ELMSFORD, N.Y. (March 30, 2026) – The MGA had an eventful spring Saturday on March 28, hosting its 128th Annual Meeting at The Apawamis Club in Rye, N.Y., along with its first Handicapping and Rules Seminar of the season and annual Ambassador Program meeting. Recently elected USGA President Kevin Hammer served as a special guest during the Annual Meeting.
Related: Photos | Handicapping & Rules Seminar Schedule
The Annual Meeting took place following the morning seminars, which refreshed attendees on the World Handicap System and the Rules of Golf prior to golf season’s official start in the Met Area on April 1 when active score posting season returns.
The business portion included comments from Vice President Gregg Angelillo of Baltusrol that celebrated 2025 achievements, a financial report from Treasurer Bryan Pendrick of Meadow Brook, and the welcoming of new members to both the MGA and MGA Foundation Board of Directors. Seth Drucker of Mountain Ridge, Robert Green of Country Club of Darien, and Brendan Jonland of Arcola were welcomed to the MGA’s Board of Directors. Exiting members Jon Betlow of Canoe Brook, Nat Turner of Bayonne, and Charles Weisman of Whippoorwill were all recognized and thanked for their service and dedication. Hadley Ma of Quaker Ridge and Michael P. McBride of National Golf Links of America were welcomed to the MGA Foundation Board of Directors.
Multiple videos were also shared throughout the program. In addition to 2025 recaps for the championship season and the MGA’s Adaptive Golf, videos were unveiled to recognize MGA Honors Hall of Merit inductees: the Five Founding Clubs of the USGA and The Williamson Cup. The MGA is proud to partner with Stifel to continue to celebrate and educate on those who have made great contributions to the game through the MGA Honors platform.
Related: 2025 MGA Annual Report | MGA Honors in The Met Golfer
The meeting concluded with MGA Director of Communications Helen Farrelly leading a discussion with Hammer, former President for the Florida State Golf Association. Hammer shared about his passion for golf and his background in the game, discussed the upcoming U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur ahead of their playing at Shinnecock Hills and Montclair this season, touched upon the USGA’s Distance Insights, and shared about the excitement for his time as president.
The day concluded with the MGA’s annual Ambassador meeting, which welcomed club ambassadors to network, share ideas, and discuss timely topics. Ken Butler of Club Benchmarking served as a guest speaker, sharing data gathered from working with MGA member clubs. Butler’s presentation sparked many financial-related discussions, while MGA board member Steven Shunk of Canoe Brook also shared several topic prompts to guide conversations.
This spring’s lineup of Handicapping and Rules seminars continues on Saturdays through April 18. For more about the MGA’s Ambassador Program, please contact MGA Director of Member Services Kevin Kline at kkline@mgagolf.org.
