RYE, N.Y. (July 27, 2006) – David Pastore of Greenwich, Conn., defeated Chris Scialo of New City, N.Y., 1-up in the final of the 89th MGA/MetLife Junior Championship at the Apawamis Club in Rye, N.Y.  At 14, Pastore becomes the youngest champion in the history of the MGA Junior, one year younger than the former record holder, 2005 champion Gene Yang.

Scialo, the more experienced player entering the final match, was never able to mount a charge against his younger opponent.  Pastore, who will be a freshman at Greenwich (Conn.) High School in the fall, was never behind during the 18-hole final. He made the turn at 1-up due to a front nine that included only two bogeys.  On the back nine, the match remained even until Scialo followed a bogey at the 14th with a double bogey at the 15th.  Scialo got one back when Pastore had a bogey four at the 16th hole, but was unable to capitalize on the final two holes.

One up going into the 18th hole, Pastore put his tee shot into the rough on the left, while Scialo drove his near the cart path on the right side.  Pastore put his second shot just short of the putting surface, leaving about 30 feet for birdie.  Scialo put his second shot on the green about 15 feet short of the flagstick.  Pastore’s birdie attempt skirted by the hole and, after Scialo missed his putt, drained a three-footer for par and the victory.

Pastore, whose parents coach in The First Tee program in Fairfield County, only began playing competitive golf at the age of 11.  After a few victories on the Met PGA Junior circuit, he entered and won his first MGA championship.  This victory earns Pastore an exemption into the Carter Cup and the Met Amateur, both being played at Baltusrol next week.

Scialo, 18, has had a successful junior career.  He qualified for the match play portion of the U.S. Junior Amateur in 2005 and had top-ten finishes in both the 2005 and 2004 Carter Cup.   He will be a freshman at Towson State University in Maryland in the fall on a golf scholarship.

For complete results for today’s semifinal and final rounds, please visit the MGA website atwww.mgagolf.org.