It is with deep regret that the MGA and MGA Foundation must note the loss of its distinguished Vice President, J. Michael Carter, who passed away on March 10th at the age of 51. 

Mr. Carter was a senior vice president at the Manufacturers and Traders Trust Co., (M&T Bank) New York City.  He was a member of the MGA Executive Committee and served as Secretary/Treasurer in 2003-2004 and became Vice President of the Association in December 2004. He was born in Bronxville, NY, but raised his family in Westfield, NJ and moved to Summit, NJ three years ago. 

 Mr. Carter graduated from Villanova University in 1975, and from the University of Chicago School of Business in 1977.  He was an avid golfer, devoted to the game and its role in the Metropolitan golfing community.  He was a member and former president of Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, NJ, where he served as the vice chairman of the U.S. Amateur in 2000.  He was serving on the 2005 PGA Championship Committee at the time of his death.  Mr. Carter was also a member of Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, NY.

In addition to his involvement with both of these renowned clubs, Mr. Carter invested himself in growing the game of golf.  Mr. Carter’s family had been recently struck with tragedy in 2002 when his son Michael P. Carter was tragically killed in an auto accident. A promising young collegiate player at Penn State, Mr. Carter honored his son and their mutual love for the game by working with the MGA and Baltusrol to establish the “Carter Cup”, bringing together a select group of accomplished junior golfers from around the Metropolitan Area to compete. The event, which is held annually at Baltusrol, is now the official MGA Junior Stroke Play Championship. Mr. Carter was also a dedicated supporter of the MGA Foundation’s junior golf programs and initiatives and served as Chairman of the Junior Committee. 

Mr. Carter had a strong sense of community and was selfless in his efforts to give back. He was a member of the Delbarton School Fathers and Friends where he established the Michael P. Carter endowment fund, the Westfield YMCA, and was active in several other community youth groups. 

MGA Executive Director Jay Mottola noted, “Golf is blessed to benefit from the leadership of some wonderful individuals – Michael Carter was one of those people.  His dedication to the game of golf, to his club, the Association and our charitable Foundation’s junior golf programs will be sorely missed.  We offer our deepest sympathies to his wife, Mary Lou, his daughters, Kelly and Aly, and the entire Carter family.” 

Donations may be made in his name to Michael P. Carter Endowment Fund, c/o Delbarton School, 230 Morristown Rd., Morristown, NJ 07960, the MGA Foundation, or the NJSGA Caddie Scholarship Fund.

For arrangement information please contact the MGA at (914) 347-4653.