CC HOSTS DAY OF HOPE IN HONOR
OF HEAD PROFESSIONAL CRAIG THOMAS
Metropolis Country Club hosted a day of golf in Honor of Craig Thomas for a generous donation he
made to one of his members. Craig insisted this event would take place in collaboration with the Met
PGA HOPE Program to help raise money for rehabilitation for our local disabled US Veteran’s
through the game of golf. A big thank you to News 12 Westchester for coming out to cover
our Metropolis “Day of HOPE”. Click the link below to view a video recap
Host a Day of HOPE at YOUR Club
We now have over 700 graduates from our PGA HOPE Program and over the last two years we
have been expanding playing opportunities for our veterans beyond the Military Golf League to
include playing opportunities at area courses. A “Day of HOPE” is basically a member for the day
experience for our veterans and the groups can range from 16 players and up. The event can be as
simple as golf access, golf access and lunch, or can be expanded to be an outing with veterans and
members combined. If you are interested in hosting a Day of HOPE at your course, please reach
out to our office. Thank you to Pleasantville CC and Sharon McQuillan who hosted a day earlier
this summer and to Metropolis CC who took the Day of HOPE model to the next level to create an
amazing day for all involved.FALL CLASS DATES
The fall is not quiet! Currently there are three programs in session with 40 veterans in each class at Spook
Rock GC, Mosholu GC, and the Woodside Club. If you have not come out to join us for a day– please do
– we promise that you will be happy you did! Click below to volunteer
Bronx: Long Island: Hudson Valley:
Mosholu GC Woodside Club Spook Rock GC
Wednesdays: Wednesdays: Thursdays:
August 28, September 4, 11, August 28, September 4, 18, August 29, September 5, 12,
25, October 2 25, October 2 26, October 3
Rain Date: Rain Date: Rain Date:
September 18, October 9 October 9 September 19, October 10
Time: Time: Time:
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP
GRADUATION WILL BE HELD ON OCTOBER 17TH AT THE WOODSIDE CLUB
FOUNDATION SPOTLIGHT
Phil Eyre’s 100 Hole Challenge
In honor of his father, John Eyre, who passed away on May 31st this year, Hollow Brook
Golf Club’s Director of golf, Phillip Eyre played 100 holes at his course on Thursday,
July 25th. “My father was an avid golfer and was a huge supporter of Junior Golf, a legacy
which I have inherited. My goal is to raise money for the Hollow Brook Junior Program and the MET PGA Junior
Foundation.” Phil, we extend our condolences, and thank the Eyre family for your dedication to the game of
golf.
GC Purchase
Patrick Langan, Colin Corrigan, Lindsay Paulino, Cian Curley and
Michael Davis played from Sunrise to Sunset on August 13th in effort
to raise important funds for the Metropolitan PGA Foundation! Teams
consisted of 2 Purchase professionals playing Alternate Shot trying to
make as many birdies as possible. They played 207 Holes, making 40 Birdies!
Garden City GC
Garden City GC hosted their ninth “Battle of the Golf Shops” to raise money for the Met PGA
Foundation. Through getting involved in a number of different ways, including flat donations,
pledges correlating to the number of birdies, eagles, etc, or just by stopping by to offer kind words
and encouragement, they have raised well over $135,000 for the Foundation over the years!
www.met.pga.com || 3rd Quarter 2019 || 32This was our biggest season yet for PGA Junior League and we thank
all Professionals who hosted a team and their dedication to growing
the game.
The All-Star Qualifier and All-Star Final Four held over the last few
weekends there were 11 teams total who participated– congrats to
Suffolk County 4 – lead by Kelley Brooke and Megan Younkman who
represented the Met Section at the Regionals in NJ Seaview Golf Club
September 14th-15th. Kelley and Megan led their team to victory and
will be the first Met Section team to advance to the 2019 PGA Jr
League Championship presented by National Car Rental, which will
be held at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona, October 11-14.
Good luck to Bethpage!
PGA Junior League concluded its season with the Metropolitan
Section Championship held at Mosholu GC. Congratulations to the
PJ Rotella team and Mike Laudien for taking the trophy home! Click here to sign up
for Fall Rec League!
The Foundation conducted six Drive, Chip & Putt local qualifiers this summer and
witnessed some amazing young talent. Thank you to our host sites and Professionals
at the following places: Stanwich Club, Apawamis, Knollwood CC, Colonial Springs,
Harbor Links GC, and Sunken Meadow GC.
The top three finishers in each age division boys/girls from these qualifiers advanced
to the Sub-Regional competition which was held at Bethpage State Park. We wish
those that advanced much luck as they get set to compete at the Regionals in
Connecticut this September.JUNIOR TOUR
When you are running 10-15 junior events a week for 1,200 members, the summer goes by quickly! It was
another memorable season for junior golfers of the Metropolitan Section, and we would like to thank all the PGA
Professionals who hosted events this year to make it possible.
The Junior season will continue with three Future Series tournaments this fall so if you have any juniors who have
taken strides this year with their game and they are ready to compete in the areas strongest junior competitions
please have them reach out to us. We will officially close the season on Election Day with our Junior Awards
Ceremony where we will celebrate the accomplishments of our Junior Golfers from the 2019 season.
JUNIOR PGA CHAMPIONSHIP
The Girls and Boys Junior PGA Championship is a 36 hole event for 12-18 year olds. The overall champion and runner-up
for the boys and girls qualify for the PGA of America’s National Junior Championship.
GIRLS JUNIOR PGA
The Girls Met Junior PGA Championship was held at
Metropolis Country Club. A competitive field faced a
challenging course. Thank you to Head Professional
Craig Thomas, Superintendent David McCaffrey and
Manager Steven Bielsky for hosting this great event.
Our Metropolitan Girls PGA Champion, Kaitlyn Lee!
Lee shot an impressive 75-71-146 to seal the victory
by seven strokes over Katie Dzialga and Taylor Miano
who also both qualified for the National Championship.
BOYS JUNIOR PGA
Wind Watch Golf and Country Club hosted the 2019
Boys Junior PGA Championship. Thank you to Head
Professional William Carney and Superintendent Brett
Lynch for allowing our Met Section Juniors to play on a
great and challenging course.
Our Metropolitan Boys PGA Champion, Zachary Ong!
Ong recorded a 67-69-136 8-under par final score to
claim the title by two strokes over Max Van Son who also
qualified for the National Championship.
www.met.pga.com || 3rd Quarter 2019 || 34NEW YORK CITY CHAMPIONSHIP
The New York City Championship is a 36 hole event for 12-18 year old boys and girls at Pelham Bay GC in
the Bronx. Congratulations to our Girls NYC Champion, Katie Dzialga and our Boys NYC Champion, Douglas
Beney! Dzialga recorded a 67-70-137 for a 7-under par total to best her competition by 4 strokes and take
home the title. Beney was able to continue his impressive season by finishing the tournament 66-72-138
4-under par to claim victory.
9 HOLE DIVISION
The New York City Championship for those on the 9 Hole Tour was hosted by Mosholu GC. Thank you to
the staff and everyone at the club for hosting a great day! Below are the winners from all divisions.
AGES 7-11 CHAMPIONS AGES 12&OVER CHAMPIONS
GIRLS
HAILEY WONG SARAH BRANNIGAN
BOYS
HENRY GRAHAM TAISHU ARAKI
35 || 3rd Quarter 2019 || www.met.pga.comJR PGA CHAMPIONSHIP 9 HOLE
The Junior PGA Championship for those on the 9 Hole Tour was hosted by The Milbrook Club. Thank you to
Head Professional Andy Richardson and Superintendent Rich Duggan for allowing our Met Section Juniors
to play on a fun and championship worthy course. Below are the winners from all divisions.
AGES 7-11 CHAMPIONS AGES 12&OVER CHAMPIONS
GIRLS
ALEXA PHUNG LAETITIA CARTELLIERI
BOYS
BRODEN DOUGLAS ZARAR HAIDER
HENRY GRAHAM AJ DAHLK
JUNIOR CLASSIC
The Junior Classic is a Championship for 7-18 year old boys and girls at Smithtown Landing CC in Smithtown,
NY. Thank you to the team of Head Professional Michael Hebron and Superintendent Timothy Shelhorse for
being the longest tenured host of a junior championship.
Congratulations to our 36-Hole Girls Junior Classic Champion Paige Diecidue and our Boys Junior Classic
Champion Kyle Zere! Diecidue was dialed in throughout the weekend, shooting 9-over par 76-77-153 to win the
girls championship. Zere went 1-under par 71-72-143 for the tournament, just enough to edge his competition!COLLEGE GOLF COMBINE
Our 3rd Annual Met PGA College Combine took place in late July at
Eisenhower White GC. In attendance were over 10 coaches from throughout
the northeast checking out the best talent of the Met PGA Junior Tour. Winning
the competition for the Boys was Devon Kim shooting a 69-74-143 and for the
Girls Elizabeth Garfield shooting a 77-77-154.
TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP
The highly anticipated Tour Championship is an Invitational Championship comprised of juniors ages 12-18
who have finished in first place at any of our regular season events (Future Series Tournaments, Players Tour
events, or Championships) or are on the top of the points list for the Future Series.
This year’s Championship was held at Ardsley Country Club led by the team of Head Professional, Jim
Bender, Superintendent, Matthew Dutremble and Club Manager, Ben Ghesquiere.
Congratulations to our Boys Tour Champion, Douglas Beney and our Girls Tour Champion victor, Jacqueline
Lu! Beney led the field throughout the two day event, recording a two day total 69-72-141 to clinch the
title. Lu remained
on top through
both rounds,
recording a score
of 74-76-150 to
hoist the trophy.
37 || 3rd Quarter 2019 || www.met.pga.comMATCH PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP
Thank you to Head Professional Timothy Shifflett, Superintendent Craig Currier and Club Manager Jeffrey
Riegler for hosting this year’s Match Play Championship at Glen Oaks Club. Junior Tour Players qualified for
the Match Play by finishing in the top 16 for the boys and the top 8 for the girls at the Tour Championship.
Sam O’Hara was able to best Peicheng Chen in the final match 6&5 to claim victory at Glen Oaks for the
boys and Sofia Nogalo bested Lydia Welborn 4&3 to win the girls Title.
TOMMY KUHN CUP
At the conclusion of the season, the top Future Series point leaders from Long Island went head-to-head
again the top Westchester Player of the Year point leaders in a Ryder Cup style event. This sought after
event is named after the late Tommy Kuhn who was an integral part of the Metropolitan PGA Junior Tour for
over twenty-five years.
Thank you to Century Country Club and their team of Head Professional, Nelson Long, Superintendent
Kevin Seibel, and Club Manager Burt Ward for allowing our Westchester and Long Island Teams to compete
in fantastic conditions at a top notch course. Congratulations to Team Long Island on winning this year’s
Tommy Kuhn Cup in dominating fashion 18-12 for the first time in 5 years!2019 PARTNERS AND SPONSORS
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