ELMSFORD, N.Y. (July 29, 2014) - The 2014 Williamson Cup teams have been decided and the MGA team is once again stacked with talent.  For two straight years in 2011 and 2012 the MGA teams claimed victory and after last year’s runner-up finish, they hope to return back to the winner’s circle at Laval sur le Lac Club in beautiful Quebec, Canada.

That runner-up finish came a year ago at Sleepy Hollow right here in Scarborough, N.Y. The winners in 2013, the Golf Association of Ontario, are looking to retain the trophy in their home country. The historical and prestigious Laval sur le Lac Club and the Quebec Golf Association will play host to the 51^st edition of the junior event on August 11-12.

In 1964, A. Fred Williamson established the tournament on behalf of his father, who was one of the founding members of the prestigious Winged Foot Golf Club and a long-time member of the USGA Executive Committee. Rooted in the principles of professionalism and tradition in golf, it was created to provide young hopefuls with the opportunity to compete in national and international play. Not only that, but it’s a way for them to form new bonds with their teammates and other competitors from around the world and gain experience playing on some of the most beautiful and well-respected courses in the world. 

The four junior players representing the Metropolitan Golf Association are some of the most talented players in our area and, despite their age, are practically seasoned veterans when it comes to competing in these type of competitions. 

First on the roster is James Nicholas of Scarsdale, N.Y. Nicholas is one half of the 2013 Father and Son winning team and has continued with a busy tournament schedule, constantly proving himself a rightful contender. More recently, he made it into the quarterfinals of the Met Junior Championship and with his aggressive play, forced the match play into the last hole. On top of the Williamson Cup, Nicholas faces tight competition in the Carter Cup and in the Met Amateur this week, two of the MGA’s toughest championships. 

Dawson Jones of Howell, N.J. will join the ranks as well. He recently captured the Met Junior Championship title, defeating some of the most talented local players, including two members of last year’s Williamson Cup team Matt Lowe and Will Bernstein. His consistent play will certainly prove himself a concrete teammate. Like Nicholas, Jones will tee it up in the Carter Cup and Met Amateur championships. 

Colts Neck, N.J. native and a member of last year’s Williamson Cup team, Vincent Palazzolo will help to represent the MGA once again. Palazzolo has kept very busy this summer, landing tied for sixth in the 2014 MGA Public Links with a 2-over 36-hole total of 146 at Charleston Springs. Recently, Palazzolo clinched the NJSGA Junior Championship title, defeating both Keiran Purcell and NJSIAA state champion and player of the year Mike Graboyes in match play. With this latest burst of momentum under his wing, Palazzolo moves on to earn some redemption after last year’s competition. 

Last but certainly not least, is Ryan Rodriguez of Highland Mills, N.Y. The 2013 MGA/MetLife Boy’s Champion is a regular competitor and certainly doesn’t shy away from national events as he hopes to play in the U.S. Amateur this summer, after earning the first alternate spot at Trump - Westchester. 

Each of the players competed at the Carter Cup at Baltusrol on July 30. Check mgagolf.org througout the event for updates on how Team MGA is doing.