Qualifying: 43rd U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship
ELMSFORD, N.Y. (July 24,2024) -- The Met Area has had a strong presence at the U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship. This year the event heads to Manakin-Sabot, Va., as Kinloch Golf Club will host the event September 21-26. MGA members have enjoyed success in the past from Jeff Thomas, Jerry Courville, Jr., and Ken Bakst all capturing the title in the 90s and a hard-fought battle between George Zahringer and Courville, Jr., at The Stanwich Club in 2002, to Stewart Hagestad's come-from-behind victory in 2016 shortly after his Met Amateur win. Hagestad has since added two more victories, edging a fellow MGA Player of the Year Mark Cosanza in the final in 2021 and capturing the title for a third time in 2023 at Sleepy Hollow Country Club.
Related: U.S. Mid-Amateur Home
This year, the MGA will conduct qualifiers on July 24 and August 13 as Met Area players aim to compete on the national stage.
July 24 – Hackensack Golf Club, Oradell, N.J.
The first Mid-Amateur qualifier saw an incredibly tight field as there would be an 11-for-4 playoff as darkness fell on the club. James Mongey of Morristown, N.J., earned medalist honors and was lone golfer to advance not through the playoff. A 3-under par 69 was good enough to punch his ticket and move him ahead of the playoff group. Following Mongey were 11 golfers at 2-under par. Tyler Stahle of Cherry Hill, N.J., Bobby, Leopold of Coventry, R.I., Sean Boyle of Catonsville, Md., and Andy Butler of Philadelphia, Pa., were among those making birdie on the first playoff off hole to continue playing, while their pars on the second hole earned their spots against the remaining players. Craig Langslet of Westwood, N.J., and Charles Castellano of Miami, Fla., earned the two alternate positions.
Related: Results | Photos
August 13 – Old Westbury Golf & Country Club, Old Westbury, N.Y.
It was a perfect day with perfect conditions for the second Mid-Amateur qualifier, which concluded with a thrilling 5-for-3 playoff for the final spots. Conor Casey of Chatham, NJ, led the field with an impressive 4-under 68, finishing his round with five birdies to claim the top qualifying position. Close behind, Aaron Montgomery of New York, NY, carded a 2-under 70, securing his place in the championship with three birdies. At the cutline of 1-under 70, five golfers were forced into a playoff to determine who would advance to the U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship at Kinloch Golf Club in Manakin-Sabot, VA. After the first playoff hole, four players remained. Clifford Lindholm of Montclair, NJ, and Tommy McDonagh of New York, NY, earned their spots by making pars on the second playoff hole. The final spot came down to a dramatic third playoff hole, where Pat Wilson of Andover, NJ, clinched his place with a par after his opponent missed a crucial putt. Jake Meskin of New York, NY, and Corey Brigham of Atlantic Highlands, NY, secured the two alternate positions.
Related: Results