Bethpage Hosts MGA/MetLife Junior Golf Day

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. (May 28, 2009) – A group of students from The First Tee of Metropolitan New York and Total Golf Adventures of Rockland County, were treated to a behind-the-scenes look at the 2009 U.S. Open Championship venue when Bethpage State Park hosted the MGA/MetLife Junior Golf Day on May 28th. The clinic is the second in a series of four scheduled youth initiatives conducted jointly by the MGA Foundation and its corporate partner MetLife.

The program included an inside look at the maintenance facility and golf course preparations, and was conducted by Bethpage head superintendent Craig Currier. Currier provided detailed background on all the steps in course preparation leading up to the Open, and provided on-course demonstrations on the techniques for preparing greens, cutting hole locations and preparing graduated rough. Currier was assisted by MGA Foundation GOLFWORKS graduate Hamilton Lopes, who has been working as an assistant to Currier for two years and who is completing his degree in turf grass management at SUNY Farmingdale this Spring.

Students were then escorted on a walking tour of the 15th through the 18th holes with Currier providing insight into the difficulty factors involved in making various shots and pointing out the strategic placement of Bethpage’s famous bunkering. The walking tour included a look at the Corporate Hospitality Area and a tour of the 45,000 square-foot Merchandise Tent, which will see plenty of action during the Open.

Following the outdoor portion of the day, students met with Bethpage State Park director Dave Catalano who provided a fascinating history of the Park and an overview of the numerous Rees Jones renovations to the Black Course, which restored its status as the finest public golf facility in America.

The Program concluded with a special treat provided by the USGA—the opportunity to pose with the actual U.S. Open trophy which will be presented to this year’s winner on June 21st.

For the 30 lucky young teens who attended the program it was a very special day that is sure to provide an added thrill when they watch the championship on June 18th through 21st.

For more information please contact Jeanne McCooey (jmccooey@mgagolf.org) or Billy Condon (bcondon@mgagolf.org) or call the MGA office at 914-347-4653.