NESHANIC STATION, N.J. (July 6, 2007) – Justin Jacaruso of Spook Rock Golf Course won the 60th MGA/MetLife Public Links Championship by one stroke today at Neshanic Valley Golf Course. It is the first MGA title for the 23-year-old resident of Suffern, N.Y., and his rounds of 71-72 equaled a one-under-par 143 total. Jacaruso’s steady play on the difficult 7,045-yard, par-72 layout was the key to his victory, as no one else in the field put together two rounds of par or better.

“I almost lost control out there when I missed a two-foot par putt on No. 12, which was my third hole of the afternoon round,” said Jacaruso. “But this feels great. It’s only my second time playing in this tournament, and I never thought I’d win.”

The prestigious Public Links title gives Jacaruso an exemption into the event for the next five years. In addition, Jacaruso is exempt for next month’s Met Amateur Championship, to be held at Wykagyl Country Club in New Rochelle, and next year’s Ike Championship, which will be played at Mountain Ridge Country Club in West Caldwell, N.J.

Richard Jung of Sterling Farms finished in second place with an even par total of 144. Morning leader Sean Semenetz of Villa Roma GC, a junior on the Drexel University golf team, held a two-stroke lead with three holes to play but finished with a 76 to place third. The top five finishers receive an exemption to next year’s MGA/MetLife Public Links, to be held at Richter Park in Danbury, Connecticut.

Neshanic Valley, a three-year-old Somerset County (N.J.) course, drew raves from the final field of 54 players. The championship was played over the Lake and Meadow nines at the 27-hole facility and despite overnight rains, the greens were fast and smooth throughout the day.

For more information on this year’s MGA/MetLife Public Links Championship contact Greg Midland or Bob Nielsen of the Metropolitan Golf Association at (914) 347-4653.