Met PGA E-Magazine First Quarter 2020

FORECAST PAST PRESIDENT TOM HENDERSON RUNNING FOR PGA SECRETARY

COVID-19: WHAT ACTIONS WE ARE TAKING

PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

Junior Tour

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTS

2020 FIRST QUARTER

FROM THE BOARD On behalf of the Board of Directors and our 800 members at the Metropolitan PGA Section, we are reaching out regarding the Covid-19 pandemic. The coronavirus is affecting the lives of all of us who live in the Tri-state area in ways we could not have imagined a few weeks ago. Most importantly, we hope you and all those at your facility are healthy and staying safe.

Carl Alexander, PGA President Theron Harvey, PGA Secretary Chris Kenney, PGA Treasurer James Ondo, PGA 1st Vice President Andrew Gruss, PGA 2nd Vice President Board of Directors Jack Druga, PGA John Guyton, PGA Rich Jones, PGA Chris Marinaro, PGA Nick Maselli, PGA Cory Muller, PGA Gary Murphy, PGA Shaun Powers, PGA John Schmoll, PGA Stuart Waack, PGA Brian Crowell, PGA Honorary President

Tom Henderson, PGA District Director

Jeff Voorheis Executive Director

We believe it is important for us to alert you to the fact that we are receiving significant email correspondence and phone calls from PGA Professionals in our section who are concerned about going to work and interacting with customers and members during these trying times.

While we, more than any other organization, understand the value of golf as a safe haven to get exercise and take a break from the uncertainty and anxiety many of us are feeling, we no longer believe that “staying open� in any traditional way is prudent or safe for your employees or those you serve.

The golf season typically does not start until mid to late April in our area. While we empathize and respect the pressure golf clubs are under from their members to open their facilities during this mild spring weather, we believe this could have a measurable negative effect on the business for the rest of the season. The Metropolitan NY Area is now in the epicenter of the Corona Virus.

Infection rates are soaring and our hospitals are approaching dangerous over capacity issues.

Governor Cuomo has initiated a policy by which 100% of the workforce must stay home, excluding essential services. All non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason are temporarily banned. The NY State Department of Health has advised all non-essential businesses to close. Health officials are pleading with the public to stay-at-home and to flatten the curve. The Federal Government has asked anyone who has been to New York City in the past month to self-isolate for 2 weeks.

Clearly the Metropolitan NY area needs to operate differently than our neighbors in upstate NY, CT and other rural areas around the country.

As such, we are asking that all facilities in our section close until such time as the shelter-at-home mandates are lifted in our area. While maintenance and security of your facility are obviously essential, we recommend eliminating contact between employees and customers to the greatest extent possible. If your facility has the option to keep its outdoor parkland space accessible for play in a safe and responsible way without staff, we understand, respect and encourage that approach. We do not believe it is possible for our golf professionals to safely provide golf carts, manage the first tee and groups, accept payment for tee times, and handle members/guests golf bags and other equipment.

We ask that clubs rethink their decisions to open their club with any services - requiring staff to interact with members and guests. And to consider the risks they are taking in the lives of those who work at their clubs. As leaders in the golf community, we encourage everyone to consider the long-term implications of exposing more people to this deadly virus which we still know very little about.

Please know that all PGA Professionals passionately stand ready to get people back into our game as soon as it is once again safe for human interaction. Golf has the unique opportunity to be one of the first activities to come back to life as a safe refuge on the other side of this pandemic. Our members, section and association will be first in line to help reinvigorate our great game.

Warm regards, The Metropolitan PGA Board of Directors

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COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS UPDATES IMPORTANT UPDATES AND LINKS MET JOINT STATEMENT

NYS EXECUTIVE ORDER

BOARD LETTER

CT STATE RESOURCES

PGA OF AMERICA RESOURCES

NAT CLUB ASSOCIATION

JUNIOR GOLF LETTER

PGA JR LEAGUE

MET PGA HOPE

DRIVE CHIP & PUTT

MET PGA COVID-19 HUB

Contents 1 2 3-4 5 6 7-8 9-10

MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD COVID-19 UPDATES CALENDAR UPDATE NEW HEAD PROFESSIONALS MEMBER MILESTONES HENDERSON FOR SECRETARY OMEGA PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

11 12-14 15-16 17-22 23-24 25-26

GOLF DIGEST TOP TEACHERS WINTER CHAMPIONSHIPS ASSISTANTS CORNER FOUNDATION HIGHLIGHTS ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT PARTNERS AND SPONSORS

www.met.pga.com || 1st Quarter 2020 ||

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2020 CALENDAR UPDATES THE LATEST REGARDING SCHEDULE CHANGES TO MET PGA EVENTS

EDUCATIONAL FORUM

ASSISTANTS MEETING

WESTCHESTER CC

HAMLET G&CC

APRIL 9

APRIL 13

POSTPONED

POSTPONED

MET PGA SPRING MEETING OLD WESTBURY G&CC

APRIL 16 POSTPONED

3

TAYLORMADE li

TAYLORMADE WCT

Pro assistant championship

Pro assistant championship

APRIL 2o

APRIL 2o

POSTPONED

POSTPONED

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QUALIFIER

QUALIFIER

LI mastercard match play

W mastercard match play

POSTPONED

POSTPONED

POLO GOLF MET PGA

met pga women’s

head pro championship

championship

may 5-6

may 5-6

POSTPONED

POSTPONED

Lincoln pro am

MASTERCARD LI

ST george’s G & CC

PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

may 11

may 26-29

POSTPONED

POSTPONED

APRIL 27

MASTERCARD W

APRIL 27

PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

Ny state open

may 26-29

may 29 - July 13

ALL QUALIFIERS

POSTPONED www.met.pga.com || 1st Quarter 2020 ||

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NEW HEAD PROFESSIONALS The Met Section has seen some significant employment changes with the start of our 2020 season. We would like to announce and congratulate the following Met PGA members who have received new Head Professional positions in our section:

Mike Argentine

Redding Country Club

Kevin Ausserlechner Mount Kisco Country Club Nick Banks

The Vineyards Golf Club

Charlie Bolling

Salem Golf Club

Peter Cowan

Swan Lake Golf & Country Club

Brian Crowell

Osiris Country Club

Lou DeKerillis

Sebonack Golf Club

Charlie Poole

The Powelton Club

Thomas Fletcher

Bedford Golf & Tennis Club

Mark Fretto

Montauk Downs State Park

Tyler Jaramillo

Fenway Golf Club

Elliott Johnson

National Golf Links

Justin Koff

Bethpage State Park

Justin Marano

Silo Ridge Field Club

Alex Smith

Seawane Club

(Steven Dougan promoted to Director of Operations)

(Jim Morris promoted to Director of Golf)

MEMBER MILESTONES

www.met.pga.com || 1st Quarter 2020 ||

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by Mark Herrmann and has served the PGA of America on its Board of Control and Player Development and Instruction Committees among many other assignments.

From the moment he gave his very first lesson to a young man who would wind up on the PGA Tour through the times he gave hundreds of children their very first lessons, Tom Henderson has been determined to help golfers. And along the way, he has become just as determined to help his fellow helpers.

He was given the national association’s highest honor in 2015, when he was named PGA Professional of the Year. All the while, he has kept moving ahead and looking forward.

“He has already given us a ton to be proud of. To see him in that position, that would mean the world to the Met Section.”

Now he is looking to make another major step in his efforts on behalf of the game and his profession. Henderson has thrown his hat into the ring for the office of PGA of America Secretary, a role that could put him on track - Brian Crowell, PGA to be head of the national professionals organization. He is approaching the October election with the support and admiration of “One of the things I pride myself on, and I the entire Metropolitan PGA. probably attribute my longevity on the job to, is that every year I would come up with In the words of his friend and peer Brian three new ideas. I would kind of reinvent Crowell, “He has already given us a ton to myself every year,” Henderson said. “I think be proud of. To see him in that position, that I was the first professional in the Met Section would mean the world to the Met Section.” to own my own TrackMan. I always wanted to stay a step ahead and stay fresh.”

Henderson’s worth to the Met Section has been seen over and over during his 33 years The Rhode Island sustained torn knee as head pro at Round Hill Club in Greenwich, cartilage before his scheduled final season Connecticut, which recently elevated him to in Little League baseball. He started playing director of golf. He has held every possible golf and caddying at Misquamicut Club in office in the Met PGA, including president, Watch Hill, R.I.

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During his four years at the University of Rhode Island—he played one year of basketball and four years of golf—he was caddie master at Misquamicut. “It was the best summer job I could possibly have,” he said, adding that he had some in the business world after graduation but wanted to give golf a try. He landed a job as assistant at the prestigious Seminole Club in Juno Beach, Fla. “There were times when I questioned it. I had a CLICK ABOVE TO WATCH AN degree in marketing management and the first INTERVIEW WITH CARL ALEXANDER year, I was cleaning carts, picking the range, doing whatever they needed me to do,” he said. “After a couple of years, I became first “The guy is cool because he has one foot in the traditional model of golf professional assistant.” and another foot always searching for what’s His first student was Olin Browne, a 3 handicap new and what’s best for his fellow pros,” who had outsized ambitions of being a tour said Crowell, PGA Director of Golf at Osiris pro. Henderson helped him reach that goal, Country Club in Walden, N.Y. “He is very and was on his way as a teacher. He worked authentic. People are immediately trusting summers at Connecticut’s Old Lyme Country when they interact with Tom. He has earned Club, then was endorsed by someone who that. A lot of people respect him for the was a member at both Seminole and Round record he has in the Met Section, but there’s also this warmth, this personality to Tom that Hill. really makes you realize he’s listening to you While Henderson established his own when you’re talking.” reputation, he became more and more interested in helping his fellow club pros.

“Once you get a taste in leadership and you get involved in governance, you want to keep going, especially if you see some progress,” he said. “It’s great just to see that maybe you’ve made a difference with the rank and file, with the members on the ground.”

Henderson and his wife Jean raised their son Tommy, an English teacher in Japan, and daughter Caylee, a public relations whiz in Manhattan, to follow their passion, as their father has.

“I can honestly tell you,” the would-be secretary said, “it doesn’t seem like I’ve As PGA secretary, he would be chairman of worked a day in my life because it is so the Board of Control, which is the judicial enjoyable.” system of the PGA of America. Those who have served as secretary traditionally have by Mark Herrmann moved up to vice president and president. Twitter: @markpherrmann That would be fine with his colleagues in the Met Section. www.met.pga.com || 1st Quarter 2020 ||

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PLAYERS OF

DANNY BALIN PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Fresh Meadow CC 9

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F THE YEAR

JESSICA DICKSON

MARK BROWN

WOMAN PLAYER OF THE YEAR

SENIOR PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Innis Arden GC

Tam O’ Shanter Club

ALEX BEACH

CINDY REEVES

ASSISTANT PLAYER OF THE YEAR

SENIOR WOMAN PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Westchester CC

Century CC

2019-2020

Top Teachers Your Met PGA Professionals are listed below. (*) are professionals on the Golf Digest Top 50 Teachers 2019-2020

NEW YORK *Michael Breed

by State

Carl Alexander G.C. of Purchase

Jeff Warne

Michael Breed Golf Academy

The Bridge G.C.

*Michael Hebron

Matt Dobyns

Smithtown Landing

Meadow Brook C.

*Michael Jacobs

Dan Benzenberg

Jacobs3D at Rock Hill G. & C.C.

GolfTEC Carle Place

Darrell Kestner

Michael Diffley

Deepdale G.C.

Pelham C.C.

Mario Guerra

Eden Foster

Quaker Ridge G.C.

Maidstone C.

Kevin Sprecher Sleepy Hollow C.C.

CONNECTICUT

Christopher Toulson

Tom Henderson

Sunningdale C.C.

Round Hill C.

John Hobbins

Mike Summa

Greenside Golf Academy at Trinity Centre

The Stanwich C.

Sarah Stone

Jim Fatsi

Westchester C.C.

Brooklawn C.C.

Kirk Oguri

Kammy Maxfeldt

Pete’s Golf Shop

Birchwood C.C.

Steve Haggerty

Joe Connerton

Laurel Links C.C.

Hartford G.C.

Bobby Heins

Gene Mulak

Old Oaks C.C.

Silver Spring C.C.

Mike Sweeney The Bridge G.C.

Jessica Carafiello

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Innis Arden G.C.

Met Pros Dominate PGA Tournament Series

DYLAN NEWMAN

JOSH RACKLEY

EVENT No. 1 & 2

EVENT No. 3 & 4

Frank Bensel-Anthony Aruta Rally to Win the PGA Senior-Junior Team Championship

by CRAIG DOLCH | Special to PGA of America

When the team of Frank Bensel of Jupiter and Anthony Aruta of Staten Island, N.Y., bogeyed the 12th hole Thursday, they knew they had one option if they wanted to win the PGA Senior-Junior Team Championship.

“We had to run the table,” Bensel said.

They almost did just that, making birdies on the next five holes on the Wanamaker Course to rally from a four-shot deficit for a two-shot victory in the PGA Senior-Junior Team Championship at PGA Golf Club. Their third consecutive 10-under 62 left them at 35-under 253 and they split the $10,000 first prize.

“Today was the Frank Bensel Show,” said Aruta, the PGA Head Professional at North Shore Country Club on Long Island. “He was a machine.”

Bensel hit a 5-iron to 20 feet on the 17th hole and made the birdie to give them their first outright lead of the 72-hole event. Bensel opened the round with an eagle on the first hole and added five birdies.

“We knew we had to shoot 10- or 11-under and hope the guys in front of us didn’t do that,” said Bensel, who teaches at The Breakers in Palm Beach and Century Country Club in New York.

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New York’s Jason Caron Wins Playoff To Claim PGA Stroke Play Championship

by CRAIG DOLCH | Special to PGA of America

Jason Caron of Oyster Bay, N.Y. overcame a lot of “stuff” Tuesday to win the PGA Stroke Play Championship with a birdie on the third playoff hole to beat Omar Uresti of Austin, Texas.

Caron looked to be cruising to victory after back-toback eagles at the seventh and eighth holes of the Wanamaker Course, when he holed a gap wedge from 107 yards. After birdies on the 10th and 11th holes, Caron was 5-under for the round and had a four-shot lead.

Caron played his last five holes in 4-over, however, and found himself in a playoff with Uresti and Josh Rackley. Caron won with a 2-foot birdie putt on the third extra hole to earn the $6,000 first prize.

“It feels amazing to win,” said Caron, the PGA Head Professional at Mill River Club in New York. “I had low expectations today because I aggravated my back. I had a lot of stuff going on today.”

That’s putting it mildly. Caron’s round of 1-under 71 included the two eagles, four birdies, five bogeys and a double bogey on the par-4 15th hole, where he thought he lost his tee shot.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH RECAP VIDEO

Uresti, who also had a pair of eagles in his 71, was philosophical after he missed his 12-foot birdie putt on the third playoff hole.

“Jason should have won it in regulation,” Uresti said.

“We’ve known each other for a long time, and I think he might be playing better now than ever.” www.met.pga.com || 1st Quarter 2020 ||

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ASSISTANT’S CORNER FROM THE ASSISTANT’S BOARD PRESIDENT: Dear Members, Our 2020 Met PGA Assistant’s Board is Tyler Lower, John DiPilato, TJ Paulino and Mike Ballo. Along with Kevin Rodine, we have been hard at work during the winter months on some impressive programs for the new year. The Assistant’s Tour has 10 confirmed events, as of today, at some of the best venues Met PGA has to offer. There are also some fantastic educational opportunities available to our association with topics ranging from teaching, to playing, to merchandising, to fitness and more!

Last, but not least, we are planning a Met PGA Foundation event in September that will be the culmination of some new and exciting fundraising activities that we will introduce in the coming weeks!

PRESIDENT JOHN SCHMOLL Burning Tree

During the past few weeks our lives have been impacted by COVID-19. Hopefully soon we will be through this and ready to get back to growing our great game. Stay healthy and safe.

Looking forward to a great 2020!

John Schmoll, President

2020 ASSISTANT’S BOARD

SECRETARY TYLER LOWER Bridge Golf Learning Ctr

TREASURER JOHN DIPILATO Old Oaks CC

1st VICE PRESIDENT TJ PAULINO Quaker Ridge GC

2nd VICE PRESIDENT MIKE BALLO Westchester CC

Two Assistant Professionals Achieve PGA Membership and Earn Last Two Exemption Spots into PGA Professional Championship

PETE BALLO SILVERMINE GC

DYLAN NEWMAN BRAE BURN CC

Two Metropolitan PGA Professionals earned the last two exemption spots into the 2020 PGA Professional Championship, shortly after earning their PGA Membership.

any time. So going into the Stroke Play, I knew there were two exemption spots on the line but all I wanted to do was play the best I could that week and see where my cards fell.”

Pete Ballo and Dylan Newman both grew up competing in the Metropolitan Section on the Met PGA Junior Tour, and made their way back to their home as PGA Professionals.

Both predict that the PGA Professional Championship will be one of the biggest events of their golf careers to date. Though, competing alongside of 18 other Metropolitan PGA Professionals who qualified for the tournament, they couldn’t feel more at home.

With talks of there being two exemption spots during the PGA Winter Series in December, Newman made it his goal to earn his Level 3 in time to register for the Stroke Play.

“I focused a large portion of my winter leading up to the Winter Stroke Play Championship on the fact that my mission was to earn a spot into the PGA National Championship. After getting elected into PGA Membership on February 3rd I gave myself that opportunity to achieve my goal.”

Newman, after a difficult round, was able to let out a sigh of relief knowing he had met his goal.

For Ballo, after earning his membership in 2019, he won the Metropolitan PGA Championship at Sleepy Hollow CC. “Becoming a member and then winning at Sleepy Hollow after the summer my family had was an experience that I still don’t think has sunk in yet. It did show me that even through difficult times, good golf can happen at

Ballo says he owes a lot of his success to his fellow PGA Professionals who have helped him become the best professional he can be. “Our section has the ability to prepare players of all levels to grow and become the best players they can be. If you can compete in our Metropolitan Section majors, you can compete at a national level with out a doubt.”

Newman’s love for the Metropolitan Section runs deep, playing in the Met for as long as he’s played competitive golf. “Playing in the events in the Metropolitan Section gives me confidence and experience going into national events. We compete against some of the best players in the country. I can’t wait to represent the Metropolitan Section in the PGA National Championship and beyond.” www.met.pga.com || 1st Quarter 2020 ||

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FOUNDATION Stanley Garrant Selected as 2020 Met PGA Works Fellow The Met Section Prides itself on setting our members up for success from start to end. Stanley Garrant, is a perfect example of the opportunities our Junior Programs can provide for our members. “As a junior golfer they gave me the opportunity to play in competitive tournaments and start my golf career which ultimately led to a college scholarship.”

Stanley has been working with the Met PGA Foundation as an intern since he graduated high school, giving him the experience in tournament opperations and guiding him torward his future in the business of golf. “College golf was an amazing experience and I will never stop playing the game, but the business of golf interested me since I started interning at the Met PGA.”

2019 Met PGA Works Fellow James Eugene, US Marine Corps (right) passes on the position to Met PGA Intern, Stanley Garrant (left)

With his love for the game, and his major in business management, Stanley says getting into the golf business is a perfect way to combine the two.

The role of the PGA Works Fellow is to help better the efforts on the Metropolitan PGA Section Foundation. Having the Met PGA as his home for so many years, he feels he is ready for the job. “Being a PGA Works Fellow in my home section is awesome. I have built relationships with everyone on the staff for a few years now so I’m very comfortable coming into this new role at the Met PGA. That is not something most people can say when first starting a job!”

As far as the position goes, Stanley couldn’t be more excited to start his fellowship in May. “I am looking forward to being able to gain many meaningful connections. I look forward to helping diversify golf in the Met Section and help give many of our U.S. Veterans and Junior golfers greater access to the game.”

PHUNG SISTERS QUALIFY FOR NATIONAL DRIVE CHIP & PUTT FINALS

by Ron Driscoll | Drive Chip & Putt Alexandra Phung, of Forest Hills, N.Y., and Maria Glavin, of Waterford, N.Y., were deadlocked at 105 points after they completed their nine allotted shots in the Girls 7-9 competition, and eight points clear of third-place finisher Addie Lord, of Suffield, Conn.

Was there perhaps a little more pressure on Alexandra? The 8-year-old had watched her big sister, Amelie, qualify in the Girls 12-13 age group earlier in the day, a glorious fall Sunday in suburban Hartford. Then again, Alexandra already had a trip to the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals at Augusta National under her belt, having qualified at age 7 in 2018. Sibling rivalry aside, the chip shot proved decisive in the playoff as Alexandra edged Maria, 3220, to join her older sister in next April’s competition in Georgia.

Amelie Phung 136 total points

Alexa Phung

105 total points

“It’s really amazing that we were both able to step up on the same day, you know?” said Amelie Phung, who broke through on her third try at the regional level. “My sister got to the National Finals last year and unfortunately I didn’t do so well in regionals, but this year I came back for revenge.”

“I’m really, really happy because she’s my sister,” said Alexandra. “Last year I didn’t have a sister to play with [at Augusta National].”

The Phung sisters are both nationally ranked in chess, and they admit to being supportive of each other but also competitive at times.

“I like coaching my little sister, but sometimes she’s a little shaky about it,” said Amelie, whose 136 points edged Kashish Malik, of Marlboro, N.J., by five points in the Girls 12-13 division. “Most of the time she listens to me. We enjoy competing against each other, but sometimes she’s not in the mood and I’m not in the mood to get beat by her. We just keep our distance sometimes.”

SINCE THIS ARTICLE THE NATIONAL DRIVE CHIP & PUTT FINALS HAVE BEEN POSTPONED CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

PGA HOPE has suspended all programs across the country until May 10th. Our new classes and league play were not scheduled to begin until the third week in May and we will continue to monitor the situation and keep our PGA professionals and veterans updated through email, and social media channels. We want to reassure all of you that PGA HOPE will be here for you after we recover, and together we will continue to heal each other through laughter, camaraderie, and the great game of golf.

During this difficult time, our goal is to keep our PGA HOPE Family safe and let them know that they are not alone. Together we will make it through this and will be stronger because of it. We ask all our PGA HOPE Family to please STAND DOWN and STAY HOME. Through the leadership of our PGA HOPE Ambassador, Jae Pea Persaud, we have developed many new initiatives to help our PGA HOPE Family safe through this crisis.

PGA HOPE ACTIVATIONS: • FACEBOOK LIVE – Every Wednesday at 3pm join us for our PGA HOPE Facebook Live on our Met PGA HOPE page. Each week we will be focusing on a new topic!

• PGA HOPE BUDDY CHECK –The Buddy Check consist of a group of volunteer PGA HOPE Veterans who are making check in calls to fellow veterans who could use hearing from a friendly voice. If there is a veteran that you are aware needs a Buddy Check call(s), please email us immediately at metpgahope@pgahq.com.

• PGA HOPE HANGOUTS! Through the power of web conferencing we are hosting PGA HOPE Hangouts every Sunday at 7:30pm. Here veterans and PGA Professionals can see each other online and talk to one another.

• SOCIAL MEDIA INTERACTION – We have stepped up our game on social media and are trying to post as many golf tips that we can. PGA Pros – please send us your tips our tag us in your posts so that we can share them across all our channels.

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Dear Junior Tour Family, We continue to keep our members and their families close in our thoughts during this difficult time. While health and safety continue to be our primary focus, we remain optimistic that within the next few months the sport we all love will be a tremendous platform in helping us to return to a sense of normalcy in our lives.

Out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to delay the official start of our Junior Tour season until June. Our Future Series events scheduled at Bethpage on May 2-3 and Eisenhower on May 1617 have officially been postponed. Both of these events were supposed to serve as qualifiers for The Optimist International Junior Golf Championship. That event has officially been cancelled for 2020.

Junior Tour Membership for the 2020 season is open. If you have not yet registered to be a member please Click Here. If you have some downtime, now may be a great opportunity to complete your Rules Quiz.

We will notify you as more updates become available about our schedule and tournament registration over the next few weeks.

Below is our spring Future Series tournament schedule: June 6-7 Bethpage Red (qualifier for the IMG Junior World) June 20-21 Eisenhower White (part of the Northeastern PGA Junior Swing) Registration for these events will open in the next few weeks so please monitor your email and our website for updates.

Again, we want you to know that during this difficult time your Metropolitan PGA family is thinking of you and looking forward to better times ahead. We will be in touch with regular updates and more information as it becomes available. Please keep checking our social media channels for ways to work on your game during this down time. Stay safe and healthy and we look forward to seeing you on the links in the near future!

All My Best,

Daniel Frankel Director of Junior Golf

www.met.pga.com || 1st Quarter 2020 ||

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In Need of Junior Sites for 2020!

The Junior Tour is in need of host sites for Juniors of all abilities between the ages of 7-18 including , 9-hole for entry level players, 18-hole tournaments for intermediate players, and two day 36-hole championship events for our college bound players.

We understand that during this time of uncertainty with the current pandemic, it is extremely difficult to schedule ahead. We are keeping a positive outlook for our 2020 season and hope that you will consider helping us continue to build our schedule until it is decided otherwise.

Thank you for your consideration!

If you are interested in hosting, please email dfrankel@pgahq.com!

Click here for updates www.met.pga.com || 1st Quarter 2020 ||

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTS

Carly Peters

As a now “PGA Class A” Professional, I owe my love for the game to the PGA Quaker Ridge Golf Club Junior Tour Series Events. Growing up in the MET Section, truly was a blessing for my junior golf and professional career. The Junior Tournament Series gave me an amazing foundation for golf course etiquette and learning the rules of the game, in a very comfortable and hands-on environment.

Growing up at Smithtown Landing Golf Course, Michael Hebron, PGA Master Professional, along with all of the professional staff, encouraged me to get involved in the Junior Tournament Series. At 12 years old and in love with golf, this was a great place to establish and develop the skills that have stuck with me throughout my collegiate career at SUNY Cortland and as a professional. As a junior golfer, I then had the opportunity to play many local public and private golf courses, while competing. Golf has led me to meet some of my closest friends and travel to places I never would have imagined.

“Play to learn, not learn to play” -michael hebron During graduate school, I also started my PGM/PGA Program to become a “Class A Professional”. I have exposed and encouraged many junior golfers to get involved with the Junior Tournament Series, as other professionals have done for me. It is a great feeling to give back to junior golfers, now on the professional side. I have nothing but positive memories associated with the MET Section staff and locally run events.

Advice to Juniors My advice to junior golfers is “Play to learn, not learn to play”, one of Michael Hebron’s staple quotes.

Learning will take care of itself when you are simply just having fun. Being on the course is the best way to learn.

I have adopted this same philosophy into my professional teaching. Today, I am proud to be working at a Top 100 golf course, Quaker Ridge Golf Club in Scarsdale, NY as a Teaching Professional under Head Professional, Mario Guerra. Golf has blessed me with many opportunities and I hope to grow the game even more!

Matt Belizze Hudson Hills Golf Course

Its amazing to think back about how the road to becoming a Head Golf Professional started and the various turns it took to get to this point. My father put a golf club in my hands most likely before I was even able to walk, and at the age of 9 I had the fortunate ability to begin playing tournament golf on the Met PGA Junior Tour. Starting at such a young age allowed me to develop not only as a golfer but as a person as well. Being on the course by myself, carrying my own bag, learning the rules and etiquette, while also interacting with other kids my age were all important building blocks which helped define the person I am today.

I didn’t have the ability to travel and play throughout the country when I was younger, but the Junior Tour allowed me to play against so many great players on some of the top golf courses in the world.

I was fortunate enough to get a scholarship to play at Sacred Heart University where I met some of my closest friends and created many unforgettable memories during my four years there.

After graduating, I knew I wanted to keep playing competitive golf, and there was no better way than by becoming an assistant at a club in the Met Section, which allowed me to learn the business whilst competing against the best players in it.

My advice to juniors would be to take advantage of all the programs and resources available to you, such as getting involved in PGA Jr League, playing on the PGA Junior Tour or by taking private or group lessons from your local golf pro. We all started in the golf business at a young age and have a lot to offer on a multitude of levels.

Advice to Juniors

Take where I am now at Hudson Hills for example, I began working here when I was a junior in high school waking up at 4 am on weekends to pull carts and clean clubs and fast forward 15 years where I became the Head Golf Professional at the same course. I have developed so many relationships with so many amazing people, and I would never have been able to do so had it not been for the game of golf.

At Southward Ho CC where I spent my previous 5 seasons under the direction of Dave Preston, I was able to be a coach of a PGA Junior League team which not only brought back so many memories but allowed me to share my past experiences with the kids, in hopes they too will continue enjoying the many benefits golf has to offer.

I want to thank everyone at the MET PGA who work tirelessly to provide us with the best tournaments, resources and guidance which help us be the best section in the country.

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Now is the time to put our #PARTNERSFIRST! With the current pandemic taking the world by storm. Our Sales Representatives are doing their best to help you prepare for the season and we hope you’ll give them the chance to assist you.

Head over to the Metropolitan PGA Directory and get in contact with a Met PGA Partner today!

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