The Metropolitan Vol 13, No 5 (July 2026) by Curt Rohe

Volume 13 | No. 5

The Metropolitan Amateur Golf Association

Issue 5 | July 2026

The Metropolitan

Inside the Issue 4 Curt’s Corner A message from the Executive Director

18 Sup’s On

Tips for Your Home Lawn

12 9-Hole

Championship

An Allied Golf Association of the USGA providing a variety of golf services to clubs and golfers in the Metropolitan St. Louis, Central, and Southern Illinois region.

7 take home a title from Ballwin GC

5 By The Numbers 13 Metropolitan

Play

Amateur Preview

A look into the championship field and venue

14 USGA

Qualifiers

Who made it through Qualifying

6 Metropolitan Junior Amateur

Shy and Rothery take home the hardware

8 Metropolitan

Women’s Amateur

Piar Persists at the Women’s Amateur

10 Old Warson

Cup

Solidly Sullivan

Yardage Book 16 The Bogeyman Like Having Your Cake and Eating It Too

Metropolitan Amateur Golf Association

20 Rules Center Fairly Taking Stance

22 POY Standings Player of the Year Standings

24 Keeping Up

with the USGA

Inaugural McGraw Family Award Reipient

28 World of Golf

See who championed events around the world

Foundation 30 Normandie

Reimagined

An update on the renovation project of Normandie GC

WHAT WE DO: • Provide GHIN Handicap Service to 140+ Member Clubs under the World Handicap System • Provide the USGA Course/Slope Rating service to our Member Clubs • Regional authority on the Rules of Golf and Amateur Status • Conduct twelve (12) Metropolitan Championships each season • Conduct USGA Qualifying for eight (8) USGA Championships each season • Conduct three (3) Championships in Illinois • Conduct The Amateur Series of Events for golfers of all ages and abilities

METROPOLITAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Amateur Championship Open Championship Women’s Amateur Championship Junior Amateur Championship Senior Amateur Championship Four-Ball Championship 9-Hole Championship East Side Amateur Normandie Amateur (hiatus during construction) Old Warson Cup (Match Play Championship) Shogren Cup (Match Play PGA Pros vs. MAGA Amateurs) Sobbe Cup Mid-America Junior Cup Amateur Series

ILLINOIS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Southern Illinois Amateur SIGA Championship Tony Stevens Cup

USGA QUALIFYING ROUNDS

U.S. Open • U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball U.S. Amateur • U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur U.S. Mid-Amateur • U.S. Senior Amateur U.S. Women’s Open • U.S. Amateur Four-Ball

The Metropolitan

Metropolitan Staff

By The Numbers

Curt’s Corner

Executive Director

Issue 5 | July 2026

Curt Rohe - curt@metga.org

Curt Rohe - Executive Director

Director, Member Services

Caroline Buchan - caroline@metga.org

Foundation Executive Director Walker Hill - walker@metga.org

Controller

Melisa Simpson - melisa@metga.org 2026 PJ BOATWRIGHT INTERNS Cannon Wolk Gabby Dethrow Emma Wyeth

EXECUTIVE BOARD Officers Scott Engelbrecht - President/Treasurer Mike Marquart - Secretary At Large Members John Bugh Emily Dannegger Stan Grossman Rick Meyer, Jr John Moore Mick Wellington Advisory Committee Skip Berkmeyer - Chair Brad Carpenter Jay Delsing Shawn Jasper Chris Kovach David Pfeil

Good day members! As I write the July edition of Curt’s Corner I am reflecting back on how fast another season has flown by! We wrapped up the 36th Metropolitan Amateur Championship a week ago which is the pinnacle of the season. The Country Club of St. Albans hosted for the 3rd time in 36 years and performed flawlessly, the hospitality to the players and presentation of a championship golf course was impeccable. Mother Nature on the other hand dealt us a huge blow on Friday morning that set us back and challenged us the rest of the way. My thanks goes out to my staff and our Rules Committee for persevering through a difficult 3 days to complete the 36th playing of the Amateur. In the end, a champion was crowned and Justin Bryant became 5th player in history to have his name on the Jim Tom Blair Trophy multiple times. While the Amateur is the pinnacle of the season, it is certainly not the end of a season of championships. It is, however, close to the end for 2 of our Boatwright interns. I have been extremely fortunate to have a great crew this year, Gabby Dethrow and Emma Wyatt just have a couple weeks left before they head back to their respective schools. They and Cannon Wolk have been invaluable to another fantastic season of championships and USGA qualifying rounds. I am always grateful for our interns commitment to the Association and the USGA Boatwright Intern program commitment to AGAs!

THE METROPOLITAN CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

As we start the downhill stretch of the fall, there are plenty of opportunities to get out and play in Association events. The Southern Illinois Amateur is a Player of the Year point event for all 3 races along with the Metropolitan Four-Ball in September. Get out, tee it up and get in the chase for Men’s, Senior and Super Senior (65+) player of the year awards. Also, the Metropolitan Senior Championship is heading up the Mississippi to Quincy Country Club, if you have not had the chance to visit QCC this is a great opportunity to play a fabulous golf course!

Dan O’Neill MVGCSAA John Thorman

As always, thank you for taking a few minutes to read The Metropolitan, we have one more monthly issue in August before the fall.

EDITOR Caroline Buchan

Keep it in the fairway!

62- Three places shot a score of 62 during the British 62

Open at Royal Birkdale, which had favorable weather the entire tournament. Before 2026, in the 153 previous playings of the championship, only one player had ever carded a score as low as 62 - Brandon Grace fired a 62 in the 2017 Open at Royal Birkdale. But in 2026, Lucas Herbert had a 62 in the second round of the championship, as did Sam Burns. And the eventual winner, Ryan Fox, turned in a 62 during the third round. Only three players ever have scored 62s across all of the three other major championships - with Xander Schauffele doing it both in the U.S. Open and the PGA Championship. So what does it all mean? Discuss amongst yourselves.

- The number of shots Brysan DeChambeau was penalized in a controversial ruling during the second round of the Birth Open in July. The incident occurred at the par 4 5th hole, where officials ruled DeChambeau improved the area of his intended backswing by standing on and flattening the tall grass. After reviewing video, officials determined that his stance and approach leading into the swing gave him an unreasonable advantage on his second shot Thus, DeChambeau’s second-round score was adjusted from a 66 to a 68, penalizing him two strokes and dropping him from 7-under par to 5-under par, three shots back of the lead heading into the weekend. DeChambeau later stated he felt the penalty cost him a chance to win the Claret Jug. But you know what really cost him a chance to win - his trampling of the tall grass around his ball and his failure - over the next 49 holes to overcome that penalty.

45 45

- The number of years it has been since Bellerive Country Club - which hosts the BMW Championship on Aug. 18-23 conducted the first U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship. St. Louis native Jim Holtgrieve, with future USGA president and MAGA founder Tom O’Toole Jr. as his caddie, captured the inaugural championship in 1981, defeating Bob Lewis Jr. The field featured a number of amateur standouts, including Jay Sigel, the co-medalist during the stroke-play portion of the event. Sigel would go on to win five USGA titles, play in nine Walker Cups (two as a playing

captain) and win eight PGA Tour Champion events. Lewis played on four straight winning U.S. Walker Cup teams (1981, 1983, 1985, 1987). And for his part, Holtgrieve played on three winning Walker Cup squads (1979, 1981, and 1983), a teammate with Sigel and Lewis on two of them. Holtgrieve also was a two-time Walker Cup captain. And lest we forget, all three were teammates - with Nathaniel Crosby - on the winning U.S. Eisenhower Trophy team.

3.9- According to an article on golfmonthly.com, a 15 3.9

handicapper averages 3.9 on par 3 holes, which means par is basically a birdie for them on those holes. So, adjust your expectations on such holes accordingly. After all, if you make a par, you’re actually gaining on your competitive demographic. At the same time, be aware that birdies aren’t the separators between abilities. That is, according to the same article, scratch golfers make around two more birdies per round than a 20 handicapper. That said, scratch golfers also make around six fewer double bogeys or worse during a round. And that’s where the rub lies for the Ol’ Bogeyman.

104 With all the attention his 18 major championships 104

get, people forget about this number, But “46” is the number of times Jack Nicklaus finished top 3 in the major championships. He finished in the top 10 for 35 of the 40 majors played during the decade of the 1970s - think about that! Nicklaus, famously, has more runner-up finishes (19) than major victories (18). But he also has another nine third-place finishes, giving him 46 topthree major results. It’s pretty humbling that Woods, who is in second place for this stat, “only” has 26 top-three major finishes. Phil Mickelson played forever and got to 24. Rory McIlroy has 12 and Brooks Koepka has nine. In short, no modern player ever will even approach that number.

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The Metropolitan

The competition was burning up out there during the final rounds of the 27th Metropolitan Junior Amateur Championship, making it one to remember. Anthony Moore led the boys 15 and under, Madison Pyatt led the girls 15 and under, and Henry Hertel led the boys 13 and under. Going into the last round, Hudson Shy was at the top of the boys 18 and under leaderboard at six-under par, followed by John Deluca at fiveunder and both Kenny Crislip and Nick Vilela tied for third at one-under. For the girls 18 and under, Annie Rothery was on top at twelve-over with Avery Arendell at twenty-over and Madison Keating at twenty-three-over. St. Clair Country Club once again played to a par 72. The boys 15 and under division kicked things off first while the 18 and under divisions finished their second rounds. Anthony Moore of The Legends Country Club and 2025 13U Champion came into today at two-under par. Today, Moore carded seven birdies to stay on top and extend his lead over the competition. In his first year out in this division, Moore secured the 15 and under Champion title at five-under (-5) par. William Carmichael of St. Louis Country Club started the day one back of the lead at one-under par. Carmichael recorded two birdies as well as an eagle on Hole 15 to match his first round score and finish as runner-up at two-under (-2) par. Then, the girls 15 and under division took on the course. Madison Pyatt of The Legends Country Club had a substantial lead coming into the second round. Despite this Pyatt knew she would need another solid day of play to firmly secure the win. Pyatt shot a second round 77 to bring her total to twelve-over (+12) par. In her first Metropolitan Championship, Pyatt walks away as the girls 15-and-under Champion, 18 strokes ahead of the competition. Bryn Winkeler of the Gateway PGA Junior Golf Club added a round of seventeen over to her total to finish as runner-up at thirty-over (+30) par. After came time for the boys 13 and under division. Henry Hertel of Meadowbrook Country Club came into his final day at even par. Hertel fought hard around the course today, but would return a score of five-over (+5) par to finish as runner-up. Bodie Patton of The Legends Country Club brought a one-over round into today. After matching a

birdie with a bogey on both sides of the course, Patton carded a second round of even par to end the week at one-over (+1) par and securing the 13-and-under Champion title. Patton’s win recorded a clean sweep for The Legends Country Club’s representation in the age divisions at the Metropolitan Junior Amateur. The next day, the girls started off the 18 and under divisions’ final rounds. Annie Rothery of Algonquin Golf Club came in with confidence. She stayed even throughout the front nine and recovered from a bogey with a birdie on hole 9. She shot a 75, staying on top throughout the day, as if she knew the trophy was hers! Rothery concluded the week as Champion at fifteen-over (+15) par. Avery Arendell of the USGA/MetAmateur GC also had a great day, coming back from a tough round with a whopping five birdies. She ended her round shooting a 74 for a total of twenty-twoover (+22) par. Lastly, Madison Keating of the Gateway PGA Junior Golf Club followed the trend, improving from yesterday and only carding one double-bogey during her round today. Ending her final round with an 81 for a total of thirty-two-over (+32) par. As for the 18 and under boys, Nick Vilela of the Metropolitan eClub maintained consistency. After shooting a 71 during round 1 and then a 72 during round 2, he found two birdies today to end his round with a 73. Vilela ended his week in third at even (E) par. John DeLuca of the Country Club of St. Albans came in fighting for the top spot, shooting a birdie on the first hole. He carded two more birdies throughout his round for a final round score even par. DeLuca would settle for runner-up with a total of five-under (-5) par. Hudson Shy of Bogey Hills Country Club came in as a force to be reckoned with. His only bogey of the day was on the first hole, and then he went on to have three birdies throughout the round. Not even looking at the leaderboard, Shy focused on his own game. Shy shot a final round 70 for a total of eight-under (-8) par and to take home the Metropolitan Junior Amateur Champion title. Rounding out the top five boys were Kenny Crislip of Lake Forest Country Club at two-over (+2) and Henry Millman of St. Louis Country Club at four-over (+4). The top ten included Cameron Mraz, Grady Frey, Chase Segal, Kolton Kijanko, and Ethan Mottert. The girls top five was completed by Skylar Mann, Ava Meyer, and Audrey Miller. At the conclusion of the championship, Annie Rothery walks away as Champion at fifteen-over (+15) par with Avery Arendell as runner-up at twenty-two-over par (+22). Hudson Shy defeated the competition today to take home the Champion title at eight-under (-8) par. John Deluca leaves as runner-up at five-under (-5) par in his first 18U division outing in the Metropolitan Junior Amateur. Annie Rothery was congratulated and presented the Barbara A. Berkmeyer trophy from Barbara herself, while Jim Holtgrieve sent his congratulations from afar to Hudson Shy who was presented the James M. Holtgrieve trophy.

Full Results

Photos

The Metropolitan

Piar Persists

The final round of the 34th Metropolitan Women’s Amateur was a cloudy but beautiful day. Going into the morning, Nannette Baker was in the lead for Flight A at even par, and Sally Gordon was in the lead for Flight B at one-over. In the race for the Jayne M. Watson Trophy, Gracie Piar was in the lead at four-over par, followed by Jamie Daniels at seven-over. Play began on Hole 1 for all golfers today. Flighted divisions played using their handicaps, while the championship division played gross. It would be a thrilling day to see who would finish on top! The flighted divisions got things started this morning. Nannette Baker of Norwood Hills Country Club came in eager to keep her top spot. Starting the front nine with two birdies and finishing the back with three, Baker shot a net 77 today. Maria Morrison of the St. Louis Women’s Golf Association tried to keep up with Baker, shooting a birdie on Hole 3 and parring eight holes to finish with a net 79. Baker scored a total of net six-over (+6) par, maintaining her lead spot and making her the Flight A Champion. Morrison came in second at net ten-over (+10). Sally Gordon of St. Louis Country Club came in crushing it today. Once her strokes applied, Gordon carded three eagles as well as three birdies. With a Round 2 score of net 71, she was a force to be reckoned with! Alicia Anderson of the St. Louis Women’s Golf Association also carded two eagles after strokes applied. Anderson ended the day with a score of net 79. In total, Gordon shot net one-over (+1) par, making her the Flight B Champion. Anderson came in second at net twelve-over (+12). After the flighted divisions, the championship division teed off. Annabelle Bush of Whitmoor Country Club climbed her way up the leaderboard, after starting the day in third and four back of the lead. With a birdie on both the front and back, she had an eye for the trophy, finishing with a second round score of 73. Gracie Piar of the Metropolitan eClub came into the day ready to be competitive. A double bogey on the first hole was an early setback for Piar, but she didn’t let that stop her. She carded two birdies on the front and one on a bogey-free back nine with hopes of keeping her top spot. She ended the round shooting a 73 as well. Overall, Piar shot six-over (+6) par to claim the 34th Metropolitan Women’s Amateur Champion title for a second time - 2022 and now 2026. Coming in as runner-up was Annabelle Bush at ten-over (+10). Alaine Ervin of the Metropolitan eClub and Paula Sanchez Lozano of Old Hickory tied for third at fifteen-over (+15). Lastly, to round out the top five was Tess Guignon of the Gateway PGA Jr Golf Club at sixteen-over (+16). Piar becomes the fifth golfer to have won the Metropolitan Women’s Amateur title twice, joining Ellen Port, Barbara Berkmeyer, Schwete Galande, and McKenna Montgomery.

Full Results 8

Photos

Issue 5 | July 2026

The Metropolitan

Old Warson Cup The final match of the Old Warson Cup began at 12:00pm.This battle royale saw Ryan Sullivan versus Drew Pranger. These two competitors fought to the finish and continually matched one another’s stride. Sullivan, however, held control for much of the match. Sullivan grabbed the reins on holes 2 and 3 to go 2 Up. Pranger then came back to claim holes 5, 7, and 8. At 1 Up through 8, this was the only time Pranger held a lead in the match. A wayward tee shot and a lost ball on 9 for Pranger helped Sullivan capture another hole win just before the turn. The pair moved on to Hole 10 tied up. The back nine is where these two golfers went shot for shot and blow for blow. Still tied through 11, Sullivan regained a lead on the 12th. Pranger stuck one in close on 13 to tie the score again. Sullivan then responded on Hole 14 to once again go 1 Up. Getting through the last 4 holes was not necessarily pretty, but showed skill in recoverability and perseverance for the pair. On Hole 17 during this stretch, Pranger was able to dash Sullivan’s hopes of finishing the match by winning the hole and bringing the match back to all square. As they made their way up 18, Pranger’s approach shot was left short of the green. Sullivan was on the green, but would still need a good putt to try to close it. Pranger hit his chip and in dramatic fashion, it rolled just shy of the hole, putting the pressure on Sullivan. Sullivan then stepped up to his ball and trying to will it in, watched as it rolled by the cup. The pair each conceded the other’s next shot and were off to extra holes. They made their way back to Hole 1 to continue the extended match. Both players faced long putts on the first green and both missed by a small margin. Marking down par, they turned to Hole 2. Pranger’s tee shot started blocking to the right with fear of out of bounds looming, but he caught a break as the ball landed in bounds in the grass just between the right bunkers. Sullivan was in the fairway, but his second shot landed short of the green. Pranger’s second was on the green. Sullivan chipped up, but still had some room left. Pranger’s putt just didn’t want to fall in, which gave Sullivan an opening to tie the hole. Sullivan stepped up and did just that by sinking his putt.

Issue 5 | July 2026

So, they were on to Hole 3. Neither player was able to get the ball in close with their tee shot, leaving lengthy putts to try to settle it. Both Sullivan and Pranger hit great putts, but with neither going in, they were forced onto a fourth extra hole. Sullivan placed his drive in the fairway, while Pranger was caught behind a few trees. Pranger’s second shot smacked into a tree and dropped into the fairway not far in front of where Sullivan’s ball laid. Sullivan hit his second in the green and it started tracking slightly left. He got a

lucky landing with his ball finding the grass patch in the middle of the left greenside bunker. Pranger’s third shot and approach into the green was a beauty that had the potential to set him up for a successful finish. Sullivan chipped his ball onto the green, leaving just a few feet. Pranger then stepped up to putt his ball and watched as it rolled past the right edge of the cup. Sullivan had one job left to do. Stepping up, Sullivan rolled his ball into the hole to finally put the match to bed. In 22 holes, Ryan Sullivan became the 28th Old Warson Cup Champion, marking the longest final match in cup history. Twice the final match has gone to 21 holes, but a new match length record is officially in the books. In total this weekend, Sullivan played 68 holes to knock out the competition and finish on top. Sullivan started this cup as the number one seeded player after earning it with a successful 2025 campaign and now walks away triumphant as the Old Warson Cup Champion.

~ Senior Old Wasrson Cup ~ The Senior Old Warson Cup final match kicked off at 11:45am. This was a meet up of David Pfeil of The Legends Country Club and Buddy Allen of Sugar Creek Golf Course. This match looked like it was going to be a long one for the first half of the day. Allen went 1 Up after 2, but it was short lived as Pfeil won the next hole to get back to even. The pair went toe to toe for the next five holes, remaining tied. Allen won Hole 9 and that was the change in momentum he had been looking for. Winning on holes 10, 11, and 13, Allen was suddenly 4 Up through 13. Pfeil cut into that score with a Hole 14 win, but three more holes down was a tough hill to climb. The pair made their way down the 16th hole. On his third shot and approach into the green, Allen pitched one into the hole from the fairway. Disbelief and excitement from those watching, including competitor Pfeil. With Pfeil unable to match that stroke, Allen shut down the match, 4 & 2, to claim his second Senior Old Warson Cup title.

Full Results Photos 11

9-H ole C hampionship

The Metropolitan

Issue 5 | July 2026

t was a damp but beautiful morning at Ballwin Golf Club as players arrived ready for the 8th Metropolitan 9-Hole Championship. They competed from varying yardages based on their division, taking on the par 36 course in hopes of putting together some strong rounds. Players in the men, senior, and super senior divisions competed for both the gross and net titles. Details for the net divisions are reflective of after the strokes were applied. Austin Donovan of the Gateway PGA Jr Golf Club was the first to tee off and immediately set the tone for the day. Competing in both the Junior and Men’s gross divisions, Donovan recorded just one bogey early in his round before adding three birdies. He finished at two-under par (-2), winning both the Junior and Men’s gross divisions despite being only 15 years old. Behind Donovan in the Men’s gross division was his dad, Mark Donovan of the Metropolitan eClub, who shot two birdies and finished at one-over par (+1). Then the handicaps were applied to determine the Men’s net champion. Justin Zhang of Ballwin Golf Club started strong on his home course, carding a birdie on the first hole. He followed up with another birdie and then an eagle. However, Matt Brugner of MAC Golf Club came in with consistency. He shot three birdies with only one bogey, landing him in first after nine. Brugner ended net two-under (-2) as the Men’s net division Champion, with Zhang in second at net one-under (-1). Chris Scaglione and Harold Hogan of the Metropolitan eClub battled for the Senior gross trophy. Scaglione teed off first, recording an eagle on the second hole and adding two pars late in his round. Hogan followed directly after Scaglione and relied on consistency throughout his round. He shot par on six of nine holes, finishing atop the leaderboard at four-over par (+4) to claim the Senior gross title. Scaglione finished in second at 12-over (+12). Once handicaps were applied, Brendan Moore of the Metropolitan eClub, secured the Senior net division title. Moore began his round confidently, opening with pars on the first two holes. Despite facing a couple of bogeys, he quickly regained momentum with two birdies to keep himself in contention. His steady play throughout the round helped him finish on top at five-over par (+5). After the seniors came the Super Senior gross division. Despite a rough start with two bogeys, John Chastain of the Metropolitan eClub made an impressive comeback with a birdie on hole 3, followed by pars on the remaining holes. Rick Seebeck of Bellerive Country Club, who played alongside Chastain, also carded one birdie during his round. However, Chastain finished atop the leaderboard at one-over (+1), while Seebeck was second at four-over (+4). Applying handicaps, the Super Senior net winners were crowned. Buck Clement of the Metropolitan eClub put up a fight toward the end of his round with an eagle followed by a birdie on hole 7 and 8. John Jelovic of the Metropolitan eClub answered with a solid round, recording pars on six holes and adding two birdies of his own. His birdies helped him reach the top of the leaderboard at one-under par (-1), while Clement finished at two-over par (+2). Lastly was the Parent/Child Scramble where Jillian Tedesco and Salvatore Tedesco of Meadowbrook Country Club teamed up to card a birdie on the fourth hole while adding pars on four additional holes. Their steady performance throughout the round helped them finish at four-over par (+4), earning them the Parent/Child Scramble trophy. Overall, the 8th Metropolitan 9-Hole Championship showcased memorable rounds across every age division. Congratulations to all division champions and participants for making this year’s championship a success!

Photos

Full Results

A Look Inside the Championship The Metropolitan Amateur Golf Association is eagerly gearing up for its 36th Amateur Championship, which will run over the course of three days, July 30 through August 1 at the Country Club of St. Albans. This will be the club’s third time hosting this championship: first in 1994, again in 2018, and now in 2026. The Country Club of St. Albans’ Lewis and Clark course was created by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish. As the name implies, the course was created in honor of the legendary explorers. The course opened in 1992, and soon thereafter hosted the Metropolitan Amateur Championship. The designers embraced the natural surroundings, making sure to preserve natural habitats for resident wildlife and plant species to thrive. The land has a rich history from the early days of this country. From pioneers and their travel west to the civil war, St. Albans has seen many things - not to mention an array of golf talent. The Country Club of St. Albans has proven a worthy championship course. The Lewis and Clark Course has served as the host for the Metropolitan Open Championship seventeen out of the twenty years. It has also held USGA Qualifiers and the 2009 U.S. Men’s State Team Championship. The 2017 Junior PGA Championship was played on these coveted fairways which Rose Zhang and Akshay Bhatia won. Both courses have hosted the final of the Sobbe Cup for the Metropolitan and countless championships from local and state associations including the Missouri Women’s Amateur Golf Championship, the Missouri State Amateur, the Missouri Cup Matches, and the St. Louis Men’s District Championship. In 2025, Lewis and Clark was ranked the 11th best course in the state by Golf Digest. Starting the Monday before, players begin practice rounds to prepare for the tournament. Here is a brief look at this year’s field, consisting of 156 players, and what to expect as the championship is underway. The tournament will take place at St. Albans’ par 72, 7,332 yard Lewis & Clark Course. It is known to be the most challenging of St. Albans’ two courses. Players will compete with elevation changes as well as several

rock-lined creeks and streams guarding the fairways. Several past winners of the Metropolitan Amateur will return this year, adding a wealth of experience to the field at St. Albans. Among the returning champions are John Kelly, the 2004 Champion and Skip Berkmeyer, the 2009 Champion. More recent champions from the last 10 years returning include Brad Carpenter, the 2019 Champion, Drew Pranger, who captured the title in 2016, 2018 and 2022, Justin Bryant, the 2024 Champion and Corey Choate, the defending champion after claiming the title in 2025. Pranger has especially proven himself a strong competitor, by not only having won three separate times, but with one of those titles coming on the Lewis and Clark course at St. Albans in 2018. The 2026 Runner-Up, David Strickland is back again this year as well as he looks to add his name to the champions list. Multiple players in this year’s field have already marked a successful showing this summer. Ryan Sullivan is the association’s most recent champion after winning the Old Warson Cup. Junior golfer, Hudson Shy will join the field off the back of his Metropolitan Junior Amateur win. Harper Ackermann went home with the Low Amateur medal from the Metropolitan Open earlier this summer, after surviving the cut alongside Ryan Sullivan and Justin Bryant. Conner McCall began his summer well with a win in the East Side Amateur. Joseph Williams and Keenan Flemming teamed up early this summer in the U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Championship where they narrowly missed the cut. Ten members of the 2026 winning Shogren Cup team will be teeing it up next week. Across the board, the tournament will be competitive, boasting an average handicap of +0.6. 45 different clubs will be represented and the average age of the players is 31. It promises to be a championship to remember!

Championship Field Defending Champion Corey Choate ->

Issue 5 | July 2026

The Metropolitan

U.S. Senior Amateur Qualifier U.S. Amateur Final Qualifier

t was a partly cloudy to overcast day at Algonquin Golf Club for the U.S. Senior Amateur Qualifier. Twenty-nine golfers came to throw their hat in the ring for the chance to play in this USGA championship. Play began at 8:00am. Two qualifying spots into the championship field were available. Paul Neeman of St. Louis, MO came in with the low score of the day, keeping his game at bay as the day went on. Neeman went off in the first group of the day and was bogey free through seven holes. After ending his front nine on two bogeys, Neeman kicked off his back nine with a birdie on Hole 10. Heading into the final hole one-over, Neeman squeezed in one last birdie on the 18th to finish at even (E) par. He then had to wait to see what his competitors would do. Ron Mangold of Pocahontas, AR started his day in the second group off this morning. Mangold made the turn at two-over par, but did not let that

deter him. Turning the ship around, Mangold shot a bogey free back nine featuring one birdie on the 13th hole. This would bring Mangold into the clubhouse at one-over (+1) par. As play continued into the afternoon and players continued to turn in scores, no one seemed to be able to catch Neeman and Mangold. Around 1:37pm lightning entered the area, suspending play. Luckily, the delay was not long with play resuming at approximately 2:09pm. Once all scores were in, three were tied at two-over (+2) par and just outside of the cut line. John Derrick of Waco, TX, Matt McGrath of Des Peres, MO, and Brett Allen of Columbia, MO would have to play off for the alternate spots. The playoff began on Hole 1, where Derrick would make bogey and be out of the playoff. McGrath and Allen continued on to Hole 18 for a second playoff hole. There, McGrath would claim the first alternate spot and Allen would settle for the second alternate spot. Paul Neeman enters the 70th U.S. Senior Amateur field as the qualifying medalist. Ron Mangold will join him in Texas as the second qualifier. Matt McGrath waits on the sideline as the first alternate and Brett Allen falls in line as the second alternate.

Senior Final Results Amateur Final Results

nder bright, sunny skies at Old Hickory Golf Club, 25 golfers competed in the U.S. Amateur Final Qualifying Round for a chance to advance to the 126th U.S. Amateur Championship at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. Play began at 7:30 a.m., with five qualifying spots and two alternate positions available in the championship field. The course played to a par 72. Play began and Jake Moffitt of Ripley, MS set the pace early. He started his round with a whopping five birdies on the front. Despite a double bogey on hole 11, Moffitt quickly recovered with four more birdies on the back. He came in with the lowest score of the day at six-under (-6), 66. Kristoffer L Kuvaas of Houston, TX, teed off after Moffitt and continued strong. Ready to compete with Moffitt, he shot six birdies on the front followed by one birdie on the back. Kuvaas finished at three-under (-3) par. Eager to potentially qualify, Kuvaas had to wait as the last half of the field finished to see if he secured a spot. Then, Cole Kirby of Jonesboro, AR teed off, having yet another impressive round. After opening with three consecutive pars, Kirby recorded three birdies on the front nine. On the back he shot four more birdies to finish out strong. Ending at an impressive five-under (-5) par, Kirby was looking comfortable sitting in second. Chase Hughes of Oklahoma City, OK delivered a steady performance. Carding only one bogey his entire round, he started with three birdies on the front. Hughes kept it consistent with three more birdies on the back. Overall,

he shot five-under (-5), scoring a 67 alongside Kirby just behind the leader. Lastly, Austin Krahn of Canada closed the qualifying round on a strong note while playing in the final grouping of the day. Even after seeing the competition, he maintained steady play throughout the day, shooting three birdies on the front followed by four more birdies on the back. He ended his round three-under (-3) par to match Kuvaas. With his finish, Krahn locked in the top golfers who would claim qualifying spots. As for those just outside the cutline, four golfers were tied at two-under (-2) par. Those four were Anson Munzlinger of Columbia, MO, Jordan Less of Lombard, IL, NaShawn Tyson of North Palm Beach, FL, and Leandro Mihaich of Argentina. Munzlinger, Less, and Mihaich were present for the playoff to determine who would get the alternate positions. In the playoff, Muzlinger secured the first alternate spot after the first playoff hole. Mihaich then claimed the second alternate spot after the second playoff hole. Jake Moffitt earned his place in the 126th U.S. Amateur field as the qualifying medalist at six-under. Also entering the championship field will be Cole Kirby and Chase Hughes after finishing at five-under, while Kristoffer L Kuvaas and Austin Krahn concluded their rounds at three-under. Sitting in the wings should a competitor withdraw are Anson Munzlinger as the first alternate and Leandro Mihaich as the second alternate.

From the Metro to the USGA U.S. Junior Amateur Saucon Valley Country Club

Cole Packingham Lake St. Louis, MO

~ Missed Cut (+8) ~

The Metropolitan

The Bogeyman

Like having your cake and Eating it too

D aylight savings time has been in the news recently. A movement is afoot to make it permanent and do away with the time change, a movement that gained some steam in the U.S. House of Representatives recently with approval of the “Sunshine Protection Act.” Of course, the Senate still needs to sign off for it to become adapted.

been scheduled out for years in advance, with the 2035 edition booked for Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, N.Y. Consider that next year’s PGA is at Frisco Fields in the Dallas area, and imagine that environment in mid-August. You’ll need a hydration break just thinking about it. All that said, the wish here is they would do what they did with DST in 1974 and change it back, i.e. move the PGA back to its former home.

Interestingly enough, we’ve been down this road before. In 1974, President Richard Nixon signed the Emergency Daylight Saving Time Energy Conservation Act into law, which was intended to save fuel during an OPEC oil embargo.

This DST business brings the PGA Championship to mind. If you recall, the PGA formerly was played in mid-August, just before Labor Day, the fourth and final men’s major of the season. From 1969 to 2018, with an exception here and there, it batted cleanup in the lineup. For some in the PGA world, this was a bone of contention, an indignity. The feeling being that, because for its place on the schedule, the championship didn’t enjoy the same reverence as the other majors. It was the Rodney Dangerfield of golf’s majors, if you will. At the same time, the mid-August championship was competing for attention with the beginning of NFL and college football seasons. The golf schedule becomes even more squeezed during years the Olympics, Ryder Cup or President’s Cup are contested. With the PGA out of the way, it was thought, more focus would be placed on the year-ending FedExCup playoffs as if anyone truly cared. So, starting in 2019, the PGA has been conducted in mid-May.

Now, before we go further, Ol’ Bogey will offer a disclaimer: As always, a lot of money is involved in all of this, a lot of irons are on the fire. The PGA’s move has impacted the PGA Tour schedule in a number of ways, and not the least of the factors is contractual. What’s more, the championship has

first conducted on October 17, 1860 at Prestwick Golf Club, by the actual founders of the game. Ever since Arnold Palmer made the trip to St. Andrews in 1960, The Open has enjoyed a prestigious seat at the major championship table. Is the PGA Championship - which began as a match-play event in 1916 - as celebrated as those three, no. Never will be, not no how, not no way. But it had its own personality, one it no longer claims. Now, the championship just seems to bunch things up, make the schedule top heavy. Before the Masters comes striding in, the Players Championship - or “fifth major” - arrives in March. It’s like Rush opening for Frank Sinatra. Then, in the spot where the Players once stood, is the PGA in mid-May. The season seems only a few weeks old and, already, it’s half over. Four weeks later, the U.S. Open tees off.

Nixon signed the legislation and made DST permanent on January 6. But by October 27, Congress signed legislation repealing the act. That is, the change went over like a Dylan Mulvaney Bud Light promotion.

This year, the championship was May 16-19 at Aronimink Golf Club near Philadelphia. The winner was someone named Aaron Rai. Over the years, it has not been uncommon for the PGA to be captured by “someone named” players. Some things don’t change, regardless of the schedule.

Dan O’Neill

Issue 5 | July 2026

If the goal was to shed more light on the PGA, display it in a more prominent place, boost its stature and reputation, the effect has been quite different. The second major of the season comes too soon after the first, dilutes the pool of excitement, detracts from the third. The golf season, as well as the summer, used to have a nice balance. Things kicked off with flowers and piano music when the Masters arrived in April. Two months later, it got hot and heavy when the U.S. Open arrived, “identifying the best player.” In mid-July, we had the history and links golf of the British Open - with a texture and character all its own. And when they were over, we still had one more for the road the PGA. The championship featured those who had captured the year’s previous majors, presented a bit of the Masters’ color and pageantry, a bit of the U.S. Open’s grit and brought us back from overseas to the green, green grass of home. The final major of the season brought closure to the summer months, tied the year’s majors all together and stuck a bow on the golf season. That was the PGA’s identity, and it should have embraced it instead of comparing itself to the other three. Played at the same romantic place - Augusta National saturated in the colors of spring and renewal - independent of golf’s three governing bodies - the Masters has an ambiance that can never be replicated. First played in 1895, soaked in history and national significance, tethered to iconic venues and legendary names, the U.S. Open has a tradition that makes it the quintessential U.S. championship. No golf event can match the heritage of the British Open. It was

The old schedule allowed things to breathe, let eight additional weeks of regular PGA Tour results create more contenders, more little stories to develop before embracing the next big one. As Mrs. Bogeyman often says, “Everything in moderation.” The golf season now is like having your cake and eating it too, and eating the rest of the cake on the table while you’re at it. The effect has not been to elevate the stature of the PGA. The effect has been to rain on the U.S. Open’s prestige parade. Not many golf fans, certainly not the casual ones, can maintain that amount of anticipation or interest. Yes, the two Opens and the PGA used to be conducted over three consecutive months. But it made sense - those three months are the heart of the summer. Those three majors blended well together, regardless of how they ranked in perceived importance. When the last was over, for all practical matters, so was the summer, and we were ready for football. But with The Players in March, Masters in April, PGA in May, U.S. Open in June and British Open in July, we have the five biggest annual events in golf spent in five months - done, with six more weeks of prime golf season remaining. It’s like waking up to go to work in the morning, while it’s still dark outside.

The Metropolitan

Issue 5 | July 2026

Sup’s On: Tips and Tricks for Your Home Lawn Chad Fetter

Bogey Hills Country Club

et’s switch gears a little! The Metropolitan has already seen some great articles by Supers explaining the importance of greens aerification, water management and summer stress! I will quickly lay out some bullets on some current golf course shenanigans, then dive into some topics that could help you on your own property.

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Soil Management

Every one of us is counting down the days till fall, battling weather events and golf events left and right. Our current catch phrase is “dog days of summer.” Most of us are currently dreading this month as our summer seasonal staff members go back to school leaving a void in our maintenance team. Please be patient as many courses become short-handed during the final months of the season while others bring on new team members requiring a few weeks of training to get up to speed. Take a moment and appreciate how nice the zoysia grass tees, fairways, and collars are in the area right now. Adequate rain and summer heat have these surfaces howling at the moon! We are protecting our assets(greens) currently. Increased mowing heights, decreased rolling and slightly slower green speeds. We know it, you know it, lets move on. Everyone is quick to talk about ball marks, but no one mentions bunkers. We spend more labor hours in bunkers than greens maintenance annually. As golfers, please take more pride in raking yourselves out. Two hands and a smooth finish will be appreciated by both your fellow golfers and our crew. Park your golf cart with all four tires on the cart path when coming to rest. Teeside and greenside path edges are not only highly visible but unfortunately also highly trafficked. Parked carts put a lot of stress on these areas and takes a toll on the turf. Think of it as your own driveway!

As a golf course superintendent, I spend every day managing turfgrass under demanding conditions. While your home lawn doesn’t need to perform like a golf course, many of the same principles apply. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s growing healthy, resilient turf that naturally resists weeds, diseases, and environmental stress. Here are the practices I recommend for homeowners with cool-season grasses such as kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, and fine fescue.

Turf Management •

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Having the proper turf type for your property is key. Most cool season lawns are Tall Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass. Fescue is typically the most tolerant to drought and summer stress. If you have heavy shade from trees, consider implementing Fine Fescue. Proper mowing heights of 3-4” should be utilized. Raising mowing heights in the summer help reduce stress which in result can reduce water inputs and disease pressure. Taller grass promotes deeper roots! Keep your mower blade(s) sharp! A clean cut on each leaf blade certainly reduces stress and disease pressure. Doesn’t need to be maintained weekly, or even monthly for some, but should sharpen multiple times a year.

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A beautiful lawn is not built by one product or one weekend of work. As a golf course superintendent, I’ve learned that long-term success comes from managing the entire growing environment. When homeowners focus on sound turf management, efficient water use, healthy soils, and responsible chemical practices, they create a lawn that not only looks better but also requires fewer inputs over time. The healthiest lawns are those managed proactively, with careful observation and consistent maintenance rather than reactive treatments. Think like a turf manager, and your lawn will reward you with stronger roots, richer color, better drought tolerance, and year-round resilience.

Water Management • •

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If irrigating, try to water deeply and infrequently. Longer cycles, less days of the week will promote deeper rooting. Irrigate early in the morning as opposed to during the day or evening. The longer the leaf blade is wet, the more susceptible it is to disease. Early morning water also helps knock dew down which is mixture of sugars and waters that can act like an energy drink for some disease pathogens. Consider installing an irrigation system with a rainhold feature that can be set to automatically turn off an irrigation cycle if it rains, reducing your water bill and disease pressure.

Fertilizer/Pesticide Management •

If new construction, always haul in topsoil. Most developments and home builds scrape away the topsoil leaving you with a mix of hard clay and whatever rock they spilled along the way. 3-4” of soil is a game changer for plant health. No topsoil? No problem. Material spreaders can be hired or rented to apply thin layers of topsoil or compost to slowly build up your organic matter profile over years. Leaving grass clippings on your lawn helps with this too! Organic matter improves soil structure, moisture retention, and nutrient availability. Fall aerification isn’t always needed! If you push mow your lawn and have no traffic (kids, etc) then you can probably save a few dollars and skip this every other year.

management practices. Proactive management is always healthier and cheaper than reactive management. Do the research. Always apply products strategically and responsibly. Always apply at label rates and dispose of bags, bottles and/or jugs properly. Soils testing determines the soils pH level as well as nutrient availability so educated decisions can be made on fertilizer choices. In general, cool season lawns respond best to fertility in fall when root growth is strongest. Moderate slow-release fertilizer in spring is a good practice while preventing high fertility in summer which can lead to higher drought and disease pressure. Use scouting methods through apps on your phone to help diagnose potential weeds or stressed areas. Not every brown spot is disease or a dry spot or vice versa. Not every weed can be eradicated by the same chemical. Pest ID is key to success!

This topic could get very deep, but the ultimate goal is to manage a healthy lawn that is naturally more resistant to drought, disease, insect and weeds by using best

The Metropolitan

Step, Stamp, Stomp

Rules Center

Bryson DeChambeau is back in the spotlight over another rules controversy... During the Open Championship second round at Royal Birkdale, DeChambeau hit a stray tee shot into the tall fescue on Hole 5. In the process of locating the ball and assessing the next shot, he stamped down some of the tall grass. It wasn’t until he had finished his round and was returning his scorecard that the committee questioned him regarding his actions. Officials were waiting for DeChambeau in the scoring tent to question if he had improved his lie or conditions affecting the stroke when preparing to take his shot. They even went as far to drive him back out to the spot to show him where and how it appeared to change. At the end of the day, the Rules Committee of the R&A decided that he HAD improved the area of intended swing and assessed him 2-stroke penalty under Rule 8.1. Now, people have debated this and argued over whether this should have been a penalty. It is a tough situation. When in tall fescue like that, it can be hard to assess and make a stroke. In this case, the problem was not simply that DeChambeau had walked around during his preparation. The problem and nail in the coffin was HOW he walked around. With heavy, big stomp-like steps, he tramped through the grass. As can be seen in the videos of the instance, the once standing tall grass was pushed down by his feet and did not return to its upright position when he moved away. This also happened to be in the same area in which his backswing could have seen some interference from the grass. When it comes to improving the conditions of the stroke, that includes the area of your intended swing - even if you aren’t completely sure what that area is yet. Once he stepped up to the ball and hit, the path of the club during his swing was known and consequently it could be seen that where he had stepped was in that path. There’s also the matter of intention. Once this was called out, it became a debate of did he intend to alter the condition affect the stroke. Of course, DeChambeau will deny any malicious intent there, but it doesn’t stop the people from speculating. Regardless, his intent does not change the outcome much here. The lesson here: be conscious of the steps you take when you are walking around and preparing for a stroke, especially when you are off the beaten path in the weeds. Don’t take big heavy stomping steps, but rather place your foot down with a little more standard delicacy and intention. Also think about where your swing might pass through before you start taking those steps. You just have to play it smart and be aware of ALL your surroundings and how they might change. No matter which side you argue in the DeChambeau case, remember, you aren’t supposed to be over there in the first place... So what exactly does Rule 8.1 say and how does it affect how you can take your stance?

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John explains more on Fairly Taking Your Stance --> Dear John: I hooked my drive into the boonies. The ball came to rest on rocky ground surrounded by tall weeds. I

was able to take a stance, but the weeds made it hard for me to see the ball and interfered with my swing (top picture). Frustrated, I pinned the weeds to the ground with my foot (bottom picture) and successfully punched the ball to the fairway. It’s okay to move weeds out of the way in a situation like that, right? How else was I supposed to play the shot?

--BushMan

Issue 5 | July 2026

Fairly Taking Stance

Dear BushMan: This is a classic “bad country” situation; a shot hampered by tall grass, weeds, brush or trees. You’re not alone. Many players, even pros, aren’t sure about the restrictions in moving vegetation. Your initial stance was fine, but then you veered into trouble. The fundamental axiom of the Rules of Golf is, “Play the course as you find it and your ball as it lies.” In part, this means not improving the lie of the ball, areas of intended stance or swing, line of play, or relief area for dropping or placing by moving, bending or breaking any growing or attached natural object” (Rule 8.1a). This would include hooking, standing on, and deliberately breaking weeds and branches to afford a better shot (i.e, bull in a china shop, careless, and intentional damage). The penalty is tivo strokes in stroke play and loss of hole match play. Having said that, the Rules make some exceptions:

Weed in front of club interferes with swing

1. Fairly taking a stance (Rule 8.1b(6) and Clarification 8.1b/3): Leave vegetation in place as much as possible when taking a stance (i.e., minimal disturbance of the area when moving into position; least intrusive posture). The player is allowed to move prudently to the ball and place their feet firmly in taking a stance (Rule 8.1b(5)), even if they accidentally move, bend or break a branch(s) in doing so. Upon taking a stance, the player may find themself immersed in weeds, branches, or tall grass. The player is entitled to see the ball, but not necessarily from an overhead position. They are not entitled to a normal stance or swing. The player’s swing may be severely limited (e.g., a crouched-over short punch). Simply stated, avoid deliberate damage and proceed with care. 2. Making a stroke or backswing (Rule 8.1b(7)): The player may move, bend, or break anything growing or attached on their backswing and the subsequent downward motion of a stroke; just Weed Pinned Down With Right Foot don’t stop (i.e., once the backswing is started, the stroke must be completed in one motion). This applies only to a stroke, not a practice swing. This exception does not apply to vegetation rooted in, extending up above, and overhanging the edge of a no play zone defined as an abnormal course condition (Rule 16.1f).

Weed pinned down with right foot

3. Restoring worsened conditions (Rules 8.1c): If the player has improved conditions affecting the stroke, by moving, bending and breaking a growing or attached natural object, they may avoid a penalty by restoring the conditions so that the improvement is eliminated. Examples would be returning a branch to its original position and straightening up a bent weed. A tall weed, broken at the base after being stepped on, cannot be restored, so the player incurs the general penalty. 4. Lightly grounding the club in front or behind the ball (Rule 8.Ib(4)). This means the ground supports only the weight of the club; no hard pressing of the club on grass or ground behind the ball to improve the lie or area of swing, except in the teeing area. The player may do their best to make a stroke at the ball in “bad country,” or they may also proceed under an unplayable-ball option with a one-stroke penalty (Rule 19.2). This edition of the Rules Center features an excerpt from MAGA Rules Official John Thorman’s e-book Let’s Get It Right

Issue 3 | May 2025

The Metropolitan

*Standings as of 7/31/26. For Full Standings Click the Underlined Heading*

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Men’s POY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Name

Affiliation

Ryan Sullivan Harper Ackermann Chad Niezing Chris Kovach Drew Pranger Thomas Wuennenberg Justin Bryant Brad Carpenter Corey Choate Joseph Williams

Tapawingo National GC Metropolitan eClub Meadowbrook CC Old Hickory GC Glen Echo CC Tapawingo National GC St. Louis CC Franklin County CC The Legends CC MAC GC

Events

Wins

Points

3 1 2 2 1 3 1 2 3 1

1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1327.5 850 600 562.5 485 477.5 430 390 373.33 311.67

Senior Men’s POY 1 2 3 4 5

Name

Affiliation

Buddy Allen Brian Hall Paul Neeman Mike Castellari Brian Lovett

Sugar Creek GC Persimmon Woods GC Persimmon Woods GC Salem CC Bellerive CC

Events

Wins

Points

3 2 2 1 2

1 1 1 1 0

350 245 240 200 160

1 2 3 T4

Affiliation

Mike O’Neill Jim Dunn David Speicher Berry Yehling Robert Trittler

Metropolitan eClub Norwood Hills CC Cardinal Creek GC Gateway National GL Persimmon Woods GC

Women’s POY

Name

Affiliation

Gracie Piar Mia Rallo Annabelle Bush

Old Hickory GC Norwood Hills CC Whitmoor CC Old Hickory GC Metropolitan eClub

Paula Sanchez Lozano

Alaina Ervin

Events

Wins

Points

1 1 1 1 1

1 1 0 0 0

925 700 525 400 400

Events

Wins

Points

3 3 2 2 2

1 1 1 0 0

1600 937.5 837.5 675 587.5

Events

Wins

Points

3 3 2 2 1

0 1 1 0 0

1137.5 1137.5 862.5 400 400

SIGA Men’s POY 1 2 3 4 5

Name

Affiliation

River Stilley Bryan Warren Cy Norman Bryce Doughty Jeff Gray

SIGA eClub McLeansboro GC Apple Creek GC SIGA eClub SIGA eClub

SIGA Senior Men’s POY

Super Senior Men’s POY Name

To see which events are eligible for points, click here.

Events

Wins

Points

3 1 3 2 2

1 1 0 0 1

377.5 200 157.5 155 150

T1 3 T4

Name

Affiliation

Tom Portner Jeff Gray Mike Castellari James Starkweather Jim Giacone

Green Hills GC SIGA eClub Salem CC SIGA eClub Benton CC

The Metropolitan

Keeping Up with the USGA

Issue 5 | July 2026

Bob Buck Named Inaugural McGraw Family Award Recipient LIBERTY CORNER, N.J. (July 6, 2026) – At the U.S. Adaptive Open players’ dinner on Saturday, July 4, Bob Buck of Bethlehem, Pa., received the USGA’s newest honor – the McGraw Family Award – created to recognize an individual who has demonstrated exemplary commitment to expanding opportunities in golf for those with disabilities. The award, part of a multi-year commitment from the Harold McGraw III Foundation to support the U.S. Adaptive Open, will be presented annually to honor those who have had a meaningful impact on the adaptive golf community through advocacy, outreach, programming, partnership and service, while demonstrating strong character and integrity. “The support of the Harold McGraw III Foundation and the McGraw Family enables us to continue elevating the U.S. Adaptive Open and recognize someone who has given so much to adaptive golf through the McGraw Family Award,” said USGA CEO Mike Whan. “There is no more deserving recipient than Bob Buck, whose contributions over several decades have been profound, and whose unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for adaptive golfers at every level has left a lasting impact that is truly worth celebrating.” Buck, a below-knee amputee since 1970, established the Eastern Amputee Golf Association (EAGA) in 1986 to raise awareness for golfers with disabilities through competitions and clinics. In the years since, the EAGA has grown into one of the largest organizations in the country dedicated to grassroots adaptive golf programming. From supporting wounded veterans and others through instructional classes to chairing the accessibility efforts at the 2000 U.S. Senior Open – the first USGA championship to offer scooter and wheelchair viewing in the stands – Buck’s contributions have created opportunities for countless individuals. A talented player, he won more than 24 EAGA events, while also claiming multiple regional titles and competing both nationally and internationally in adaptive golf events.

“I’m beyond humbled to be the first recipient of this award,” said Buck. “This has been a passion of mine for more years than I can count, and to be recognized this way honestly leaves me speechless.” Buck also received the Golf Association of Philadelphia’s Distinguished Service Award in 2025, only the 12th time that honor was bestowed upon someone in the 129-year history of the organization. To learn more about Bob Buck, click here. Led by Harold “Terry” McGraw, former Chairman, President and CEO of the McGraw-Hill Companies, the Foundation and McGraw family have a long history of supporting those with special needs. The U.S. Adaptive Open struck a particular chord with the family. “We are thrilled to partner with the USGA to expand access and participation in the US Adaptive Open, said Harold McGraw III. We especially want to thank Bob Buck for his enormous contribution to the growth and recognition of adaptive golf. He deeply deserves this recognition.” To learn more about the McGraw Family’s support of the U.S. Adaptive Open, click here.

The Metropolitan

Up Next for the Metro Deadlines Amateyr Series #4

Registration Deadline

Norwood Hills CC

Aug 2 Aug 12 Aug 12 Aug 12 Aug 17

Quincy CC

Aug 26

Sullivan Municipal GC

Southern Illinois Amateur U.S. Four-Ball

Green Hills GC

U.S. Women’s Four-Ball Amateur Series #5 Metropolitan Senior Amateur

Apple Creek GC

Glen Echo CC

August Schedule Metropolitan Amateur July 30-Aug 1

CC of St. Albans

Amateur Series #3

Aug 3

Spencer T. Olin GC

Amateur Series #4

Aug 10 Aug 17 Aug 22 Aug 25 Aug 26

Sullivan GC

U.S. Mid-Amateur Q Southern Illinois Am Amateur Series #5

U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Q

The Legends CC Green Hills GC Norwood Hills CC Westborough CC

THE BEST PLAY HERE. Aug. 18-23, 2026 Bellerive Country Club

Tickets On Sale Now BMWChampionship.com

World of Golf

The Metropolitan

Amundi Evian Championship Shiho Kuwaki

John Deere Classic Chris Gotterup ISCO Championship Steven Fisk Corales Puntacana Championship Stefano Mazzoli 3M Open Jackson Koivun

Hulencourt Women’s Open Carolina Chacarra ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open Jenny Shin Qualifying School Final USA Thomas Giroux

Genesis Scottish Open Tom Kim The Open Championship Ryan Fox BMW International Open Michael Hollick

Le Vaudreuil Golf Challenge Julien Sale German Challenge powered by VcG Lars Van Der Vight Raiffenisenbank Golf Challenge Anton Albers

Four Winds Invitational Haylee Harford Sanchez Greater Toledo Classic Annabelle Pancake-Webb

Issue 5 | July 2026

U.S. Senior Open Padraig Harrington Kaulig Companies Championship Zach Johnson ISPA HANDA Senior Open Jerry Kelly

OFX Irish Legends Johan Edfors

United Kingdom Lucas Herbert

Hartford Health Care Women’s Championship

Christine Wang

Blair Atholl Ladies Pro-Am Nadia van der Westhuizen

The Blue Championship Ross Steelman Evans Scholars Invitational Tommy Morrison

Explore NB Open Thomas Ponder Commissionaires Ottawa Open Mateo Fernández de Oliveira Osprey Valley Open Étienne Papineau

The Metropolitan

Jumping Through July Another month down in our summer progress. Things are moving quickly with new progress happening daily. By the end of July, we have approximately four holes left to complete plus the driving range. The wet summer has provided its challenges, but we push forward as much as we can each day. The course is looking beautiful and we can’t wait for its completion. Stay tuned for announcements as we wrap up the course construction and head closer to reopening. Updates will be shared via our social media channels and website linked below.

www.normandiereimagined.com **Course Opening Date will be publicly announced once it is determined. Stay tuned.

For more information on the Normandie Renovation Project and how you can help, visit https://www.normandiereimagined.com or contact normandie@metga.org

“The appeal of this project to me was to be involved in an effort that could serve as a catalyst to change needed in our country today, beginning with parts of St. Louis County. Restoring Normandie for a community in need will have a long-lasting positive impact on the lives of youth in St. Louis.” -Jack Nicklaus on his involvement in Normandie Reimagined

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Volume 13 | No. 5

@MetAmateurGA

Metropolitan Amateur Golf Association

Metropolitan Amateur Golf Association MAGA

Phone: 314.567.6262 Email: info@metga.org Web: metga.org

11724 Lackland Industrial Dr St. Louis, MO 63146