Met PGA FORECAST - 2023 First Edition

FORE CAST back to business

Throughout my career, I have had people talk to me about how much they admire the passion PGA Professionals have for their profession and the sincere camaraderie that we have with one another. They go on to discuss how we give back to a game that we love, the support that we show for each other in our growth, but most importantly, in times of challenge. This is our commitment to not only making the game of golf better, but mentoring those coming behind us to be the best. These conversations always make me proud and remind me to embrace the opportunities that the Met PGA and PGA of America provide me.

Over the course of the past six months, your Board of Directors and the Met PGA Team were all hard at work with you, the Met PGA Member, at the center of their focus. They have worked diligently to provide you with opportunities to grow as a Professional, compete in tournaments, and grow the game.

I hope that you were able to take advantage of the robust education series this past winter and that your schedule this season will allow you to; participate in additional education, compete in a tournaments, play in a Pro-Am, volunteer for a foundation activity, or conduct a program at your facility. As the season kicks off, programs like PGA Jr League, Met PGA Junior Tour, Drive, Chip and Putt, and Met PGA HOPE have begun, and I hope that you are able to participate. All these programs are key initiatives for our Met PGA Foundation and help grow the enjoyment of the game both at your facility as well as in the greater golf community. Involvement in Section activities such as these will provide you with growth and enjoyment. Often you will get more out of them than you thought you would.

Last month, we held our Spring Meeting, Educational Summit, and Pro Assistant Championships. The Pro Assistant is always a great way to start the season and provides an opportunity to combine competition with a few laughs. The Spring Meeting provided everyone an opportunity to share their opinions and ideas on topics such as employment, tournaments and education. The information shared will be extremely useful to the BOD as we plan for the future. The Education Summit showcased Bernie Najar and James Sieckman as presenters and provided breakout sessions where live lessons were given, and attendees had an opportunity to interact with the presenters in real time. Three great events that started the season and brought Met Section Professionals together and made them better.

May begins Championship Season for the Met PGA as well as the PGA of America. We look forward to great competition and crowning new Champions this season as well as watching the “Team of 20” at the PGA Championship being held at Oak Hill CC. We especially send our support to Met PGA member Alex Beach for a great week at Oak Hill! With a buildup in activities at our facilities, this is a great time to grow existing relationships as well as develop new ones. What better way to do that than to play a round of golf with your members/students or to take a sincere interest in their enjoyment of the game.

As the season ramps up, I know that we will all have busy schedules. Please remember to take time for yourself as your schedule becomes busier and be sure to allow for time with your family and friends. I wish everyone an enjoyable and successful start to the season and as always welcome your comments, observations, and suggestions.

Best Regards, Chris

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Committees

Getting involved in a committee is an excellent way to learn more about the Section’s governance and discover ways to enrich the lives of your fellow PGA Professionals.

If you are interested in joining a committee or finding out more information, please contact the appropriate committee chairperson by clicking below:

Committee Contact Information

CHRIS KENNEY President pattERSoN

aNDREW GRUSS greenwich

StUaRt WaaCK Treasurer SIlvERmINE

JamES oNDo apawamis

RICH JoNES Secretary pINE RIDGE

tHERoN HaRvEY hudson national

CHRIS maRINaRo westchester hills

SHaUN poWERS fairview

NICK YaUN century

JoHN HoBBINS greenside golf academy

JIm mCCaNN spooK rocK

mICHaEl SWEENEY the Bridge golf foundation

NICK maSEllI 1st Vice President olD oaKS

CoRY mUllER 2nd Vice President CC oF DaRIEN

CaRl alEXaNDER honorary president gc of purchase

PGA MEMBER HUB

Deferred Compensation

For many years the PGA of America has searched for a way to develop some kind of retirement plan for members. As we all know, there are tax rules that prevent the Association from directly giving money to members. But the basic principle is that we can reasonably compensate a member for performing services that advance our exempt purpose; specifically for growing the game of golf. Therefore we created a plan whereby members that participate in programs that meet specified performance objectives can earn a contribution towards a deferred compensation fund.

The aim is that over the years these investments will grow and provide a supplemental income for the member upon reaching the age of 65. Because of the power of compounding over time, clearly younger members will benefit most from the program, but everyone can participate.

In addition to all our programs and other benefits this is now a very real and accessible vehicle to accumulate wealth towards a more comfortable retirement. We further hope that this can serve as a truly significant lure and recruiting tool to attract new talent to our great and growing industry.

Benefits include:

• Tax-deferred growth

• Ability to choose your investment allocation from a wide variety of funds

• Supplement your future retirement income

• Contributions come directly from the PGA

PGA.Coach is the 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.

2023 PARTNERS & SPONSORS

The Metropolitan PGA Sponsorship program offers companies a variety of levels to gain exposure to those who play, teach, and sell the game in the Metropolitan Section. Our sponsorships provide us with the ability to conduct the strongest tournaments and programs in the country for PGA Professionals. Our Sponsors are our true allies in making our game and our association better and we strongly emphasize the value of thinking ‘Sponsor First’ when making business decisions.

SPONSORS

adidas Golf

BlueGolf

Bushnell

Callaway Golf

Cobra Puma Golf

PRESENTING PARTNER

Dormie Golf Workshop

Fairway Golf Car

Golf Pro Delivered

Holderness & Bourne

Paul McManus

Prize Possessions

Protag

StrackaLine

PARTNERS PROGRAM

Ahead

American Brick Bourbon

Associate’s Golf Car

BirdieBox

Cleveland/Srixon

Clippd

ClubUP

Donald Ross

Earth Networks

EZ UP

Equilibrium Brewery

FootJoy

Galvin Green

Golfforever

GolfMax

Heritage Creations

Imperial Hats

Jack Jolly & Son

JBA Awards

Maui Jim

Middleton Golf Group

Mizuno

Next Round

OnForm

PING

PXG

Radmor

Signature Golf

Signs by the Sea

Skins App, The

Summit Golf Brands

Tagmarshal

TopTracer

Travelling the Fairways

STITCH

Therabody

Titleist

Tom Viola

Turtleson

UpperHandGolf

Uswing

Vibe Tumblers

Introducing Metropolitan PGA Pale Ale

We are excited to announce a groundbreaking new partnership with Equilibrium Brewery. Together, we are launching a co-branded Equilibrium/Metropolitan PGA Pale Ale starting May 9th. Through this new partnership, PGA Professionals, their clubs, and members will be able to purchase this iconic beer either through a local distributor or a personal sale can be made online at www.eqbrew.com!

For every purchase made, Equilibrium Brewery will donate a portion of the proceeds, supporting the Metropolitan Section Professional’s mission to grow the game of golf.

This partnership provides an exclusive opportunity to celebrate the PGA brand and bring attention to our Professionals who are the true ambassadors of the game. We hope you are as excited as us about this new opportunity, and we ask you to be our champion in making this new collaboration successful. This week’s Club Association mailing will include information on this new initiative and will be sent to you, your manager, and your club President. We appreciate your support and look forward to sharing a Metropolitan PGA Pale Ale together at an upcoming event!

NEW SEASON. NEW LOOK.

We are excited to announce the launch of the newly redesigned Met PGA website

BEFORE AFTER

Newly Appointed PROFESSIONALS

We would like to announce and congratulate the following Met PGA members who have received new Head Professional and Director of Golf positions in our section:

Drew Billard

Keith Clawson

Cian Curley

James Darcy

Ron Gerhold Jr.

Brian Giordano

Dan Hemme

Uri Jimenez

Patrick Langan

Chris Marinaro

Jeffrey Massa

Pitch Riley

Tom Sialiano

AJ Sikula

Zachary Staub

Jeff Sullivan

Caleb Wilson

Nick Yaun

Angela Aulenti (elevated to A-4)

David Gagnon (elevated to A-4)

Keith Handler (elevated to A-1)

Dan Putzer (elevated to A-1)

Brae Burn CC

East Hampton Golf Club

Trump National Westchester

The Vineyards GC

Patriot Hills Golf Club

Siwanoy CC

Innis Arden GC

Monster Golf Club

Silver Spring CC

Westchester Hills CC

Inness Golf Club

Quogue Field Club

Pleasantville CC

Sleepy Hollow CC

Silo Ridge Field Club

Cherry Valley Club

Nissequogue GC

Century CC

Sterling Farms Golf Course

GlenArbor Golf Club

Sterling Farms Golf Course

GlenArbor Golf Club

Our employment listing is updated almost everyday! Be sure to check out current opportunities by clicking here. Interested in posting an open position on our employment page? Click here to fill out our online form.

KEEPING UP WITH THE PROS

Individuals in the Section making an impact on local and national levels.

Golf Digest’s Best Young Teachers in America

Golf Digest Editors Golf Digest

Golf Digest recognizes a list of Met Section professionals on their 2023-2024 Best Young Teachers in America list Cllick here to see who was recognized

Peyton Hemme Joins PGA LEAD Class

Jeff Edwards Patch

“Peyton Durham Hemme, PGA, Director of Junior Golf/Assistant at Westchester Country Club in Rye was named to the 2023-’24 PGA LEAD Class....” READ

Michael Breed Golf Academy coming to Greenwich’s Rock Pile Golf Club

Westchester & Fairfield County Business Journal

Phil Hall

“Greenwich’s Rock Pile Golf Club has announced a new partnership with the Michael Breed Golf Academy...” READ

Johnny Farrell Inducted Into World Golf Hall of Fame

Dana Gordon, BZA PR World Golf Hall of Fame

“Padraig Harrington, Sandra Palmer along with the late Johnny Farrell, Beverly Hanson, Tom Weiskopf and the 13 LPGA Founders will be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2024...” READ

Meet Westchester’s Golf Family of the Year

Westchester Magazine

Dave Donelson

“If Westchester had a first family of golf, it would be the Youngs — David, Barbara, and their son Cameron — at least according to the Metropolitan Golf Writers Association...” READ

Jack Druga Still a Colossal Contributor Even After Retirement

Andy Kent The Tee Times

“Druga, who in 2021 wrapped up a 35-year career as a club professional in the Northeast and Florida, is now the Vice President of Development and PGA Ambassador for the Evans Scholars Foundation ...” READ

WINTER Education

With playing opportunities on hold over the winter months, the Metropolitan Section takes advantage by shifting education into the forefront of our activities and initiatives. The “Winter Education Series,” now in its thirteenth year, are weekly virtual and in-person seminars creating opportunities for idea sharing and advancement in coaching, technology, employment, product showcases, game improvement, and more, from peers and industry leaders. Thank you to the education committee led by John Hobbins of Greenside Golf Academy who worked dilligently to create a powerful lineup of presenters.

Missed any of the seminars? Click the button below to view past recordings!

Winter Education Series Seminars

January 6th | Breakfast with a Champion

January 10th | Staff Development & Mentoring

January 17th | PGA Show Preparation

January 31st | Creating Your Junior Golf Development Program

February 3rd | PGA Show Product Review

February 6th | Creating a Fitness Program

February 9th | Utilizing Statistical Data to Improve Your Players

February 10th | A Visit to the Golf Repair Shop

February 23rd | Fitting & Performance at PING Golf

March 2nd | Challenges of a First Year Head Professional

March 7th | Creating a Culture that Motivates

March 10th | The Anatomy of a Golf Lesson

March 16th | Wage Regulation & Deferred Compensation

March 21st | Understanding Golf Equipment

March 29th | Head Professional Transitions

April 13th | Technology Forum hosted by Clippd

Educational Summit 60 th

SPONSORED by

The Annual Met PGA Educational Summit celebrated its 60th year on April 25th at Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point. The event, formerly known as the Educational Forum, is the culminating event of our Winter Education Series that included morning and afternoon presentations from renowned professionals, educators, and teachers in the business.

It was exciting having launch monitor and golf simulator giant, Foresight Sports back as our presenting sponsor. Foresight Sports Met Section Rep, Tim Briand, was on site at Trump Ferry Point showcasing their performance data technology to our Professionals, teaching them ways to take their game and their members games to the next level.

Golf is evolving in more ways than one when it comes to technology, equipment, and teaching and coaching strategies. This year, as we celebrated 60 years of Met Section education, we were excited to have had the ability to enhance our programming to better serve our Section attendees by introducing an outdoor session that showcased an on-range and short game area demo from our presenters.

We were thrilled to have welcomed Director of Instruction at Caves Valley Golf Club in Maryland, Bernie Najar, PGA, and Director of Instruction at Shadow Ridge Golf Academy in Nebraska, James Sieckmann, PGA as this year’s Educational Summit presenters. Najar and Sieckmann are recognized as two of the top instructors in the nation.

Najar has taught students at every level, from beginners to aspiring Tour players, to World Long Drive Champion, Kyle Berkshire. His students have gone on to earn dozens

TIM BRIAND FORESIGHT SPORTS

Summit

of Division I golf scholarships and have won numerous club championships across the Middle Atlantic. His lessons incorporate technical instruction, strategy advice, fitness assessment and equipment guidance.

Sieckmann is a nine-time PGA Section Teacher of the Year. He currently instructs eighteen PGA Tour, Korn Ferry Tour, and LPGA Tour Players who have combined to over twenty tour events. Known as the master of the modern short game, Sieckmann has published multiple books including “Your Putting Solution” and “Your Short Game Solution”, as well as co-founded and developed The Speed Stik, a training aid that simultaneously improves balance, flexibility, strength, and technique that has been used by many of the best players in the world.

The day concluded with a cocktail hour presented by Cobra Puma. Cobra Puma Met Section Representatives, Reva Freshmen and Matt Neeley, gave those in attendance an outerwear piece to take home with them.

JAMES SIECKMANN

SPRING MEETING

Brae Burn Country Club opened their doors to over 130 Met Section Professionals for the Met PGA 2023 Spring Meeting. The meeting featured a format that allowed our members to not only hear the latest in association business plans and goals for the upcoming season, but also interact with representatives from our partner and sponsor companies.

The support from our partners and sponsors is the fuel to our activities and operations and we were pleased to have 44 companies in attendance highlighting their latest in apparel, technology, equipment and more.

Following the vendor expo, company reps and golf professionals were invited to a keynote address from Stephen Drum, a combat-tested retired Navy SEAL Master Chief with 27 years of experience leading and developing high-performance teams. Drum helps individuals and organizations develop leadership and performance strategies so they can plan, prepare, and execute at the highest levels when it matters most. All attendees received a copy of his recently published book, Life on the X.

The day culminated with teams comprised of professionals and company reps gathering out on the golf course for a friendly round of competition. PGA Professionals, James Ondo, Casey Pyne, Jim McCann, and Joe Condomitti, and Company Reps: Reva Freshman, Sande Baum, and Rebecca Teta were among the winners.

STEPHEN DRUM KEYNOTE SPEAKER

MEETING

2023 Tournament Schedule

Benny Cook & Dylan Newman Win 2023 PGA Four-Ball Stableford Team Championship PGA of America

Early in the morning of February 5, Benny Cook and Dylan Newman showed up at the PGA Four-Ball Stableford Team Championship looking for a tee time because they were alternates.

Two days later, they left PGA Golf Club with the trophies. Ah, the craziness of golf.

The team of Cook and Newman received a break to get into the field Sunday – rainy weather prompted several withdrawals – and they spent the last three days taking advantage of that good luck.

Cook, a PGA Assistant Professional at John’s Island Club in Vero Beach, Florida, birdied the last two holes on PGA Golf Club’s Dye Course to enable him and Newman to leapfrog two teams and win the PGA Winter Championships event with 47 points, one ahead of Steve Schneiter and Shaun Powers. Cook and Newman shared the $10,000 first prize.

“We were just happy to get in the field,” said Cook, who was the Low PGA Club Professional (T44) at the 2021 PGA Championship. “We found out 40 minutes before our tee time we got in. We thought with the bad weather, that might happen.”

Cook almost eagled the par-5 17th in the final round with a chip from behind the green. He tapped in for birdie, and then made a 15-footer at 18 to clinch the victory. Cook had previously teamed with Ben Kern to win the Four-Ball twice, in 2020 and ‘21.

“When you have a great partner, it takes a lot of pressure off you,” said Newman, a PGA Assistant Professional at Brae Burn Country Club in Purchase, New York. “I kept telling Benny to be patient. We got off to a really good start, had a hiccup on 7 (with a bogey) but we rallied back.”

Cook and Newman trailed the teams of Schneiter-Powers and Sean McCarty-Rich Berberian Jr. by a point headed to No. 17 before the birdie gave them the lead. They were also helped tremendously when both of those teams failed to birdie the 17th after them.

“They gave us one by not birdieing 17,” Cook said. “We thought they would birdie 17, and we would have to birdie 18 to have a chance. Dylan and I hammed-and-egged it this week . . . we didn’t birdie a lot of the same holes, and that’s obviously useful.”

Once Cook made his birdie at 18, the only way the team could lose was if someone in the final foursome holed his approach on the par-4 18th. Schneiter came close – his approach stopped three feet away – but that birdie only gave him and Powers runner-up honors.

2023 Season tees off

WELCOMING TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR, CAMERON MACGREGOR, PGA

Who is Cameron MacGregor?

I grew up in Royal Oak, Michigan (suburban Detroit). I started playing golf at ten years old. I caddied for four years in high school which led me into the golf business. I have worked at various clubs throughout the country: Michigan, Illinois, Hawaii, and California. The last twelve years, I was Tournament Director for the Northern California Section and served as Executive Director for the First Tee Tri-Valley Chapter.

What sparked your interest in working in the Met Section?

The Met Section has a fabulous reputation nationwide. When I saw the job posted, I thought this would be the perfect job for me at this station in life.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about for this season?

Meeting the Section Professionals and making connections with them. In my short time here, the guys and gals have been very welcoming and supportive. Each Section is different, I’m looking forward to finding the particular rhythm that works best.

What’s most important to you as a Tournament Director?

There are a lot of moving parts to event planning, insuring those little things have been addressed and players and participants get the best event possible.

Do you have any hobbies? Where can we find you on a day off?

Down hill skiing, golfing of course when time allows, skating. I enjoy playing and watching all sports and traveling and exploring new areas.

Golfzon sponsored the Met PGA’s first ever indoor event, the Met PGA Virtual Indoor Classic, at Golfzon Social in West Nyack, NY. Competitors played for a $10,000 cash purse as they took on Kiawah Island’s Ocean Course on Golfzon’s state of the art simulators.

Congratulations to our inaugural Virtual Indoor Classic Champion, Alexis Hios of Woodway Country Club. Alexis dominated the field, shooting 10-under par.

LEADERBOARD

Long Island & Westchester Pro Assistant

The Long Island and Westchester Pro Assistant event opened our 2023 tournament season. The better ball of two event was held at North Hills Country Club on Long Island, and Paramount Country Club in Westchester. Our tournament sponsors, TaylorMade and Evolve Golf, were on site at both locations, once again supporting our teams of Head Professionals and Assistants.

Congratulations to the team of Matt Dobyns and Dylan Newman of Meadow Brook Club on their Long Island victory, and to Ben Hoffhine and Mike Ballo of Westchester Country Club, Greg Bisconti and Mitch Gray of The Saint Andrew’s Golf Club, and John Deigan and Oren Shake of Wykagyl Country Club on their three-way tie for first in Westchester!

WESTCHESTER CO- CHAMPIONS

Greg Bisconti Mitch Gray

John Deigan Oren Shake

Ben Hoffhine Mike Ballo

Matt Dobyns Dylan Newman

LONG ISLAND CHAMPIONS

beach makes team of 20

It was all eyes on a fifth consecutive PGA Championship appearance for Alex Beach at the playing of the 2023 PGA Professional Championship at Twin Warriors Golf Club and Santa Ana Golf Club in New Mexico.

Beach, Assistant Golf Professional at Westchester Country Club, got off to a slow start in the first round of the event, shooting 4-over 76. It wasn’t until after a second hole double bogey in round two where Beach began to find his stride. A birdie on the third hole gave him momentum, making the second round cut into Tuesday’s third round. He would go on to finish the day tied for 10th after carding an incredible a 6-under 66 on the day, putting himself in a great position headed into the final round to make the Corebridge Financial PGA Team. Knowing he was in contention to make another PGA Championship appearance, Beach stayed composed going even par on the day and clinching a spot in the playing of the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, New York.

Beach will be the most experienced of the 20 PGA Professionals at Oak Hill. He will be playing in his fifth straight PGA Championship and sixth overall.

ABOUT THE PGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

The PGA Professional Championship presented by Cadillac, Club Car, Corebridge Financial and Rolex is the largest all-professional national championship. The Championship features a 312-player field representing all 41 PGA Sections, and it is broadcast live by Golf Channel. Originated in 1968, the PGA Professional Championship has been a showcase for the most compelling PGA Member performances and personal stories.

The Champion and the top 20 finishers in the PGA Professional Championship were named to the Corebridge Financial PGA Team and will advance into the 2023 PGA Championship field at Oak Hill Country Club May 15-21.

PGA CHAMPIONSHIP OFFICIAL SITE

A WEEK LONG CELEBRATION MAY 30 -

Women’s Golf Day is a collaborative effort by a dedicated team, golf management companies, retailers and organizations all working together to engage, empower and support girls and women through golf. The four hour experience allows a simple and accessible platform to build a foundation and creates a network to support the continuation of golf no matter what skill level or interest while engaging them in a charitable cause with global impact from a local level.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND REGISTER!

Assistants corner

The Assistants Tour season has officially teed off. Rob Baynard of Westchester Country Club topped the leaderboard at the first Assistants Tour event of the season at Rockville Links Club. Baynard was tied for the top spot with Pat Clark of Wee Burn Country Club after 18 holes. Baynard would go on to make a clutch par on the first playoff hole to win the event.

At the start of what will be a busy season, we encourage all of our Assistant Professionals to get involved in Section happenings and events. There will be an early season, informational meeting for Assistant Golf Professionals held at Saint Andrew’s Golf Club on Tuesday, May 30th, prior to the tournament shotgun start. The meeting will be an opportunity to elect a Second Vice President, promote upcoming Section activities, and discuss issues.

While nominations from the floor will be accepted, anyone interested in running for Second Vice President is encouraged to contact Chris Chao cchao@pgahq.com in advance.

Assistants Board Members

MIKE BALLO SECRETARY

CHRIS GABRIELE 1ST VICE PRESIDENT

CARLY NEWMAN TREASURER

TYLER LOWER PRESIDENT

SCHEDULE

May 1st | Rockville Links CC

Rob Baynard

Westchester CC

Score: 70

Winner: LEADERBOARD

May 30th | Saint Andrew’s GC

June 5th | Hollow Brook GC

July 24th | Bonnie Briar CC

LEARN MORE

July 10th | Cold Spring CC

LEARN MORE

June 26th | Waccabuc CC

LEARN MORE

FOUNDATION

Met PGA Foundation Board Ambassadors Announced

The Metropolitan Professional Golfers Association of America is excited to welcome three exceptional individuals as Ambassadors to the Metropolitan PGA Section Foundation. Tour Champions member, Rob Labritz, PGA, New York Mets All-Star second basemen, Jeff McNeil, and PGA Tour player and Met PGA Junior Tour Alumni, Cameron Young.

Rob wears many hats as a PGA Professional and full-time member of the PGA TOUR Champions. His rare combination of skills supports his golf life as a PGA Professional, Performance Coach and Spokesperson for his sponsors. He backs up his passion with hard work and his consistent ability to win tournaments. Rob has played in multiple majors and coach’s golfers at all levels with proven and holistic methods. He cares deeply about the game to greatly benefit players, fans, friends, family, and his team. Rob most recently finished T39 at the Galleri Classic at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California. He will compete again at the Invited Celebrity Classic in Irving, Texas.

Jeff McNeil has always been an avid golfer, competing in tournaments throughout his life and has seen first-hand the positive impact golf can have on an individual. The 2022 National

Rob Labritz, Jeff McNeil and Cameron Young announced as Met PGA Section Foundation Ambassadors.

Rob Labritz, PGA PGA TOUR Champions

Jeff McNeil New York Mets

Cameron Young PGA TOUR

League Batting Champion will host his first fundraising event, Drive 4 Good, an event to be held at Topgolf in Holtsville, New York benefiting the Met PGA Foundation. McNeil looks forward to helping serve the Metropolitan New York golf community and provide services and programs to children and veterans throughout the region.

From the Met PGA Junior Tour to the PGA Tour, Cameron Young’s journey to golf’s biggest stage was a fun one to follow. Young, son of long-time Sleepy Hollow Country Club Head Professional David Young, grew up playing golf on the Met PGA Junior Tour from age 10 to age 15. The Scarborough, NY native quickly made his name known on the local level, winning several Met PGA events as well as MGA events before going off to play Division I golf at Wake Forest University. It was no surprise that when given the opportunity on the national level to showcase his talent, he would thrive. Young is currently ranked 15th on the Official World Golf Ranking after a runner-up finish at the WGC-Dell Match Play Championship and a T7 finish at The Masters. We look forward to keeping up with his many successes this season.

Labritz, McNeil, and Young have proven their ability to compete at the highest levels of their trade, but it’s their work off the course that shows their true character. Their desire to make a difference in the community on local and national levels is unmatched and we are extremely excited to have them as representatives of our Foundation initiatives.

Military Golf League kicks off the start of our PGA HOPE season. Military Golf League provides an opportunity for our PGA HOPE veteran graduates to enjoy each other’s comradery in a managed team environment, while continuing to develop their golf game with the continued guidance and mentorship of our PGA Professionals. Teams are hosted at area golf courses and consist of one PGA Professional Captain, and one Veteran Captain. The 10 to 12 members of each team are placed into a league based on their geographic location. The first two weeks of the season are set aside for team practices, allowing our veterans to hone in on their skills, guided by their PGA Professional captain. After the two weeks are complete, teams then compete against every team in their league twice: hosting one home match and traveling for one away match. The scramble format matches are 9 holes in length, similar to PGA Jr. League. Once matches are complete for the season, a Championship is held for the winners of each league.

Met PGA HOPE programs begin soon! Classes will continue at three different chapter locations in the Met Area: The Bronx chapter at Mosholu Golf Course, West Point chapter at Spook Rock Golf Club, and Long Island chapter at Sunken Meadow Golf Club. We are excited to have full classes in each chapter as our volunteer PGA Professionals continue to help spread the great game of golf to veterans new and old to the game. We look forward to welcoming in another great class of graduates to our Met PGA HOPE family.

Interested in assisting with our HOPE programs this spring? See the class schedule below and fill out the linked forms to volunteer. We can not do this without the help from our PGA Professionals!

Spring Class Schedule

Bronx

Location: Mosholu GC

Dates: May 16, 23, June 6, 13, 27 Time: 9:30AM - 11:30AM

Register

Hudson Valley

Location: Spook Rock GC

Dates: May 17, 24, June 7, 14, 28 Time: 9:30AM - 11:30AM

Register

Long Island

Location: Sunken Meadow GC

Dates: May 16, 23, June 6, 13, 27 Time: 3:00PM - 5:00PM

Congratulations to Alexandra Phung on topping the Girls 10-11 leaderboard at the Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals at Augusta National! Also congratulations to fellow Met PGA Junior Tour member, Ava Estrella, on her first appearance competing at the DCP National Finals in the Girls 1415 age division.

Are you next?

Registration is open for 2023 DCP Local Qualifiers! There will be six local qualifiers in total, culminating in a Sub-Regional qualifier in August. Check out the schedule below and sign up for a local qualifier today.

2023 Met Section Qualifying Sites

Sunken Meadow GC | June 26th

Harbor Links GC | July 5th

The Stanwich Club | July 10th

The Apawamis Club | July 17th

Colonial Spring GC | July 25th

Centennial GC | July 31st

Sub-Regional | Aug 10th

Click Here to Register for a Qualifier

PGA JUNIOR LEAGUE

PGA Jr. League Player Registration is open! 2023 offers some exciting new experiences for both our PGA Jr. League Coaches and PGA Jr. League players. Now is the time to start planning and registering your team! Check out their website by clicking here and register today!

JEFF MCNEIL’S

DRIVE 4 GOOD

THURSDAY, JUNE 15th - TOPGOLF - HOLTSVILLE , NY 6:30PM - 10:00PM

Jeff McNeil is hosting his inaugural Drive 4 Good fundraising event at Topgolf benefiting the Met PGA Foundation. This is your chance to golf with some of your favorite Mets players, all while giving back to this amazing cause.

SPONSOR LEVELS

ALL STAR $25,000

-Two Golf Bays for 4 guests each

-Jeff McNeil and a New York Met player will golf with your bays

-One Veteran or Junior Golfer from Met PGA Foundation

-Recognition as the Title Sponsor throughout the event (signage, branding, social media, on-stage, & on all print materials)

-Featured in the event gift bags

-Food and open bar included

-Golfer gift bags

-Instruction from PGA Professionals

-One signed Jeff McNeil jersey

BATTING CHAMPION

$5,000

-One Golf Bay for 4 guests

-One New York Met player or guest celebrity will join you in your golf bay

-One Veteran or Junior Golfer from Met PGA Foundation

-Recognition on sponsor board & TV’s

-Special shoutout on stage

-Social Media promotion

-Food and open bar included

-Golfer gift bags

-Instruction from PGA Professionals

-One signed Jeff McNeil bat

HOME RUN

$2,500

-One Golf Bay for 4 guests

-One Veteran or Junior Golfer from Met PGA Foundation

-Recognition on sponsor board & TV’s

-Special shoutout on stage

-Food and open bar included

-Golfer gift bags

-Instruction from PGA Professionals

-One signed Jeff McNeil baseball

Youth Military Inclusion

Thank you for supporting Metropolitan PGA Foundation Board Ambassador, Jeff McNeil, as he strives to support our mission to promote the goodwill and growth of the game of golf by positively impacting the lives of junior golfers, veterans, and those who are underserved by the game.

To register visit : www.drive4good.org

ABOUT THE MET PGA FOUNDATION

2nd Annual Met PGA Birdie Bash

August 7th | Silvermine GC

Met PGA Birdie Bash is a one-day fundraising event where Metropolitan Section PGA Professionals will play 72 holes of golf in one day with the goal of making as many birdies as possible. Through each professional's network, solicited donors make a financial pledge per birdie to help raise funds to benefit the Metropolitan Section PGA Foundation, and PlayYellow for Children's Hospitals including Maria Fareri Children's Hospital in Westchester and Cohens Children's Hospital on Long Island.

l Teams of 2 (scramble) attempt to make as many birdies as possible in 72 holes

l Donations can be made on a per birdie basis, or as a flat donation

l Any Assistant that raises $1,000 or more automatically qualifies for the third tier of the Assistants Championship in September

l Once registered, you will receive access to an easy to use web page to fundraise along with a marketing package to utilize

l Player package includes hotel, Birdie Bash uniform, food & beverage, and memories that last a lifetime!

Click Here - 2023 Preview Video

We can’t do it without you!

Scan the QR Code to Register!

Scan the QR code to register!

BENEFICIARIES

KYRA COX PGA WORKS Fellow

Q. What got you interested in the PGA Works Fellowship Program? After two years of interning with the Met PGA and being a Junior Golfer in the program, I enjoyed my experience so much that I wanted to continue the work at a higher level.

Q. What are you most looking forward to working in the Met Section as a Fellow?

I’m looking forward to seeing a different side of golf than what I’m used to. I want to use this new perspective as a platform to create an experience that gets more junior golfers interested in the game of golf and having fun!

Q. What are some things you would like to learn during your time here?

As someone who is super passionate about golf, I am very excited to learn how people in the larger golf industry help the game grow and make a difference in the community. Not only that but learn what opportunities are available in the industry outside of being a golfer.

Q. Who would be your dream foursome? Tiger Woods, Michelle Wie, Steph Curry

Q. What is your favorite hobby?

Besides golf, I enjoy reading and I also enjoy social media content creation.

RYAN MORAN Foundation Coordinator

Q. Who is Ryan Moran?

Golf is a very strong passion of mine. I played collegiate golf for four years and had success in later years as a college golfer. I currently live on Long Island where I enjoy spending time with family and friends.

Q. What got you interested in working with the Met PGA Foundation? I became interested in working with the Met PGA Foundation after spending a summer as a Tournament Operations Intern. After this experience, I realized that I wanted to be surrounded by the amazing team that they have here once I graduated from college.

Q. What are you most looking forward to working in the Met Section as a Foundation Coordinator? I am extremely excited to be surrounded by people who share the same interests as me as well as being able to assist in growing the game of golf.

Q. Who would be your dream foursome?

My dream foursome would be Tiger Woods, Justin Thomas, and Rory McIlroy

Q. What is your favorite hobby?

My favorite hobby is playing golf and trying to become the best golfer I can possibly be.

It is our honor and pleasure to welcome you to the 2023 Met PGA Junior Tour season. We will do our very best to go above and beyond to make sure we give each and every one of our juniors the best experience possible.

Growing the game is at the forefront of our mission at the Metropolitan Section PGA Foundation. Whether you are just getting your feet wet with competitive golf, or are competing at the highest levels nationally with aspirations of playing in college or maybe even one day on the PGA or LPGA Tour, we pride ourselves in having all levels of competition for players of all abilities. No matter where you are in your junior golf journey, the Met PGA Junior Tour is there to support and springboard you to the next level.

Please be sure to take a few minutes to look through our website www.metpgajuniorgolf.com to review our policies and procedures as well as many exciting opportunities.

We would like to thank you for your support of our program and promise our commitment to offer you the opportunities you need to support your golf journey. We look forward to witnessing your success throughout the season!

Membership

Membership for the 2023 Junior Tour season is now open!

The cost of membership for anyone who registers is $150

If you have not done so already, Click Here to Register or Renew your Membership!

For more information about the different membership levels and tournament options offered by the Junior Tour Click Here!

Tournaments

The fields for our spring Future Series events are now full! Waiting list spots are available.

Click Here to view the spring schedule and to register for the waiting list (if you have not done so already), or you may register through your Players Club Account.

Click Here to view tentative 2023 Junior Tour Schedule.

Please note, we will be adding more sites to the schedule and dates and sites are subject to change. Also note, Future Series members will be eligible for select Players Tour events to be announced at a later date. Registration for summer and fall tournaments will open Monday, May 10th with more information to follow.

*Reminder: to register for tournaments you must first register for membership and pass the 2023 Rules Quiz. For more information on where to find the Rules Quiz Click Here.

Youth Roadmap

DRIVE CHIP & PUTT

The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship is a Nationwide junior golf skills competition aimed at growing the game. It is a joint initiative by the PGA of America, Masters Tournament, and USGA and is open to juniors ages 7-15. Locally, we host numerous qualifiers for the Championship.

INTERMEDIATE PLAYERS

18 HOLE TOURNAMENTS

Entry Fees: $65 per event

One day 18 Hole tournaments throughout the summer offering an intermediate level of competition.

Divisions: Boys 12-14, Boys 15-18, Girls 14-18

PGA JR. LEAGUE

PGA Jr. League brings family and friends together around fun, team golf experiences with expert coaching from PGA and LPGA Professionals. The program focuses on fun, recreation, goodhealth, and sportsmanship for boys and girls ages 17 and under to learn and enjoy the game of golf. PGA Jr. League utilizes a popular scramble format that creates a nurturing enviornment for learning and development.

ADVANCED & COLLEGE BOUND PLAYERS

36 HOLE TOURNAMENTS

Entry Fees: $215 per event

Two-day 36 Hole tournaments throughout the summer and fall. Open to advanced players looking to take the next step toward collegiate level and gain meaningful exposure.

Divisions: Boys 12-18, Girls 12-18

PLAYERS

MET PGA JUNIOR TOUR

Consisting of over 1,200 members, the Junior Tour hosts 80+ tournaments per season for junior golfers of all abilities from the ages of 10-18. In addition, members are able to take advantage of special foundation programming including: rules seminars, college golf prep, and other special opportunities.

INTRODUCTORY LEVEL

9 HOLE TOURNAMENTS

Entry Fees: $50 per event

One day 9 Hole tournaments throughout the summer and is a vehicle for new players to develop their games and gain an introduction to competitive golf.

Divisions: Boys 10-13, Girls 10-13, Girls 14-18

Fairways to Success

Met PGA Foundation grants financial assistance to juniors who would otherwise not be able to take full advantage of our programming. For those continuing to college, we offer scholarships as well as guidance on the college golf recruitment process. Fairways

to Success provides members with mentorship, playing, and practice privileges at facilities that may otherwise be inaccessible to them. Our internship program allows Junior Tour alumni the opportunity to gain work experience in the industry and help build their resume.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT JOE FELDER, PGA

Joe Felder, PGA, grew up playing on the Met PGA Junior Tour. Prior to his retirement in 2021, Joe spent 33 Years as Head Professional at Griffith E. Harris Golf Course. He is now a Life Member of the PGA.

Q : What’s the first tournament you can remember playing in growing up on the Junior Tour?

“My first Met PGA Junior Golf event I remember playing was at Michael Hebron’s place at Smithtown Landing. I got lucky enough to be paired with Joe Nieporte. We both were playing really well, however on the last hole we played, we both had perfect drives, but I ended up in a huge divot. I was so angry and annoyed, I started cursing and making a big deal. I ended up making a bogey or double bogey on that hole. When we finished playing and handed in our scorecards, Joe’s dad, Tom Nieporte, who had just recently won the Bob Hope Desert Classic, bought me and Joe a hotdog. We sat down to eat, and Tom Nieporte says to me “Joe, you know you have a nice game, but you got really upset over that last hole. You are going to hit a lot of divots, that’s just how golf is. You have to take the good breaks, with the bad breaks. You do not need to get upset like that, Joe, that’s not you”. I never forgot that.”

Q : What other notable PGA Members do you remember playing against as a Junior Golfer?

“We had a great crew: Tom Patri, Rod Heller, Leo McMann, Freddy Noble and Lou DeMaria. Then there was Bruce Zabriski. Bruce was the best thing any of us had ever seen. We all knew he was great. All of us stayed together and all became PGA Members too.”

Q : If you had any advice for a Junior Golfer who is looking to follow your path and become a PGA Professional what would it be?

“Your heart has to be in it. You have to love playing the game first and foremost. I don’t care how good you can teach at 19, 20, or 22 years old, you have to get your PGA. That’s the reason I became a PGA Professional. I bleed blue and gold. If you don’t have a love for the game and teaching, it’s hard to move on. The juniors that were in my original first junior clinic included Patrick Massi (current Head Professional at Griff Harris), and Peter Kampmann (Assistant Professional at Manhattan Woods. Those kids, now men, both became PGA Members. They loved watching what I did on a day-to-day basis and worked hard to get to where they are now.”

Q : Can you speak on what the PGA letters mean to you?

“Working for Billy (William A. Mitchell) he pushed me to get involved in the Section. When I first started working for him, he had me run for President of the Met PGA Assistants Tour. I really enjoyed being involved in Section happenings when I got voted in. When I left working for Billy to become a Head Professional, Billy then pushed me to get on the Section Board. I followed his advice and went to Section and National meetings for 20 years in a row and became the first public course Head Professional as President. I understand the younger professionals now, they may not see what the PGA letters truly mean, but they need to remember that their knowledge that they have learned to become a PGA member, got you the job. Having your PGA gives you the stamp of approval.”

Q : Who were your biggest mentors in your life and how did they help you grow in your career?

“I graduated college in 1978, I was engaged at the time. The deal I made the woman I was engaged to was that I would eliminate golf in my life and pursue a career in business. I was doing well in my career, but I was not happy. Freddy Gipp at the time was the Head Professional at West Sayville. I would play with him in Calcutta’s and won three times in a row. Freddy at that point asked me, “what are you doing? I don’t care what you are selling or what you are making, you need to become a Golf Professional”. I said to myself at that time that I would never be happy unless I started to pursue a career in golf again. I quit my job, I lost the girl, and the rest is history. Freddy Gipp helped guide me through the process and is the reason I am where I am today. I mentioned his importance to me before, but Billy Mitchell was another huge mentor of mine. He injected me with blue and gold and I am always appreciative of that.”

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