BEDFORD, N.Y. (August 10, 2007) – Jonathan Renza of Cortlandt Manor, N.Y., defeated Michael Miller of Brewster, N.Y., 3 and 2 to win the 39th MGA/MetLife Boys Championship on Friday in rainy and windy conditions at the Bedford Golf and Tennis Club in Bedford, N.Y. This was the second time the two players have faced off, with Renza taking the first meeting one up in the first round of the Met Junior Championship in July.

Renza, who was a semifinalist at the Met Junior in July, played exceptionally well all week. He continued that streak in his semifinal match this morning against a tough opponent in Ryan McCormick of Middletown, N.J., also a Met Junior semifinalist, when he made par on the first extra hole to win that match. 

Renza’s opponent in the final, Michael Miller, had an easier time in his morning match, defeating Adam Larkin of North Bellmore, N.Y., 6 and 5 to advance to the finals. Miller was six-up on Larkin on the 13th tee when play was suspended for 30 minutes due to heavy rains. When play resumed, Miller halved the 13th hole with a par to win the match.

However, Miller was unable to hold off the charging Renza, who jumped out to an early one-up lead when he won the second hole. Renza added to his one-up lead when he won the par-five fourth and par-four sixth holes and was three-up when the players reached the 10th tee. Renza, who did not make a single bogey on the back nine, would win the 11th and 12th holes to extend his lead to five-up. Miller got two back with birdies at the long par-five 13th and par-four 15th holes to cut the deficit to three down with three to play. Renza, who will be a sophomore at Fordham Prep in the fall, sealed his victory when both players made par at the 16th hole.

The 15-year-old Renza, who finished 4th at the NYSGA Junior Championship last week , was pleased with his play considering the difficult conditions. “I played solid today and I was able to keep my composure in the rain,” said Renza. “I made only two bogeys and the rest were pars.”

The victory earns Renza exemptions into both the Met Junior Championship and the Carter Cup – MGA Junior Stroke Play Championship for as long as he is eligible. Miller, who will be on the MGA team for the Williamson Cup Matches next week, also earns an exemption into next year’s Carter Cup.

Full results of today’s matches are attached.  For more information contact Lou Cutolo or Bob Nielsen of the MGA at (914) 347-GOLF (4653).

 

Final Results

 

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