GLADSTONE, N.J. (May 19, 2012) – The MGA Foundation conducted the first of three annual MGA/MetLife Youth Clinics on Saturday, May 19 at Hamilton Farm Golf Club in Gladstone, N.J. The event was held in conjunction with the LPGA’s Sybase Match Play Championship and featured more than 35 junior golfers from The First Tee of Metropolitan New York’s Plainfield West and Weequahic Park sites. The young participants were welcomed by MetLife’s affable mascot, Snoopy, before enjoying a day of golf instruction.

Instruction was led by John Oliver and a team of eight teaching professionals from the New Jersey PGA, including First Tee of Plainfield West’s Director of Programming Billy Castner. All of the young golfers, aged 4-16, received gift bags and enjoyed a fun-filled afternoon of golf-related activities. Focusing on the fundamentals of proper grip, stance, and alignment, the participants practiced pitch shots, putting, and full swings on the expansive practice facilities of Hamilton Farm.

The event is the first in a series of three annual youth initiatives conducted by the MGA and MetLife. The next MGA/MetLife Youth Clinic will take place on Wednesday, July 25 at Golf House, site of the USGA Headquarters.

MetLife has been a partner of the MGA for more than 25 years and is the sponsor of eight MGA championships as well as the MGA Calendar of Competitions. MetLife has a long history of community service and supporting MGA Foundation junior golf initiatives.