The MGA wishes to extend season’s greetings to all of our friends in the Met Area golf community. In a season full of tournament triumphs, milestone celebrations and feel-good stories, the MGA has come up with our top 10 highlights from the 2010 season. We hope you will send us an email or post on our Facebook page if we forgot a top moment.

10) Amateur reigns at Senior Open: After coming close multiple times in 2009, John Ervasti of Sleepy Hollow became the first-ever amateur winner of the MGA Senior Open at Rolling Hills. The event, which has been previously dominated by professionals like Darrell Kestner of Deepdale and two-time defending champion Bobby Heins of Old Oaks, saw Ervasti roll in a par-saving putt on the final hole of the championship to stave off Heins and secure the win. Video of Ervasti’s win

9) Atlantic hosts U.S. Mid-Amateur: Atlantic Golf Club in Bridgehampton, N.Y., hosted the U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship in September, the second national championship at the Long Island club. Despite many weather challenges, the course was in perfect condition and pulled off one of the best Mid-Amateur’s in history.

8) Dillon awarded DSA: Former MGA President Paul R. Dillon was presented with the MGA’s Distinguished Service Award, the Association’s highest honor, at the MGA’s Annual Meeting. Dillon was recognized for his years of work with the MGA and WGA as well as his countless contributions to the game of golf, including his work as the Met Area’s top golf artist.

7) Shot of the Year - Dennis Lynch’s up-and-down at GlenArbor: Dennis Lynch of Nassau Players had the shot of the season at the MGA Mid-Amateur at GlenArbor. Lynch, who held a one-stroke lead over Hans Albertsson, missed the green on his approach into the 18th hole and faced a downhill lie in thick rough. With apparent ease, Lynch popped the ball out and onto the green where it came to rest next to the hole, sealing the win. The MGA’s shot of the year

-Runner-up: 2008 MGA/MetLife Boys Champion Peter Kim of Metuchen aced the 198-yard third hole of the Upper Course at Baltusrol Golf Club during the first round of the Carter Cup.

6) An MGA baby boom: Three MGA staff members welcomed new additions to their families. MGA Tournament Director Brian Mahoney welcomed daughter Kiera in February, Manager of Championship Administration Tara Cummings welcomed son Sean in September, and Editor of The Met Golfer and Communications Manager Greg Midland welcomed son Benjamin in December.

5) Len Wilf becomes First Tee National Trustee: Len Wilf, a New Jersey native and longtime supporter of the MGA Foundation, committed a donation of $1 million to The First Tee. Mr. Wilf became a National Trustee of The First Tee and half of the donation will go directly to The First Tee of Metropolitan New York.

4) Morales becomes youngest winner of adult MGA championship: At only 14 years of age, Nicole Morales of Centennial became the youngest-ever winner of an adult MGA championship at the 13th WMGA/MGA Women’s Public Links Championship, held at Hudson Hills Golf Course.

3) Mottola celebrates 30 years at the MGA: MGA Executive Director Jay Mottola celebrated his 30th year at the MGA in 2010. Mottola, who has been at the helm of the organization since 1981, has led the MGA into the 21st century prepared to continue a tradition of service to golf in the Met Area and a leader for regional associations around the country.

2) Mike Ballo Jr.’s second consecutive Ike victory: With his first MGA victory coming at the 2009 Ike at Nassau, Mike Ballo Jr. went on the offensive once again and, with a back-nine 32 in his final round at Metropolis, overcame a charge by Brian Komline for his second consecutive Ike win. Video of Ballo’s victory

1)Evan Beirne bursts on MGA scene: Newcomer Evan Beirne of Bethpage cruised into the championship match of the 108th Met Amateur at Quaker Ridge and handily defeated defending champion Cameron Wilson of Shorehaven, 7 & 6. Relive Beirne’s glory