SUFFERN, N.Y. (July 6, 2006) – Defending champion Mark Farrell of Higgins GC fired a five-under-par 67 in the first round on his way to a four-shot victory in the 59th MGA/MetLife Public Links Championship held on July 6th, at Spook Rock Golf Course in Suffern, N.Y. 

Farrell, who is also the reigning Connecticut State Golf Association Public Links Champion, had a first round that included seven birdies and gave him a three-stroke lead heading into the second round of the 36-hole championship.  Brian Komline of Rolling Greens, the 2005 N.J. Open champion, had a two-under-par 70 in the first round that kept him in contention, but he was unable to capitalize after a final-round 74.  Isaac Lim of Rutgers bounced back after a first-round 75 with a three-under-par 69 to finish in a tie for second.

Farrell headed into the event on top of his game after a remarkable 2005 season.  In addition to the two public links championships, he qualified for the U.S. Amateur and finished as Connecticut State Player of the Year. 

After a strong showing in the 2006 Ike Championship in late June, he felt confident coming into this event.  “I had a different mindset this week.  I didn’t think about defending the title this week; I just went out and played my game.”

With this victory, Farrell receives an exemption into the MGA Amateur Championship, scheduled for August 3-6 at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, N.J.  He will also play in the New England Amateur Championship in Maine on July 17th.  For more information on the MGA/MetLife Public Links Championship please contact Gene Westmoreland or Jeanne McCooey at the MGA or visit our website at www.mgagolf.org.