Met PGA FORECAST - 2023 Second Edition

FORECAST

Chris Kenney, PGA

The Patterson Club | A Letter From the President

As I near the end of my term as President of the Metropolitan PGA, I would like to say thank you for your confidence and support over the past three seasons. During this time, we have built on the foundation that Past Presidents and Boards of Directors have laid and continued to strategize for the success and growth of our Section and its PGA Professionals into the future, as well as strengthen our relationships with our Allied Associations.

We have experienced growth in our Foundation, Career Support, and Education Programs, as well as continued focus on competitive opportunities and a Special Awards Dinner to celebrate our Section Professionals. Our Foundation allows us to uplift our communities by positively impacting the lives of veterans through PGA HOPE, growing future golfers and perhaps Met PGA Professionals through the Junior Tour, Drive, Chip & Putt, and PGA Jr. League, and supporting families and children in need with charitable support to Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital in Westchester and Cohen Children’s Medical Center in Long Island. Career Services provided by Jonathan Gold and Jeff Voorheis continue to strengthen, and they are great resources to help you advance your career whether when considering a new position or improving your existing position. We are fortunate to have them available for counsel. An updated and more detailed Compensation Survey has also been designed. This is a great resource when evaluating and strengthening jobs and operations so please be certain to keep an eye on your inbox and submit your completed survey to the Section Office. Please know that information is kept confidential and that results are presented as averages and not to a specific person or facility. Education opportunities throughout the year continue to grow and strengthen in subject matter. The new format of the Spring Educational Forum provides live lessons and discussions, allowing for great interaction with presenters and enhances the learning opportunity. Competitive Opportunities will always be a focus as we work to provide the best venues, purses and events. The addition of the Silvercrest Cup, as well as bringing golf back to our opening meeting and adding it to our closing meeting, are examples of growing competitive opportunities as well as the importance of creating opportunities for camaraderie. The Special Awards Dinner is a night that should not be missed, an evening where we come together to celebrate and learn from those Met PGA Professionals that have excelled in our industry. I hope that I will see you on November 1st at the Special Awards Dinner, it is truly an amazing evening.

You may have noticed that I have used “we” on several occasions in this letter. This is because the accomplishments that we have experienced are due to the commitment and hard work of everyone that serves on a Committee, is a member of the Board of Directors, is an Officer, serves on the Nominating Committee and is a member of “our team” the Met PGA Staff. I cannot thank this group of people enough for their friendship and their passion and dedication to the Met PGA Professional and Section. Working together, we explore ideas and possibilities for the future and talk them through thoroughly keeping the success of the Section and you the Section member at the forefront of every discussion and decision. The future is bright!

With the Fall Meeting two months away, I would encourage anyone looking to become involved in the future of the Section to contact a member of the Nominating Committee so that they are aware of your interest. Becoming a Committee Member is a great way to start your journey. My journey started, well let’s just say, a few years back, when I was an Assistant Professional in the Middle Atlantic Section and I became involved on a Committee in the Assistant’s Association. While my passion and commitment to improving opportunities for PGA Professionals, growing the PGA brand, and standing strong for the values of what it means to be a PGA Professional started then, they all continue to grow everyday through my involvement with the Met PGA. These experiences have also helped me to grow as a professional and allowed me to build so many amazing and meaningful friendships. I hope that you will have the same experience.

Enjoy the fall season! I hope that you have great success at your facility and have an opportunity to compete in the many Championships and Pro Ams that are being conducted. I look forward to seeing you at an event or the Fall Meeting and as always if you have any questions and/or suggestions please contact me at ckenney@thepattersonclub.com

Committees

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

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

CHRIS KENNEY President pattERSoN

aNDREW GRUSS greenwich

StUaRt WaaCK Treasurer SIlvERmINE

JamES oNDo apawamis

RICH JoNES Secretary pINE RIDGE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

tHERoN HaRvEY hudson national

CHRIS maRINaRo westchester hills

SHaUN poWERS fairview

NICK YaUN century

JoHN HoBBINS greenside golf academy

JIm mCCaNN spooK rocK

mICHaEl SWEENEY the Bridge golf foundation

NICK maSEllI 1st Vice President olD oaKS

CoRY mUllER 2nd Vice President CC oF DaRIEN

president gc of purchase

PGA MEMBER HUB

Deferred Compensation

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

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

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

Benefits include:

• Tax-deferred growth

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

• Supplement your future retirement income

• Contributions come directly from the PGA

PGA.Coach is the ultimate coaching resource that teaches PGA Professionals about ADM, and how to apply the concepts to coaching golf. ADM is essential for growing the sport and vital to you and your employer’s success. The PGA.Coach Certificate and PGA Coach app will allow PGA Professionals to evolve and adapt to the changes in the game and a new generation of players. Plus, PGA Members will be eligible to earn 3 MSR credits.

2023 PARTNERS & SPONSORS

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

SPONSORS

adidas Golf

BlueGolf

Bushnell

Callaway Golf

Cobra Puma Golf

PRESENTING PARTNER

Dormie Golf Workshop

Fairway Golf Car

Golf Pro Delivered

Holderness & Bourne

Paul McManus

Prize Possessions

Protag

StrackaLine

PARTNERS PROGRAM

Ahead

American Brick Bourbon

Associate’s Golf Car

BirdieBox

Cleveland/Srixon

Clippd

ClubUP

Donald Ross

Earth Networks

EZ UP

Equilibrium Brewery

FootJoy

Galvin Green

Golfforever

GolfMax

Heritage Creations

Imperial Hats

Jack Jolly & Son

JBA Awards

Kickpoint Golf

Maui Jim Middleton Golf Group

Mizuno

Next Round

OnForm

PING

PXG

Radmor

Signature Golf

Signs by the Sea

Summit Golf Brands

Tagmarshal

TopTracer

Travelling the Fairways

Skins App, The STITCH

Therabody

Titleist

Tom Viola

Turtleson

Under Par Analytics

UpperHandGolf

Uswing

Vibe Tumblers

SEPTEMBER 12 - 13 | NASSAU COUNTRY CLUB CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Our Partners & Sponsors are true allies in making our game and our association better and stronger each and every year. We value their alliance as we share the want and desire to grow the game on and off the course. We look forward to highlighting our 2023 partner companies at this year’s Partner & Sponsor Expo.

This year’s Expo will have a different look and feel compared to previous years. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, today’s game has never been more popular. We know time is valuable when it comes to the schedules of our Professionals, as well as our Partners and Sponsors. To better serve both parties, the new format places the Expo in conjunction with the Section’s biggest major of the year, the Met PGA Championship. The Expo will take place during the last two days of the Championship at Nassau Country Club in Glen Cove, NY. Professionals, Associates, Golf Shop Managers, Golf Shop Buyers, and General Managers alike are welcomed and encouraged to attend one, or both days of the Expo. We welcome and encourage both our partner companies, as well as our Professionals and Golf Shop staff to schedule appointments to make the most of your time and ensure you are getting what you need.

Our goal for this new format is to allow the Expo to take some of the weight off our Professionals shoulders by having all of the best in apparel, merchandise and equipment all in one place, a one stop shop for all of your needs!

COMPANIES ATTENDING

Adidas

Ahead

American Brick Bourbon

Bushnell

Cleveland/Srixon/ASICS

Cobra Puma

Donald Ross

Dormie Workshop

Evolve Golf

Foresight Sports

Golf Max

Golf Pro Delivered

Heritage Creations

Imperial

Jack Jolly & Sons

JBA Awards

Kick Point Golf

Kirk & Matz

Maui Jim

Middleton Golf Group

Mizuno Golf

PING

Prize Possessions

ProTag

Radmor

Signs by the Sea STITCH Golf

Tagmarshal

TaylorMade Golf

Titleist

Tom Viola

Toptracer

Turtleson

Under Par Analytics

USWING

Vibe

November 1 | Winged Foot Golf Club

The Met PGA is pleased to announce the Special Award recipients for 2023. Each of these distinguished individuals has had a direct impact on the game of golf whether that be on the course, in the shop, on the lesson tee, or in the community. We look forward to honoring them at our annual Special Awards Dinner on Wednesday, November 1 at Winged Foot Golf Club.

Professional of the Year – Mike Gilmore, Winged Foot Golf Club

Teacher of the Year – Jack McGown, Hampton Hills Golf & Country Club

Bill Strausbaugh Award – Stuart Waack, Silvermine Golf Club

Professional Development Award – Kirk Oguri, Pete’s Golf Shop

Deacon Palmer Award – Bob Longo, PGA Life Member

Patriot Award – Tim Stafford, La Tourette Golf Course

Player Development Award – Gerard Scheer, Aspetuck Valley Country Club

Youth Player Development Award – Justin Koff, Bethpage State Park

Merchandiser of the Year (Private) – Jim Fatsi, Brooklawn Country Club

Merchandiser of the Year (Public) – Scott Klemme, Centennial Golf Club

Sam Snead Award – Gene Westmoreland, MGA/Winged Foot Golf Club

The Special Awards Dinner will include video tributes to the honorees with fellow PGA Professionals, family, friends and club members in the audience.

We will also be celebrating Jack Druga and Katie Wiedmar, the 2023 PGA of America Bill Strausbaugh and Merchandiser of the Year Award Winners, respectively, who will be honored at the PGA Annual Meeting in Frisco, TX the following week.

More information regarding the Special Awards Dinner and where to purchase tickets will be announced at a later date.

STORIES MAKING HEADLINES

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

Angela Aulenti To Be Inducted Into LPGA Hall of Fame

LPGA Communications LPGA

“Angela Aulenti is a recognized leader in the game who is committed to teaching others about the opportunity to pursue their dreams through golf... READ

Sophia Li Finishes Top 10 at PGA Junior Championship

Met PGA Junior Tour competitor Sophia Li had a strong showing at the 47th Junior PGA Championship. Li finished T6 at Hot Springs CC in Hot Springs Arkansas! RESULTS

Labritz Ties for 4th at U.S. Senior Open

PGA of America

PGA Magazine

“PGA Professional Rob Labritz, formerly the PGA Director of Golf at GlenArbor Golf Club in Bedford Hills, New York, enjoyed a memorable U.S. Senior Open at SentryWorld... READ

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

Our fall tournament season is about to tee off! Our Professionals have an exciting road ahead as they take on some of the most prestigious courses in the Met Section. Click Here to follow along with the exciting action to ensue this fall!

FEATURED EVENTS

SEP 11 - 13

MET PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

NASSAU CC

SEP 18 - 19

THE SEAWANE CLUB

OCT 12

SILVERCREST CUP

MEADOW BROOK CLUB

MET PGA SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP

SCHEDULE

SEP 28

LENOX ADVISORS/NFP NEW YORK STATE OPEN PRO AM BETHPAGE BLACK

OCT 2 - 3

TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP THE BRIDGE & NOYAC GC

OCT 10

HOFFHINE MEMORIAL WESTCHESTER CC

OCT 11

PRO LADY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND HILL CLUB

OCT 19

OCT 16 - 17 WHITEY VOIGHT SUNNINGDALE CC

FOXWOODS PRO AM LAKE OF ISLES

OCT 18

SQUIRE CUP FRIAR’S HEAD

OCT 23

FALL MEETING & GOLF NORTH HILLS CC

OCT 26

FARLEY CUP WESTCHESTER CC

METROPOLITAN PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

11

The Metropolitan PGA Championship is the section’s most anticipated event of the season and we are thrilled to have Nassau Country Club as this year’s host site.

Nassau is a welcomed challenge for our competing Professionals. One of the USGA’s original 50 founding members, Nassau has hosted the U.S. Men’s Amateur, the U.S. Women’s Amateur in 1914 and again 100 years later in 2014, along with every local, state, and regional men’s and women’s championships. National champions, including some Nassau members, were among the most notable and historic golfers.

The course has changed over the years, most notably of recent where their new renovations will be showcased for the first time on a big stage.

Ahead of the event, Director of Golf at Nassau, Andrew Pohalski touched on the excitement amongst the membership and what our Professionals will face in September. “Our membership is really excited to host this event. We have hosted all of the major championships in the Met Section over the

years, but more recently we have not had the opportunity to host the Met Professionals so this is a big opportunity for us to show the golf course to the best players in the Section, especially in regard to the new renovations.

We had the Fazio Group come and Tom Marzolf in particular the architect, did a complete bunker and a greens renovation where we now have all tight grass runoffs around the side of our greens which incidentally has made the golf course a lot more difficult to play. It’s going to be really great to see how the Pros handle that.”

Golf Course Superintendent, Scott Blough, went into detail about the renovations and challenges that will be faced. “We moved bunkers into landing areas on the fairways where in the past the bunkers would just blow the ball right over, as well as moved bunkers a lot closer to the greens. We also went in and dug out one side or the other to make the greens more stand alone, create these funkier and fun run off areas. Hopefully the weather will be dry and it’s firm, but I think the biggest test will be holding the ball on the greens. Nassau always proves to be a tough test no matter who plays.”

The Met PGA and Silvercrest Asset Management Group, an investment advisor providing asset management and family office services to highnet-worth individuals and select institutional investors, partnered last season to create the Silvercrest Cup, a new tournament series for Metropolitan PGA Professionals. The tournament returns this fall at a new host site.

The series includes four qualifying events for Met PGA Professionals, culminating in a $30,000 Silvercrest Cup final hosted by Meadow Brook Club on Thursday, October 12. The Silvercrest Cup champion is set to receive $15,000, one of the most lucrative winner’s checks on the Section’s tournament calendar. In addition to the final purse, each qualifying included a bonus pool of $5,000, to be shared between each qualifier’s champion and runner-up.

While the Silvercrest Cup rewards playing excellence of Metropolitan PGA Professionals, the series will also provide a $20,000 donation to the Metropolitan PGA Foundation, the Metropolitan PGA Section’s 501(c)(3) charitable foundation.

“We’re thrilled to once again partner with Silvercrest Asset Management Group to create the Silvercrest Cup, an elite competition that recognizes Met PGA Professionals for their hard work and dedication to the game of golf and the communities they serve,” said Jeff Voorheis, Metropolitan PGA Executive Director. “Silvercrest’s appreciation for PGA Professionals cannot be more evident, and that’s pretty special.”

Silvercrest Chairman and CEO, Richard R. Hough III said, “Silvercrest Asset Management Group believes in giving back to the communities we live and work in. It is extremely rewarding to recognize and assist those who share our passion for learning, teaching, and striving for excellence. PGA Professionals share the same attributes for success and giving back that Silvercrest believes in. He continued, “Their dedication to the game of golf and the members of the clubs that they unselfishly serve is unmatched in any other sport.”

Forty-eight Met PGA Professionals will earn their place in the 2023 Silvercrest Cup final via the qualifying events as well as the Met PGA Player of the Year list; the top eight amateurs on the Metropolitan Golf Association’s Player of the Year list will also be invited to compete.

Qualifier No. 1

Long Island PGA Championship

Winner: Paul Dickinson

Runner Up: Jason Caron

Qualifier No. 3

Metropolitan Professional Championship

Winner: Danny Balin

Runner Up: Alex Beach & Mike Ballo

Qualifier No. 2

Westchester PGA Championship

Winner: Mike Ballo

Runner Up: Peter Ballo

Qualifier No. 4

Metropolitan PGA Championship

September 11 – 13

Nassau Country Club

Click Here and follow along with the Section tournament points list in the weeks leading up to the Silvercrest Cup to see who will earn their spot in the coveted Championship event!

& LONG ISLAND

PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

The 2023 Long Island and Westchester PGA Championship presented by Kirk & Matz were held at North Shore Country Club and Woodway Country Club. The match play events featured fields of the finest Met Section PGA Professionals representing each region. At the conclusion of the four-day, six round tournament, Paul Dickinson of Atlantic Golf Club and Mike Ballo, Jr. of Westchester Country Club would find success and hoist the Kirk & Matz Match Play bracket plaques.

Paul Dickinson’s journey to the top of the Long Island leaderboard saw him in a final match with 2020 Met Section Player of the Year and PGA National Club Pro Player of the Year, Jason Caron of Mill River Club.

Knowing the round ahead would be a difficult task, Dickinson brought his A game, never falling behind throughout the entire match and defeating Caron by a score of 4&2. A long-time contender in Section events, the Long Island PGA marks Dickinson’s first major win.

For Mike Ballo Jr., the road to the top of the leaderboard would be an emotional one. Not only was the event Mike’s debut as a PGA Member, he would meet younger brother and 2021 Westchester PGA Champion, Peter Ballo of Connecticut Golf Club in the final match. As fate would have it, the event was hosted by Woodway Country Club where they had only recently spread the ashes of their father, Mike Ballo, Sr., the club’s Head Professional for 31 years.

In the end, Mike Ballo, Jr. would find success and claim victory for the first time as a PGA Member. The match was followed by many friends, family, colleagues, and Woodway Country Club members. Those following were treated to a golf exhibition by two talented players whose sportsmanship showed their love of the game, and everything good about being a PGA Professional.

WESTCHESTER RESULTS

Kirk & Matz has been a long time Partner of the Met PGA and we are thriled to have them as a sponsor to all of the Match Play Championships for the Met PGA. “We highly value our relationships with the PGA Professionals of the Met Section, and we look forward to continuing to strengthen those ties through our new sponsorship”. – Justin

Matz, Kirk & Matz

Kirk & Matz proudly offers the world’s finest Event and Presentation Awards to meet any of your organization’s reward and recognition needs. With three generations of their family serving you, they’ve been trustworthy since 1946, and they stand behind their reputation for being the people you can always rely on.

SENIOR-JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP

OVERALL CHAMPIONS

Danny Balin and Todd Wingerter

Fresh Meadow CC and Burning Tree CC

Matt Dobyns and Jeff Gschwind

Meadow Brook Club and Deepdale GC

RESULTS

OVERALL CHAMPIONS

Craig Thomas and Harold Grunfeld

Metropolis CC

RESULTS

PRO-JUNIOR

OVERALL CHAMPIONS

Team Piping Rock Club

Assistant Professional, Nick DeFalco

Joseph Dolezal, Teddy Halpin, Tyler Barnett

RESULTS

Pro-President

The Apawamis Club

Host of the POLO Head Professional Championship and Met PGA Women’s Championship

The POLO/Ralph Lauren Met PGA Head Professional Championship and the Met PGA Women’s Championship were held at The Apawamis Club.

Shaun Powers of Fairview Country Club posted a final round score of 5-under par 67 and was the only player to best par, with a two-round total of 3-under 141 to win the 2023 POLO/Ralph Lauren Head Professional Championship presented by XXIO and Club Car. Powers hoisted the William A. Mitchell trophy celebrating his first victory in the Met Section, taking the overall and senior divisions in the process.

Finishing in a tie for second place was 2021 and 2022 Head Professional Champion and six-time Met PGA Player of the Year, Danny Balin of Fresh Meadow Country Club who shot a 2-over par 74 in the last round that was highlighted by birdies on holes 15 and 17. Balin completed the tournament with a total of 1-over par 145.

Matt Dobyns of Meadow Brook Club tallied a score of threeunder par 69 on the second day highlighted by sinking back-to-back eagles to start the back nine. He immediately climbed the leaderboard and ultimately shared the second place spot with Balin.

Championship Club

Liz Caron of Mill River Club shined on the second and final day of the Met PGA Women’s Championship to claim the title for the third time in her career, having won the tournament in 2012 and 2021. Caron climbed to the top of the leaderboard, highlighted by a birdie on the seventh hole, and scored 5-over par on the second day, the lowest score among all competitors.

Meghan O’Mara of Wind Watch Golf and Country Club finished in second place. She compiled a birdie on the 17th hole, along with nine pars on the day, and closed out the tournament with a two-day total of 16-over par 160.

Following O’Mara was the winner of the Senior Division, Wendy Modic of Fenway Golf Club. Modic completed the final round by compiling back-to-back birdies and finished the tournament just one stroke behind O’Mara.

Thank you to Met Section Rep, Nick Manella and POLO Ralph Lauren, for their continued support of both of these events and to James Ondo and his staff at The Apawamis Club for hosting what was an exciting two days of competitive golf.

NEW YORK STATE

Peicheng Chen Wins 2023

Lenox Advisors/NFP New York State Open Championship in Dramatic Finish

STATE OPEN

The test of New York State’s finest professional and amateur golfers returned for the playing of the 45th annual New York State Open Championship at Bethpage State Park’s famed Black Course, host of the 2019 PGA Championship. Thanks to our sponsors Lenox Advisors and National Financial Partners (NFP), two of the country’s leading wealth advisory firms, our field competed for a $100,000 purse and the chance to hoist the Mark Grossinger Etess trophy.

20-year-old Amateur, Peicheng Chen, emerged victorious after sinking a 45-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole for the win. Chen compiled a three-round score of 6-under par 207 to hoist his first-career Mark Grossinger Etess Trophy. With the victory, Chen becomes the second amateur to win the New York State Open after Cameron Young claimed the prize as an amateur in 2017. “I had a great time out there. It’s an honor to be the New York State Champion. The last amateur to win was Cameron Young, it’s a good thing to teach me that I am on the right track, keep working hard and keep pushing forward,” said the St. John’s student-athlete. “I had a lot of people supporting me, my mom, my Coach, Michael Jacobs, my caddie, Brendan, all of my friends. It’s just such a good feeling.”

The final day of play saw numerous lead changes between our final group: Chen, Dylan Newman of Meadow Brook Club, and amateur Matt Lowe of Bethpage State Park. Heading into the final hole, Chen found himself down one stroke behind the leader, Matt Lowe. Lowe was even par after 17 holes in the final round, leaving him in sole possession of the lead for the first time in the tournament. The birdie by Chen coupled with a bogey by Lowe, resulted in a two-shot swing, giving Chen the win. Lowe closed the tournament with 1-over par 72 for a total of 5-under par 208 and a runner-up finish.

Dylan Newman of Meadow Brook Club held a two-stroke advantage over Chen and Lowe going into the final round, but the Black course would get the best of him on the 17th hole. Newman wrapped up the tournament finishing with a three-day score of 2-under par 211 to put him in a three-way tie for third place with John Clare of The Pompey Club and James Nicholas of Westchester Country Club.

MET PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Six-time (‘10, ‘11, ‘12, ‘18, ‘19, ‘21) Metropolitan PGA Player of the Year, Danny Balin of Fresh Meadow Country Club captured a dramatic one-stroke victory to capture his fourth-career Met PGA Professional Championship. This is Balin’s first Met PGA Professional Championship title since completing a three-peat from 2017-2019.

The 54 hole event is an opportunity for Met Section Professionals to qualify for the 2024 PGA Professional Championship being played in April at Fields Ranch East and West Courses at the brand new PGA of America headquarters in Frisco, Texas. Players were split for rounds one and two at Brae Burn Country Club and Golf Club of Purchase, with the final round culminating at Brae Burn where the field was reduced to the top 60 players and ties.

Balin propelled his way up the leaderboard by registering seven birdies including three on the final four holes of the tournament to round out his day with a total score of 5-under par 67 and a three-round total of 12-under par 204.

“This is my major to get back into the National Club Pro. I know the golf course really well, both of them actually, and I just tried over the past couple of weeks to put in a little extra time. I kind of found something with my golf swing and it paid off this week. I played well, made a few putts there at the end to come out on top,” said Balin.

Balin is no stranger to the PGA Professional Championship stage, he will be making his tenth appearance.

Accompanying Balin are the following Professionals (in order of qualification): Mike Ballo of

Westchester CC, Casey Pyne of The Stanwich Club, Dylan Newman of Meadow Brook Club, James Giampaolo of Fairview CC, Greg Bisconti of The Saint Andrew’s GC, Peter Ballo of The Connecticut GC, Tom Cooper of The Creek Club, Frank Bensel of Century CC, Chris Gabriele of Quaker Ridge GC, Jason Caron of Mill River Club, and Peter Kampmann of Manhattan Woods GC. Though exempt from qualifying, Alex Beach of Westchester CC led for most of the championship, but finished tied second after suffering a bogey on the final hole. Matt Dobyns of Meadow Brook Club and Darrell Kestner of Deepdale GC were also exempt from qualifying and will join the Met Section contingent at PGA Frisco in the spring. Chris Paulino of Brae Burn CC claimed the first alternate spot, followed by Pat Clark of Wee Burn CC, Shaun Powers of Fairview CC, Craig Hocknull of GlenArbor GC, and Shea Wolfle of Meadow Brook Club.

Balin and runners-up, Alex Beach and Mike Ballo have also earned a spot into the 2nd annual Silvercrest Cup sponsored by Silvercrest Asset Management, a prestigious exclusive event hosting the top players of the year in the section to be played in the fall.

PGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIERS

Lauren Peter captures 2023 Women’s Met Open

Following a one-and-a-half hour weather delay, the first round of the 2023 Women’s Met Open Championship, sponsored by Michael Hebron and supported by XXIO, teed off at Essex Fells Country Club in New Jersey. The 36-hole event, from August 7 - 8, showcased the top 48 professional and amateur female golfers in the Metropolitan Section, featuring a $20,000 prize purse.

After the opening round, Liz Caron of Mill River Club led the field at 1-under par 72. Caron finished the day leading all competitors with six birdies, including three on the front nine and three on the back. Caron was looking for her second Met Section victory of 2023 after winning the Met PGA Women’s Championship in May.

Former Met PGA Junior Tour members Jessie Kweon of Douglaston Park Golf Course, Lauren Peter of Whippoorwill Club, and Linda Wang of Bethpage State Park all trailed Caron by a single stroke, each posting an even par-73. Kweon finished the day with a pair of birdies and highlighted her round with an eagle on the final hole. Peter concluded the round with three birdies while Wang sank five birdies and 10 pars.

The final round featured a phenomenal performance by Carmel, NY native, Lauren Peter who recently turned professional following her graduation from The Ohio State University. Peter displayed consistency by tallying five consecutive pars to start the day before draining a birdie on the par-5 eighth hole.

After making the turn, Peter distanced herself from the field by knocking in birdies on holes 14 and 16 to finish the tournament with a two-day total of 1-under par 145. She remained the only competitor in the tournament to compile a two-round total under par to claim her first professional victory.

Catherine McEvoy of Innis Arden Golf Club found success in the final round as she registered birdies on holes two and seven, both par-4’s, to go 2-under through the opening eight holes. McEvoy then tallied two more birdies on holes 10 and 13 to propel herself up the leaderboard. However, her hot start suddenly cooled off, as she registered back-to-back bogeys on 15 and 16. Although McEvoy matched Peter’s second round score of 1-under par 72, she finished two strokes behind Peter at 1-over par 147 to finish as the runner-up.

Jean Bartholomew of Engineers Country Club wrapped up the tournament with a two-day total of 7-over par 153 to finish atop the Senior Division leaderboard. Bartholomew registered three birdies in the last round to earn the award.

SENIOR MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP

Frank Bensel Earns Third Senior Match Play Victory

The 2023 Met PGA Senior Match Play Championship presented by Kirk & Matz culminated Thursday afternoon with a matchup between two of the most decorated Professionals in the Met Section: Frank Bensel and Bobby Heins. In the end, Frank Bensel of Century Country Club would edge three-time tournament Champion and six-time Senior Player of the Year, Bobby Heins, 5 and 3 to claim his third Senior Match Play Championship victory.

Met Section Senior Professionals qualified on Monday for 31 spots in the championship at Spook Rock Golf Course, with defending Champion, Phil Cardwell, earning an exemption. The round of 32 and round of 16 highlighted the incredible play of some of the best Senior Professionals in the Met Area. It's to no surprise that Heins and Bensel would sqaure off against each other in the end.

Bensel's journey to the final match was not an easy feat, starting with the first day of competition. His first match of the tournament went to 21 holes with Rolling Hills Country Club Head Professional, Ray Ford. John Bushka of Aspetuck Valley Country Club would also prove to be a challenge in his second match, needing 20 holes to get the best of the Connecticut native.

Bensel would find his stride and consistency on day two, going on to defeat Mal Galletta of Griffith E. Harris Golf Club 6 and 5 in the quarterfinal match, and then moving on to play and defeat 2009 Met Section Player of the Year, Greg Bisconti of The Saint Andrew's Golf Club 4 and 3.

When matched up against Bobby Heins in the final match to determine a winner, Bensel knew there was no room for mistakes. Heins had a lot of momentum in his golf game coming into this event, having just won the Westchester Senior Open Championship at Saint Andrew's Golf Club.

"I knew coming in to play against Bobby was going to be a challenge, he's been playing great. I've played with him so many times, he's such an incredible player and competitor. I knew I had to play good to beat him. He (Bobby) got out to a really good start. He birdied two of his first three holes. I knew I would make birdies if I stayed patient. I was hitting the ball well and I putted well. I made three in a row on the front to get to 1-up and made some on the back as well. I was really happy with my play throughout the tournament and happy to pick up this win."

‘23

Mid Season

R E S U L t s

May 30th | Saint Andrew’s GC

Winner:

Charlie Maizel

Siwanoy CC Score: 67

LEADERBOARD

June 5th | Hollow Brook GC

Winner:

Craig Hocknull

GlenArbor GC Score: 69

LEADERBOARD

July 10th | Cold Spring CC

Winner:

Casey Pyne

The Stanwich Club Score: 68

LEADERBOARD

July 24th | Bonnie Briar CC

Winner:

Shea Wolfle

Meadow Brook Club Score: 68

LEADERBOARD

August 21st | Innis Arden GC

Winner:

Frank Bensel

Century CC Score: 64

LEADERBOARD

August 28th | Westchester Hills GC

Winner:

Tyler Fieser

Meadow Brook Club Score: 65

LEADERBOARD

120 Assistant Professionals competed on Bethpage State Park’s Red Course for the playing of the 2023 National Car Rental Metropolitan PGA Assistants Championship presented by Cleveland/Srixon/ Asics.

Despite as many as nine players who were within one shot of the lead on the final day of competition, Alex Beach of Westchester Country Club hoisted the trophy after shooting a two-round total of 7-under par 133. This is Beach’s first Met Section victory since he claimed the 2022 Met PGA Championship at The Bridge.

The two-time PGA National Champion propelled up the leaderboard by compiling a 4-under par 66, the low round of the day. Beach fired six birdies including back-to-back birdies on holes 10-11 and 13-14 to highlight his stellar round. “I gave myself a goal when I made the turn to make six birdies on the back and I went 4 for 5 on the start, I had a number in my head and I did everything I could to try and get there. The biggest thing was just seeing some putts go in”, said Beach.

Finishing just one stroke behind Beach were brothers Mike Ballo, Jr. of Westchester Country Club and Peter Ballo of Connecticut Golf Club. Both brothers registered identical first and second round scores of 5-under and 1-under, respectively for a two-day total of 6-under 134.

Mike strung together a pair of birdies and had an opportunity to take Beach to a playoff, but would come up short on the final hole to finish one back of the lead. Pete put together two birdies and highlighted his day with an eagle on 16.

With the victory, Beach has earned a spot in the 47th National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida in November. “It’s exciting, we have a great group of guys that made it this year. Any chance to play for a National Championship or a big event, that’s what fuels me”

Beach will be accompanied by the following Assistant Professionals (in order of qualification): Mike Ballo, Jr. (Westchester Country Club), Peter Ballo (Connecticut Golf Club), Casey Pyne (The Stanwich Club), Jacob Troyer (Wee Burn Country Club), Pat Clark (Wee Burn Country Club), Chris Gabriele (Quaker Ridge Golf Club), Matt Dubrowski (Atlantic Golf Club), Kevin Johnston (Old Oaks Country Club), Peter Kampmann (Manhattan Woods Golf Club), Frank Bensel (Century Country Club), and Dylan Newman (Meadow Brook Club).

Alternates for the National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship are, in order: Connor Costello (Garden City Golf Club), Chris Trout (Golf Club of Purchase), Charlie Maizel (Siwanoy Country Club), Ben Franjione (Fresh Meadow Country Club), and Shea Wolfle (Meadow Brook Club).

BEACH ALEX BALLO MIKE

BALLO PETE

PYNE CASEY TROYER JACOB

CLARK PAT GABRIELE CHRIS DUBROWSKI MATT

JOHNSTON KEVIN

Top Four Assistant Players of the Year are going to the Home of Golf!

The race is on, and it’s close! Travelling the Fairways is awarding the top four Assistant Professionals in Player of the Year Points with a trip to Scotland!

Click Here to view the current Player of the Year Standings!

Scotland, famously known as the “Home of Golf” is a must visit destination for golfers from all over the world. Scotland offers something for everyone and with every teeing ground, landscape and clubhouse steeped in history, its not difficult to see why the country is on every golfer’s bucket list.

With 100 plus years of combined golf and travel experience, including 2 PGA Professionals, Travelling the Fairways has been a proud partner of the Met Section for over five years.

Considering arranging a trip with your members? To find out more please contact Emilee Taylor Bradshaw:

FOUNDATION

JEFF MCNEIL’S DRIVE 4 GOOD A HOMERUN

New York Mets All Star second baseman and Met PGA Foundation Ambassador, Jeff McNeil, traded his baseball bat for a golf club for a night of giving back at his inaugural Drive 4 Good fundraising event at Topgolf in Holtsville, NY.

The unique event and tournament emceed by Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point General Manager, Brian Crowell, PGA featured McNeil, alongside Mets teammate and first baseman, Pete Alonso, former Met greats, Tim Teufel and Gary Valentine, and comedian Chris Roach, for a wonderful evening of golf and giving back to those underserved. Over 150 individuals filled the bays, joined by our Met PGA HOPE veterans, Met PGA Junior Tour golfers, and Met PGA Professionals who offered teaching tips and support throughout the night. Our guests and donors in attendance also had the opportunity to bid on over 40 exclusive and valuable items on display at the silent auction.

All proceeds benefitted the Met PGA Foundation.

“It was a great night. I’ve been wanting to do something like this for quite some time now. I’m glad to partner with the Met PGA Foundation for what ended up being a great night of fun and raising money for those underserved by the game.” Golf has been a pretty big part of my life so it’s super cool to see what this night has turned in to.”

- Jeff McNeil

Thank you to Jeff McNeil and his team, and to all those who attended, for making this night a great success for the Foundation!

PGA HOPE Spring Graduation

Our spring PGA HOPE program culminated at Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point for graduation day. Thanks to Callaway, each graduate received a brand-new set of golf clubs to continue enjoying the game of golf and all that comes with it. We cannot thank our PGA Professionals enough for donating their time and coaching our veterans over the past six weeks, helping us welcome our 85 new graduates into the Met PGA HOPE family.

With the closing of the spring and summer season, we welcome PGA HOPE classes back for the fall. We are excited to get to know our participating veterans over the next six weeks as they recieve knowledge, teaching tips, and advice from our PGA Professionals. Thank you to Spook Rock Golf Course, Woodside Club, and Mosholu Golf Course for hosting classes and allowing our veterans a place to play and get together.

“The Augie” Met PGA Championship Pro-Am teed off this year at the future home of the 2023 Met PGA Championship, Nassau Country Club.

Formerly known as The Wall Street Charity Fund Pro-Am, this wonderful event benefits the Met PGA Foundation who is committed to promoting the goodwill and growth of the game by positively impacting the lives of junior golfers, veterans, and those who are underserved by the game.

Met PGA Foundation Board Member, Augie Hoerrner, has continued to expand and grow the event for several years, continuing his commitment and mission to “Giving Back Through Golf”.

Our attendees enjoyed a round of golf on Nassau Country Club’s newly renovated 18-hole course, giveaways including a pair of shoes from Adidas, an Evolve Golf supplies box, and much more, and culminated in a silent auction supported by Goats Only. Auction items consisted of priceless art, memorabilia, rounds of golf and some of the top courses in the world, golf getaways, and so much more.

To all of those who came out to support this year, we thank you for your generosity in supporting the Met PGA Foundation and our mission.

PRO AM WINNERS

Low Pro Danny Balin (Fresh Meadow CC) 62

Team Gross Nick DeFalco (Piping Rock Club) 130

Grant Williams

Grant Williams Jr.

John Boucamp

Team Net Tyler Lanza (GlenArbor GC) 120

Ryan Tigwell

Chris Johns

Barclay Stiller

Birdie Bash Comes Back to Silvermine!

On August 7th, the Met PGA held its Second Annual Met PGA Birdie Bash. The Birdie Bash is a one-day fundraising event where Metropolitan Section PGA Professionals play 72 holes of golf with the goal of making as many birdies as possible. This year, the Birdie Bash came back to Silvermine Golf Club as Head Professional, Stuart Waack and his staff, opened his doors for a day of fun, generosity, and giving back to those in need. Through each Professional’s network, solicited donors made a financial pledge per birdie to help raise funds to benefit the Metropolitan Section PGA Foundation, and Play Yellow for Children’s Hospitals. This year’s Children Hospital beneficiaries were Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital in Westchester, and Cohen Children’s Medical Center on Long Island.

21 teams came out to show their support as they battled through rainy conditions to make as many birdies as possible and thanks to their incredible effort, over 900 birdies were tallied and almost $200,000 was raised!

We were excited to welcome Jack, Chase, Dannah, and Taylor, four Miracle Children from Cohen Children’s Hospital and Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, on site joining in on the fun. Jack had the opportunity to hit our opening tee shot and even played a round with some of our Professionals, alongside Met PGA Junior Golfer and volunteer, Hudson Hagmann. Chase, Taylor, and Dannah interacted with our Professionals throughout the day on and off the course, helping to make birdies, taking pictures, and learning more about the game of golf. They were also given their own Ahead USA hat and a Met PGA flag signed by our Met Section participating professionals. Midday, Matt Livolsi of Mill River Club, showed his empathy and support for our Miracle Children by shaving his head in solidarity.

This day would not have been made possible without the support of our partners and sponsors who shared in making the day that much better for all involved. Turtleson provided

our players with apparel comfortable enough to play 72 Holes in and Ahead USA supplied Play Yellow inspired hats. Evolve Golf supplied our teams with divot tools, tees, a ball marker and socks, while Equilibrium Brewery and American Brick Bourbon supplied some much-needed refreshments!

The day concluded with food and beverages provided by Big Green Pizza Truck and Super Duper Weenie Food Truck, who helped fuel our professionals with the best in wood fired pizzas, hot dogs, burgers and fries.

Thank you to all who supported this great event and for helping us in our mission to grow the game and help those underserved and in need. We appreciate all of your support in making our second year one to remember!

SUPPORTING

Next Round Golf Ball Donation Initiative

Benefits Foundation

Next Round was founded by a group of golf enthusiasts with the goal of getting more clubs and players out on the course. Their goal directly aligns with the purpose and mission of the Met PGA Foundation, to promote the goodwill and growth of the game to those who are underserved.

Their Richmond, Virginia headquarters houses over 13,000 gently used products from all of the top manufacturers. They cater to every golfer; beginners, avid players, and even Pros can find something they will love. Their products start in the hands of players all over the country, and they receive them through trade-in events held at their local courses. After hauling them back to Virginia, they inspect each club and give it the cleaning and maintenance it needs to get back on the course. From there, they are listed for sale on the Next Round website and shipped the day after you order.

Not only do they offer high quality equipment at a fraction of the cost, but they also pride themselves on giving back. Our Section Foundation is thrilled to be a part of Next Round’s golf ball donation initiative.

Next Round facilitated the collection and sale of used golf balls from trade in events hosted within the Section, contributing an additional $450 to the Met PGA Foundation.

“Next Round Golf is committed to growing the game of golf, with a special emphasis on bringing juniors to the game,” said Dave Pangraze, VP of Business Development. “Thanks to the support of PGA Professionals and golf members throughout the section, we look forward to continuing our support of the Met PGA Foundation.”

JUNIOR TOUR

CHAMPIONS CROWNED!

Metropolitan Junior PGA Championship

Hampshire Country Club - June 26 - June 27

The Girls and Boys Junior PGA Championship is a 36-hole event for 12-18 year olds.

Congratulations to our winners, Emma Lee and Felix Petrillo! Felix claimed victory in a playoff against Joseph Dolezal to win the championship for the first time in his career. Emma defended her title, going back-to-back to hoist the trophy.

Both Emma and Felix, along with runners-up, Joseph Dolezal and Sophia Li, qualified and competed in the 47th Junior PGA Championship at Hot Springs Country Club in Arkansas. Among a field of some of the best junior golfers in the country, Sophia Li of Bethpage State Park would finish T6 in the Championship!

New York City Championship

Pelham Bay Golf Club - July 10 - July 11

The New York City Championship is a 36-hole championship for 12-18 year old boys and girls at Pelham Bay GC in the Bronx. There is also a 9-Hole competition for those on the 9-Hole Tour at Mosholu Golf Course.

Jack Yaggi would best Angad Manaise in a playoff to clinch the boys deivison, while Emma Lee would continue her successful season, finishing with a 7-under par total to top the girls division.

In the 9-Hole division, Daniel Porpora and Natalie Bui would go on to win their respective divisions.

Emma Lee Felix Petrillo

Sophia Li

Michael Hebron Junior Classic

Smithtown Landing Country Club - August 8

The Junior Classic is a 36 Hole Championship for 12-18 year old boys and girls at Smithtown Landing CC in Smithtown, NY. This year due to weather, the event was reduced to 18 holes. There is also a 9-Hole competition for those on the 9 Hole Tour.

Future Series Champions: Brock Walters and Isabella Ok

Players Tour Champions: Max Greenfield, Ashani Ahuja, and Allan Elson

9-Hole Tour Champions: Joseph Kirch, Graham Wachter, Rickie Lim, Zachary Sohn, and Astrid Larsen

Tour Championship

Meadow Brook Club - August 21 - August 22

The Tour Championship is a premiere Invitational event comprised of Future Series Tour members who have found themselves at the top of the player of the year race. Joe Dolezal of Old Westbury, NY left nothing in the gas tank after round one, finishing his round 10-under, 8 strokes ahead of the competition. He would clinch the tournament win with a final 7-under par 137. Sonia Kanwar’s resilience and consistency throughout play would eventually land her the title. The New York, NY native would best Isabella Ok by one stroke to earn the victory.

Match Play Championship - Presented by Kirk & Matz

Glen Oaks Club - August 24 - August 25

The top 16 for the boys and the top 8 for the girls from the Tour Championship are invited to compete in the Match Play Championship. Congratulations to this year’s Match Play Champions, Leo Chu and Isabella Ok! Ok claimed victory in a playoff over Palwasha Ali. Chu would best Padruig Douglas 2&1.

Sonia Kanwar

Joe Dolezal

Isabella Ok Leo Chu

Tommy Kuhn Cup

Piping Rock Club - August 30

At the conclusion of the season the top Future Series point leaders went head-to-head based on residence in a Ryder Cup style event. For the fourth consecutive year, The Islanders defeated Team Westchester by a score of 17 to 13!

Our six local qualifiers and Sub-Regional Qualifier have been conducted for the 2023 Drive, Chip and Putt season. Congratulations to all paticipants moving on to the Regional Championship at TPC Boston on September 16th. See below for results from the events.

Sub-Regional at Bethpage State Park | August 10th | RESULTS

Click Here for All DCP Photo Albums

Team Long Island: Palwasha Ali, Colby Baran, Brian Bason, Zachary Berger, Kaiden Capurso, Madison Chen, Spencer Cohen, Chloe Cui, Matthew DiFiore, Joseph Dolezal, Padruig Douglas, Robert Giuffra, Owen Jessop, Sophia Li, Alessandro Maltese, William McCarthy, Anthony Naples, Edward Paik, Beckett Sloan, Harrison Wolk

Mosholu Golf Club played host to the 2023 National Car Rental Jr League All-Star Championship. The Championship allows 13U and 17U teams to vie for a spot in the National Car Rental PGA Jr. League Regional Championships, with hopes of moving on to Nationals! Nearly 200 All-Star teams of junior golfers will compete at 12 facilities nationwide during the first three weekends in September.

2023 Youth Player Development Award winner, Justin Koff and Team Bethpage will represent the Met Section at Lyman Orchards Golf Club in Middlefield, Connecticut!

ALL-STAR CHAMPIONS

The All-Star Championship is proceeded by the Met PGA Section Championship. The Section Championship allows the top teams in each region of the Met Section to come together for a day of fun competition, tying a bow on the summer and spring seasons! Congratulations to this year’s Champions!

SECTION CHAMPIONS

Bethpage State Park Coach : Justin Koff

Bethpage State Park Coach : Justin Koff

Phillip J. Rotella Memorial GC Coach : Mike Laudien

Bethpage State Park Coach : Justin Koff

MOSHOLU GC

TRUMP GOLF LINKS AT FERRY POINT

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

NICK DEFALCO PIPING ROCK CLUB

ADVICE TO JUNIORS

My best advice to Junior golfers is to always have fun and stay in the moment. Never get too worked up! We all want to play well all the time, but sometimes we catch bad breaks. The best golf tends to happen when we are unfazed by a bad shot, demonstrating the ability to step up to the next shot and hit a great one.

One of the best decisions I ever made was teeing it up amongst the competition of the Met PGA Junior Tour. Having grown up playing most of my golf at Crab Meadow, Head Professional, George Dixon, had told me that in order for me to take my game to the next level, I should entertain playing in the one-day tournaments that the Met Junior Tour sets up. My game slowly got better and in my last year, I actually won an event. From the four years I was in high school, I would guess that I was top five in rounds played.

Playing in that competitive environment really drove me to want to continue golf as a career. I then chose to attend Methodist University where I was able to play on the golf team and complete my PGM training. On January 1st 2018, I was elected to PGA Class A Membership. I have been an Assistant Professional at The Creek, Manhattan Woods Golf Club, and now Piping Rock Club. This past week at Piping Rock, we hosted the Met PGA Junior Tour’s Tommy Kuhn Cup. My last year of playing in the Met Junior Tour in 2013, I had qualified for the team. It was full circle and brought back great memories of my junior golf career playing all over the Met Area.

KEEP UP WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA!