12th MGA Senior Masters Heads to North Jersey
An aerial view of North Jersey Country Club. Photo: NJCC senior assistant superintendent James Surico.
ELMSFORD, N.Y. (September 18, 2023) -- Players aged 65 and above will head to North Jesey Country Club in Wayne, N.J., on Tuesday for the 12th MGA Senior Masters Tournament.
The event was first played in 2012, one year after its originally scheduled debut that was postponed due to Hurricane Irene. The list of past winners highlights the MGA's array of talent in the "super senior" age bracket, with six past champions that account for nine victories set to compete at North Jesey Country Club. Defending champion Tom Yellin of Stanwich, record three-time winner George Zahringer of Deepdale, 2019 champion Jim Graham of Winged Foot and 2017 champion Jay Blumenfeld will all play alongside one another, going off the first hole in the 1 p.m. shotgun start.
The 2016 champion David Pilossoph of Bronx River and two-time winner Ron Vannelli of Forsgate are also in the field looking to get their hands on the trophy once again.
This year's Westchester Super Senior Amateur champion Mark Vassalotti of Sterling Farms is one of several newcomers, which also includes Jim Craffey of Arcola and David Prowler of Towers.
North Jersey Country Club, a founding member of the MGA, was established in 1894. It's Walter Travis design, which has been restored in recent years under the direction of Brian Schneider, and a spectacular clubhouse designed by Clifford Wendehack opened in 1923 at its current location. Work on the course began in late 1921, but trees and rocks proved challenging. Today, the course is noted for its rugged terrain as it returns to original intents of Travis' design.
The club is welcoming its fifth MGA championship, previously hosting the 1981 MGA Father and Son Championship, the 1989 Mixed Pinehurst, and the now retired Intercollegiate in 1966 and 1995.