FORECAST 2022 SECOND EDITION HIGHLIGHTS TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE KEEPING UP WITH THE PROS TOURNAMENT RECAPS FOUNDATION UPDATES JUNIOR TOUR RESULTS inaugural birdie bash sets expectationshighforthefuture!
veterans
• Held our first Birdie Bash event which raised over $250,000 for the Met PGA Foundation and local Children’s Hospitals
We have crowned Champions, recognized professionals that have made significant contributions to the game of golf and their fellow professionals, and have engaged with and personally impacted the golf experience of over hundreds of golfers in our section. It has been wonderful to hear from so many that their facilities remain active, and that golf is an important part of people’s lives. Golf is vibrant and we are at the forefront of maintaining that vibrancy.
• Conducted PGA Hope Programs which have positively impacted the lives of over 1000
Thank you to each Met PGA Professional for your contributions to the game of golf and commitment to growing the game. Please feel comfortable contacting me with any questions or ideas that you may have. Have an enjoyable fall season and I look forward to seeing you soon!
The Patterson Club | A Letter From the President
The following pages will provide more detail on all these wonderful programs. As we transition to fall, I hope that each of you will take advantage of opportunities not only to compete on your own, but also in Pro-Am and team events that are scheduled. The fall season is filled with great opportunities to engage and make memories with our members and students, as well as build camaraderie with your fellow Met PGA Professionals.
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• Over 2,000 junior golfers participated in PGA Jr. League
While much of the media is focused on reporting controversy in the golf world, I would like to take this moment to highlight some of the positive contributions that we have made in our community this summer:
Best ChristopherRegards,Kenney, PGA
What an exciting summer it has been for Met PGA Professionals, the Met PGA Team, and the greater Metropolitan Area golf community.
• Over 1,000 junior golfers participated in Drive, Chip and Putt
• Provided over 75 tournament opportunities for junior golfers in the Met Area
Chris Kenney, PGAChris Kenney, PGA
CONTENTS MESSAGE FROM THE KEEPINGPGA.COACHPRESIDENTUP WITH THE PROS PARTNERS AND SPONSORS UPCOMINGEXPO TOURNAMENT MIDSCHEDULESEASON TOURNAMENT ASSISTANTSRECAP CORNER 1 3 5-6 7-8 9-10 11-24 25-26 NEW YORK METS NIGHT PGA HOPE ALUMNIPGADRIVE,JUNIORMETGRADUATIONSPRINGPGABIRDIEBASHTOURUPDATESCHIP&PUTTANDJR.LEAGUERECAPSSPOTLIGHT 27 28 29-31 33-34 35 36 2nd Edition 2022 || www.met.pga.com || 2
PGA.COACH Met Section Education
-Beau Lardner, Associate PGA.CoachLoftLinksisthe
The number of messages I received through the PGA.Coach platform since then has skyrocketed. I feel that the PGA of America truly supports me and my fellow professionals by promoting such a well built system that allows us to find new clients, schedule them with ease, and grow our lesson books organically.”
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ultimate coaching resource that teaches PGA Professionals about ADM, and how to apply the concepts to coaching golf. ADM is essential for growing the sport and vital to you and your employer’s success. The PGA.Coach Certificate and PGA Coach app will allow PGA Professionals to evolve and adapt to the changes in the game and a new generation of players. Plus, PGA Members will be eligible to earn 3 MSR credits.
“The PGA.Coach platform has been transformative for my coaching career. Seeing an influx of students who were able to find me utilizing the search function has been a huge boost for my business. By far the most amazing part was when my PGA.Coach page was advertised on the leaderboard section of the PGA Championship app during the 2021 PGA Championship at Kiawah.
Lifelong Learning
“The playoff for the final advancing position to the 42nd U.S. Senior Open Championship from Sunning dale concluded on Tuesday morning, with Mike Meehan making a par 4 on the opening hole...
Individuals in the Section making an impact on local and national levels.
Jimmy Farrell, Rob Labritz and Del Ponchock, Compete in KitchenAid Senior PGA
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“The United States finalized its roster for the 30th PGA Cup, which will be conducted Sept. 12-18, at the Foxhills Club & Resort in Surrey, England... John DeverPGA of America
READ Metropolitan Golf AssociationMGA
“Monique Thoresz is having a similar impact on her women golfers in Rye, New York. The 2017 Metropolitan PGA Section Player Development Award recipient and PGA Director of Instruction at The Apawamis Club... John DeverPGA of America
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Mark Brown of Tam O’Shanter Golf Club, PGA TOUR Champions member and GlenArbor GC Director of Golf, Rob Labritz, and Jeff Warne of The Bridge traveled to Scotland to compete in the Senior Open Championship.
Jimmy Farrell of Hamlet Golf & Country Club, PGA TOUR Champions member and GlenArbor GC Director of Golf, Rob Labritz, and Del Ponchock of Hudson National Golf Club took on Harbor Shores Golf Club in Benton Harbor, Michigan to compete in the 2022 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship. RESULTS
KEEPING UP WITH
Alex Beach, Paul Dickinson, Dylan Newman, and Casey Pyne Compete in PGA Championship
Mark Brown, Rob Labritz and Jeff Warne Compete in Senior Open Championship
Monique Thoresz Featured in Golf Range Magazine
Charlie Bolling, Mike Meehan, Craig Thomas, and Bill Van Orman Play in US Senior Open
Brown finished in the top 20 going 3-under par for the tournament. RESULTS
Alex Beach and Frank Bensel Make PGA Cup Roster
THE PROS
“For us what’s really special is the Team of 20. It’s the 20 PGA Club Professionals that are representing the 28,000, but those individuals that have kept their games at an extremely high level... Amy RogersPGA of America
Wendy Modic and CJ Reeves to Play in U.S. Senior Women’s Open Championship “After some close calls in qualifying for the U.S. Senior Women’s Open Championship, Wendy Modic of Wilton, CT, punched her ticket to the 4th playing of the championship, Tuesday at Rye Golf Club... READ Metropolitan Golf AssociationMGA Peter Ballo Defends Title at Connecticut Open “HAMDEN, Conn. – Moments after signing for a second consecutive Connecticut Open title Wednesday, Peter Ballo departed the scoring tent behind New Haven Country Club’s 18th green... READ Bruce BerletNew England Golf Mario Guerra and Quaker Ridge Golf Club Featured in PGA Magazine “From its founding in 1916 and throughout the 20th century, Quaker Ridge Golf Club in Scarsdale, New York, has akways embraced tradition while establishing itself as a historic landmark...” READ Bruce BerletNew England 2nd Edition 2022 || www.met.pga.com || 6
PARTNER & SPONSOR EXPO Over 25 Met Section Partners & Sponsors were on site at VIP Country Club in New Rochelle, NY for the re-imagined Met PGA Partners & Sponsors Expo. The Expo was held over two days, accommodating for the busy schedules of our Section Professionals, and open to not just our professionals, but Club Managers, Golf Shop Managers, and anyone involved in the golf industry. Each attendee had the opportunity to see all their favorite companies, all in one place with the chance to get ahead on their orders for 2023. Our Partners & Sponsors had the ability to showcase the latest and greatest in apparel, technology, and equipment for the upcoming season. Thank you to everyone who supported this event and we look forward to its future growth! 2nd Edition 2022 || www.met.pga.com || 7
2022 MET PGA PARTNERS & SPONSORS GOLFCORPORATETECHNOLOGYHARDESSENTIALSAWARDSGOODSSOFTGOODSSPONSORSCARTSTRAVEL
UPCOMING Tournament ScheduleUPCOMING Tournament SENIORGreenwichCHAMPIONSHIPCC REGISTER SEPT 13 - SEPT 14 PRO LADYGreenwichCHAMPIONSHIPCC REGISTER SEPT 19 LINCOLN MET PGA CHAMPIONSHIP THE BRIDGE SEPT 20 - 22 REGISTER NATIONAL CAR RENTAL MET ASSISTANTS CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT PAGE SEPT 6 - 7 BETHPAGE RED “THE AUGIE” MET PGA CHAMPIONSHIP PRO AM EVENT PAGE SEPT 12 THE BRIDGE 2nd Edition 2022 || www.met.pga.com || 9
Schedule LENOX/NFP NYSO PRO AM SEPT 29 BETHPAGE BLACK THE MITCH INNIS ARDEN GC REGISTER SEPT 27 TEAM GARDINERSCHAMPIONSHIPBAYCC&NOYACGC REGISTER OCT 3 - 4 WHITEY VOIGHT PRO AM SUNNINGDALE CC REGISTER OCT 6 HOFFHINEWESTCHESTERMEMORIALCC REGISTER OCT 11 SQUIRE FARLEYOCTCENTURYCUPCC13CUPDEEPDALEGCOCT27ASSISTANTS TEAm WESTCHESTERCHAMPIONSHIPCCOCT24 REGISTER Schedule EVENT PAGE EVENT PAGE EVENT PAGE
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“I played some of my best golf in a long time the whole week. Every day got harder, that’s the beauty of the Met Section and its professionals, so I needed my best all week…to come out on top was important to me today and was a career thing for me mentally having come in 2nd in this event in 2018…this one feels really good” Paul Selvaggio, Westchester CC
WESTCHESTER CHAMPIONSHIPPGAPaulSelvaggioWinsthe2022WestchesterPGAChampionship
The Summit Club staff including Director of Golf, Drew Clayton, General Manager, Mike Severn, and Golf Course Superintendent, Chris Alonzi, welcomed an electric field with several past victors, but it was Paul Selvaggio of Westchester CC who found success.
Selvaggio had a challenging route to victory, first taking on esteemed Winged Foot Head Professional, Mike Gilmore, then going head-to-head with defending champion, Peter Ballo of Connecticut Golf Club. Selvaggio’s feat was not over, meeting 2020 Met PGA Senior Champion, Frank Bensel of Century CC in the quarterfinals.
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Selvaggio got off to a hot start in the final match against Senior PGA Championship qualifier, Del Ponchock of Hudson National GC. With three birdies in a row on the first three holes, there was no sign of letting up. Selvaggio would defeat Ponchock 2&1 to finish out the tournament. This is Selvaggio’s first major championship win in the Met Section.
Paul Selvaggio of Westchester Country Club claims his first major Met Section victory at The Summit Club at Armonk. The Summit Club at Armonk played host to the 2022 Westchester PGA Championship. The 64 player Match Play event brought the best Westchester Professionals together to compete in individual 18-hole matches over the course of four days. We are excited to have Kirk & Matz as the presenting sponsor for not only this Match Play event, but all our match play format events moving forward this year.
LONG ISLAND
Matt Dubrowski of Atlantic Golf Club finds success at the 2022 Long Island PGA Championship at Mill River Club
The Long Island PGA Championship proved to be an exciting start to our championship season. The 64 player Match Play event brought the best of Long Island to Mill River Club to compete in individual 18-hole matches over the course of four days. The team at Mill River Club including Head Golf Professional, Jason Caron and his staff, General Manager, Don Mollitor, and Golf Course Superintendent, Steven Sweet, welcomed a stacked field that would soon be challenged and bested by Atlantic Golf Club Assistant Professional, Matt DubrowskiDubrowski.faced Westhampton CC Assistant Professional, Kirk Satterfield, in the opening round, taking that victory 2&1 to move on and face well renowned Met Section Professional, Reid Howey of Piping Rock Club. Dubrowski found success against Howey in the round of 16, clinching the match 4&2. The momentum of that match propelled him into the semifinal match defeating Garden City GC Assistant Professional, Connor Costello. Dubrowski would soon meet Rockville Links Assistant Professional, Phil Cardwell, in the final match. Both Dubrowski and Cardwell shared the lead numerous times throughout the match. Dubrowski managed a clutch par on the 11th hole to bring the match back to all square. There was no looking back from there for Dubrowski, finishing the remaining holes even par and taking the victory 1-up over Cardwell.
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“In 2019 I won an Assistants Tour event here (Mill River Club) which was my only other win the section. There were definitely good vibes here. I came in knowing that I played well in a few of the Assistants events…I came in knowing I like the golf course and ended up being the last one.”
CHAMPIONSHIPPGAMattDubrowskiClaimsVictoryatLongIslandPGAChampionship
Matt Dubrowski
SENIOR JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP PROProJUNIORPresident OVERALL CHAMPIONS Danny Balin and Howard Hershenhorn Fresh Meadow CC OVERALL CHAMPIONS Anthony Aruta and Frank Bensel North Shore CC and Century CC OVERALL CHAMPIONS Team Quaker Ridge GC Head Professional, Mario Guerra, Ethan Kozower, Jack Cohen and Jack Spitalny RESULTSRESULTSRESULTS
COUNTRYGREENWICHCLUB
Tough conditions on day one of the championship saw only two players under par: eventual defending champion Danny Balin, and Jimmy Farrell of Hamlet Golf and Country Club. Farrell, having just competed in the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship a few days prior in Michigan, went bogey free on the back 9 to finish 2-under on the day, tying him for the lead with Balin.
Host of the POLO Head Professional Championship and Met PGA Women’s Championship Back-to-Back for Balin
Danny Balin of Fresh Meadow Country Club wins the 2022 POLO Head Professional Championship for the second year in a row at Greenwich Country Club. Danny Balin of Fresh Meadow Country Club showcased a strong finish as he went on to defend the POLO Head Professional Championship title at Greenwich Country Club. Mike Meehan of Old Westbury Golf and Country Club topped the senior division in a 3-hole playoff.
Head Professional, Andrew Gruss and his staff, golf course Superintendent, Fred Doheny, and General Manager, Keith Armstrong welcomed a field of 85 Head Professionals to Greenwich Country Club to compete in a 36-hole stroke play event. POLO Ralph Lauren’s support and presence on site once again elevated the championship to the next level.
“We are so fortunate for Ralph Lauren’s continued support of our Head Professional Championship that has become synonymous with the Polo and RLX brands. This year’s event was also a perfect opportunity to welcome new company representative Nick Mannella to the Met Section.” – Jeff Voorheis, Met PGA Executive Director The head professional championship was also supported by Club Car, Kirk & Matz, and XXIO.
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In the senior division, 36-holes was not enough to name a champion. Carl Alexander of Golf Club of Purchase and Mike Meehan of Old Westbury Golf and Country Club met in a playoff to determine the victor. On the third playoff hole, Meehan managed a clutch par to become the senior division champion.
On day two Balin remained steady, opening the round with six consecutive pars. The putter started heating up for Balin as he managed two consecutive birdies on holes 7 and 8, finishing 2-under par on the front 9. His consistent play remained his strength as he managed to break away from the rest of the field. A 3-under round 68 was more than enough to secure his victory, retaining possession of the William A. Mitchell trophy. “I played real solid…I didn’t try to do to much, hit it on the green and relied on my short game. The golf course was in awesome shape, it was really difficult, the rough was really long, so for it being my first time playing here I am really happy and excited to get this win. It’s a great way to start the season. I had to take some time off unfortunately, so to get back at it gives me confidence going into the next few events.” Danny Balin, Fresh Meadow CC
MIKE MEEHAN
DANNY BALIN FRESH MEADOW CC
C.J. Reeves of Century Country Club wins the 2022 Met PGA Women’s Championship overall and senior division. C.J. Reeves of Century Country Club topped the leaderboard over six other competitors by compiling a 36-hole total of 8-over par 71 at Greenwich Country Club, winning both the overall and senior division.
On day one, Reeves led the field by shooting three-over par, highlighted by a birdie on the par-5 14th hole. After completion of the first round, she held a narrow lead of just one stroke over defending champion, Liz Caron of Mill River Club. Reeves pulled away from the competition in the second round as she tallied 11 pars along with a birdie on the 6th hole that ultimately led to her adding a pair of trophies to her collection.
“The course was challenging the last two days… very heavy rough, a benefit if you hit it straight and I did hit it pretty straight the last two days…The course was in amazing shape. Fred and his staff did an amazing job and I can’t thank them enough for hosting us” C.J. Reeves, Century Country Club
CJ REEVES CENTURY CC
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Greenwich Country Club Head Professional, Andrew Gruss and his staff, along with golf course Superintendent, Fred Doheny, and General Manager, Keith Armstrong welcomed the Women’s Championship field with open arms for what came to be an exciting two-day championship.
C.J. Reeves Wins First Career Met PGA Women’s Championship
www.met.pga.com || 2nd Quarter 2020 || 16 “POLO Ralph Lauren’s support and presence on site once again elevated the Championship to the next level.”
Chris Trout of Winged Foot Golf Club defeated Tom Cooper of The Creek Club in a playoff to claim victory at the 2022 Met Professional Championship. Trout and Cooper earned themselves spots into the 2023 PGA Professional Championship in New Mexico.
The 54-hole championship featured 153 Met Section professionals hosted by Bethpage State Park - Red Course and Huntington Crescent Club. The top 60 after 36-holes advanced to the final round at Huntington Crescent Club to determine this year’s Met Professional Champion along with 11 qualifiers for the 2023 PGA Professional Championship in Santa Ana Pueblo, N.M. www.met.pga.com
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CHRIS TROUT WINS MET PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
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Trout began his journey to victory at Bethpage Red by putting together a stellar score of 2-under par 68 totaling four birdies, including a pair on the back nine. He displayed consistency on the second day as he carded the exact same total of 2-under par 68, this time at Huntington Crescent Club. The final round saw several lead changes throughout the day. Trailing by one stroke on the 18th hole, Trout sunk a clutch birdie putt to send the championship to a playoff with Tom Cooper of The Creek Club. It only took one extra hole to ultimately determine a champion. Trout hit a steady approach shot on the green of the 18th hole, two-putted his way to a par, and clinched his first major victory in the Met Section.
TOM COOPER THE CREEK CLUB
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Trout will be accompanied by the following Met Section Professionals at the 2023 PGA Professional Championship: Tom Cooper (The Creek Club), Chris Gabriele (Sleepy Hollow Country Club), Connor Costello (Garden City Golf Club), Greg Bisconti (The Saint Andrew’s Golf Club), Charlie Maizel (Siwanoy Country Club), Cian Curley (Noyac Golf Club), Mike Sweeney (The Bridge Golf Learning Center), Matt Sita (Old Westbury Golf and Country Club) and Chris Marinaro (Trump National Golf Club – Westchester), Danny Balin (Fresh Meadow CC).
Met Section golfers who earned an exemption into the 2023 PGA Professional Championship include: Alex Beach (Westchester Country Club), Paul Dickinson (Atlantic Golf Club), Matt Dobyns (Meadow Brook Club), Darrell Kestner (Deepdale Golf Club), Dylan Newman (Brae Burn Country Club) and Casey Pyne (The Stanwich Club).
Earns
Farmingdale, N.Y. — The 45th annual Lenox Advisors/NFP New York State Open Championship sponsored by Lenox Advisors and National Financial Partners was held at the world-renowned, Bethpage State ParkBlack Course from July 12-14. The tournament boasted 144 of the finest professional and amateur golfers in New York State.
On the second day of competition, Miller sank consecutive birdies on holes six and seven en route to shooting an even-par 71 and brought his tworound total to 5-under par 137. Justin Lane of Woodstock Golf Club tied Miller for the lead by shooting a 3-under par 68 that featured seven birdies, Mike Miller Second NYSO
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registeringthetheMilleropeningconditionswindyontheday,Mikecompiledbestroundoftournamentbyeight birdies, including six on the first seven holes, to propel him to the top of the leaderboard with a score of 5-under par 66 giving him a three-stroke lead.
Despite
Mike Miller takes in the win with Father and PGA Professional, Bob Miller Met Section Executive Director, Jeff Voorheis, presents trophies to Jonathan Farber and Mike Miller
YORK STATE OPEN
Jonathan Farber earned low amateur honors at his home course by shooting a 1-under par 70 including four birdies in the second round before tournamentwrappingultimatelyupthewith a three-day score of 5-over par 218.
highlighted by four on the back nine. On the final day of play, the field was reduced to the top 60 and ties who competed for the Mark Grossinger Etess Trophy. Miller sank birdies on the seventh hole, a lengthy 553-yard par 5, and on the ninth hole, a 460-yard par 4. Miller’s consistency helped him secure a final-round score of 1-under par 70 and a three-day total of 6-under par 207 to claim a convincing seven-stroke victory capturing his second-career Lenox Advisors/NFP New York State Open Championship.
Jean Bartholomew of Engineers Country Club put together a total of 13-over par 155 to clinch a threestroke victory in the Women’s Senior Overall Division. Amy Bender of Ardsley Country Club earned Senior Amateur honors with a two-day score of 36-over par 178.
CC AMY BENDER ARDSLEY CC
LINCOLN WOMEN’S MET OPEN CHAMPionship
JEAN BARTHOLOMEW ENGINEERS
Maryanne Grace of Winged Foot Golf Club topped the leaderboard of the 2022 Lincoln Women’s Met Open Championship by compiling a two-round total of 3-over par 145 at Country Club of Darien in Darien, CT. Grace finished atop the leaderboard in final round play by registering back-to-back birdies on holes 12 and 13 before adding one more on the 15th hole en route to a second-round score of 2-over par 73 to secure the trophy along with a first-place finish in the Low Amateur Division.
FRANK
- Phil Cardwell, Rockville Links Club
Cardwell’s road to victory was not an easy feat: first facing Scott Ford of Glen Oaks Club in the Quarterfinals, and then besting three-time Champion, Craig Thomas, in the Semifinals to make it to Thursday’s final round. If those matches weren’t enough of a test already, meeting Frank Bensel in the finals would prove to be a steep climb.
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Bensel attempted to make a comeback as he compiled two straight pars on holes 11 and 12 to slash Cardwell’s lead to 1 up. On the 17th hole, a 405-yard par 4, Cardwell sank a par to secure his first Senior Match Play Championship victory. BENSEL CENTURY CC
SENIOR MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP
“It’s an unbelievable feeling. You don’t sleep well when you know you are going up against Frank Bensel. He is one of the most decorated players in the Met Section so I know how good he is and its just a great win”
In the final match, Cardwell capitalized on Bensel’s backto-back bogeys to begin play, eventually extending his advantage to 3 up, his largest lead of the day, by hitting a second consecutive birdie on the fourth hole.
Met Section Senior Professionals qualified for 31 spots in the Senior Match Play Championship presented by Kirk & Matz at Pelham CC, with defending Champion, Scott Ford, earning an exemption. The round of 32 and round of 16 highlighted the incredible play of some of the best Senior Professionals in the Met Area including Craig Thomas of Metropolis CC, Carl Alexander of Golf Club of Purchase, Frank Bensel of Century CC, Jimmy Farrell of The Hamlet Golf and Country Club, and Charlie Bolling of Glen Cove Golf Club who all went on to compete in quarterfinal play. In the end, it was Phil Cardwell of Rockville Links Club who would top the leaderboard.
Assistants quickcornerLinks Squire Cup William A. Mitchell PAT Schedule get involved 2022 Schedule workday account path to become a pga professional Upcoming events ASSISTANTS SUMMER MAJOR NATIONAL CAR RENTAL MET ASSISTANTS CHAMPIONSHIP GENE BOREK SQUIRE CUP Woodway Country Club | August 29th Bethpage Red | September 6th - 7th Century Country Club | October 13th 2nd Edition 2022 || www.met.pga.com || 25
‘22RESULts May 16th | Saint Andrew’s GC May 31st | Village Club of Sands Point July 25th | The Vineyards GC June 13th | North Shore CC Tanner Megal The Apwamis Club Score: Winner:68 LEADERBOARDPhilCardwell Rockaway Hunting Club Score:Winner:67 Mark Brown Tam O’Shanter GC Score: Winner:69 Steve Keogh Five Iron Golf Score: Winner:71 August 8th | Spook Rock GC Casey Pyne The Stanwich Club Score:Winner:68 SeasonMid August 15th | Tamarack CC Dylan Newman Brae Burn CC Score: Winner:67 LEADERBOARDLEADERBOARDLEADERBOARDLEADERBOARDLEADERBOARD
Come join us for Met PGA Foundation Night at Citi Field on Friday, September 16th when the New York Mets take on the Pittsburgh Pirates!
New York Mets Night with Jeff McNeil
FOUNDATION
COME JOIN IN THE CELEBRATION! CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS! 2nd Edition 2022 || www.met.pga.com || 27
We are thrilled to announce that the New York Mets All-Star second baseman, Jeff McNeil, has joined the Board of the Metropolitan PGA Section Foundation and will be making two special donation presentations from the Birdie Bash prior to the game with our PGA Professionals to the Cohen Children’s Hospital on Long Island and to Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital in Westchester. An outstanding golfer in his own right, McNeil will help the Foundation in its mission to serve the Metropolitan New York golf community to provide services and programs to children and veterans throughout the region. McNeil’s love of the game and his passion for helping kids and veterans makes his decision to join the Foundation Board an obvious extension of his commitment to the New York Mets community.
PGA HOPE Spring Graduation
88 new veterans were welcomed into the Met PGA HOPE family as we celebrated our 1,000th veteran served on Met PGA HOPE Graduation Day. The day was hosted by General Manager, Brian Crowell and his incredible staff at Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point. Each veteran once again received a brand-new set of Callaway golf clubs to continue learning, honing in on their skills, and continue to enjoy the camaraderie with their fellow graduates and past graduates for years to come. We look forward to building on this extraordinary milestone when classes begin again in the fall.
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PGA
PGA Tour Champions competitor and GlenArbor Golf Club Director of Golf, Rob Labritz, helped support the
Met Birdie Bash
On August 1st, the Met PGA held its inaugural Met PGA Birdie Bash where Metropolitan Section PGA Professionals played 72 holes of golf in one day at Silvermine GC with the goal of making as many birdies as possible. Through each professional’s network, solicited donors made a financial pledge per birdie to help raise funds to benefit the Metropolitan Section PGA Foundation, and Play Yellow for Children’s Hospitals. This year’s Children Hospital beneficiaries were Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital in Westchester, and Cohen Children’s Medical Center on Long Island. 23 teams came out to show their support on a day encompassed by fun, generosity, and giving back.
Success! 72 Holes of Fun, 72 Holes to Make a Difference in Our Community 2nd Edition 2022 || www.met.pga.com || 29
cause from the Shaw Charity Classic in Canada. Thanks to the incredible effort of our professionals, over 1,000 birdies were tallied and over $250,000 were raised, surpassing our set goal for year one. We were excited to have Dannah and Derek, two Miracle Children from Cohen Children’s Hospital and Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, on site joining in on the excitement. Both Dannah and Derek had the opportunity to interact with our professionals on and off the course throughout the day, helping to make birdies, taking pictures, and learning more about the game of golf. They were also given their own Ahead USA hat signed by our Met Section professionals. This day would not have been made possible without the support of Silvermine Golf Club Head Professional, Stuart Waack, and golf course Superintendent, David Peterson, who welcomed our teams and spectators with open arms, as well as our partners and sponsors who supported our efforts throughout the day: Turtleson provided our participating professionals with apparel comfortable enough to play 72 Holes in! Ahead USA supplied Play Yellow inspired hats, each embroidered with the names of our participating professionals. Fireside Outdoor’s Vibe Tumblers allowed our players to enjoy listening to their music of choice during the duration of the marathon. Therabody was present on site showcasing their latest products to aide in player rehabilitation. We also had Remedy + who served as our comfort stationSilvermine GC Head Professional Stuart Waack accepts signed flag with Superintendent, David PetersonMiracle Child, Derek smiles with signed hat from PGAProfessionals Miracle Child, Dannah shows off her artwork gifted to the Met PGA
in
SUPPORTING
The day concluded with food and beverages provided by Big Green Truck and Super Duper Weenie Food Truck, who helped fuel professionals with the best in who made event a success its first year can’t wait
sponsor where professionals could pick up snacks and beverages on the course.
our
wood fired pizzas, hotdogs, burgers and fries! Thank you to all
this
and we
such
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Jack
Metropolitan Junior PGA Championship
Mid Season Tournament Review!
Updates
Jonathan Oakes - Ardsley CC Emma Lee - Westchester CC Boys Champion Girls Champion York City Championship
Pelham Bay GC - July 11th - 12th Breutsch - Rock Hill G&CC Francesca Choquette - Liberty National GC Boys Champion Girls Champion
New
Hampshire Country Club - June 27th - June 28th
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.
9 - Hole New York City Championship Mosholu Golf Club - July 12th Conor Carty - Lake Isle CC Keira Daly (10 - 13) Anika Jha (14 - 18) Boys Champion Girls Champions Michael Hebron Junior Classic Smithtown Landing GC - August 1 - 2nd James Fabrikant - Village Club of Sands Point Madison Chen - Harbor Links GC Boys Champion Girls Champion Summer Future Series Event Bethpage State Park GC (Green Course) - July 19th - 20th Joseph Dolezal - Piping Rock Club Renna Chang - Harbor Links GC Boys Champion Girls Champion 2nd Edition 2022 || www.met.pga.com || 34
Our 6 Local and Sub-Regional Qualifiers have been completed for the 2023 Drive, Chip and Putt Championship! Congratulations to all paticipants moving on to the Regional Championship at TPC Boston on September 17th. ALL-STAR CHAMPIONSHIP UPSTATE 1 Coach : Mike Laudien - PJ Rotella Memorial GC City Parks Coach : Chris Brady 13U 17U CLICK HERE TO VIEW RESULTS CLICK HERE FOR ALL DCP PHOTO ALBUMS PJ Rotella Memorial GC Coach : Mike Laudien James Nemeth Centennial GC on championship!during#5the MET SECTION CHAMPIONSHIPHole-In-One!
Assistant Professional | Long Island National Golf Club
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Growing up in the Met Section I was given many great opportunities to learn and grow through the game of golf. When I was a kid, my father cut down an old Spaulding 5 wood with a persimmon head and let me run with it. At the age of 6 my father took me over to Colonial Springs GC for my first lesson with Mike Wade, PGA. I always loved the challenges that are inherent in this game and from there started to get more involved with the section
After graduating high school, I then went on to the PGM program at SUNY Delhi to pursue my career
Learn to love the putter. Short game as a whole should be the starting area for all beginners learning to play this game. There have been times in my playing career that I found struggles with the putter and turned to Jamie Kilmer, PGA at Wheatley Hills. While working as an assistant there, Jamie was always willing to help me with my short game. I use a lot of what I learned from him in many of my teachings now. Lastly, all juniors should take advantage of all of the section offerings. Our section office staff is always working hard on making sure there are no shortages of opportunities for all children and at any level to get involved. Go play, learn, and most importantly have fun exploring this game.
James Darcy
Advice to Juniors
Whenofferings.Iwas 14, I was spending a lot of time at Bethpage State Park and was able to obtain my first job in the business in outside operations and as a caddie. I was given the opportunity to practice and play as much as I could and could see that my game was starting to grow to a more competitive level. I spent the next four years playing on my High School team at Farmingdale on Long Island and playing locally on the Junior Tour. Through competitive golf I found myself thinking that this is what I wanted to be around for the rest of my life.
Whilepath. attending SUNY Delhi we were given the opportunity to find summer internships to better place us upon graduation. Two of my internships were at The First Tee of Nassau County at Eisenhower Park, where I was working for Mike Wade, PGA and Justin Koff, PGA. As another pillar of the Met Foundation, I found that my career was now able to make a difference and give back to the children in our section that helped me grow into the professional that I am today. I am now an Assistant at Long Island National Golf Club but am more involved than I have ever been with the Met PGA Foundation and have truly enjoyed being able to help grow the game and give back to my roots.
2nd Edition 2022 || www.met.pga.com || 36
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