2007

The 2007 MGA Foundation Spring Educational Series has concluded one of its most successful seasons ever, following a month-long program of educational forums. These programs, all free of charge, are designed to educate club leaders and the golfing public about a wide range of topics of interest to Met Area golfers including the Rules of Golf, handicapping procedures, new technology and MGA and MGA Foundation services and programs. The MGA also participated in three highly successful Met Area golf shows. A brief review of these programs follows.

The golf season in the Met Area includes hundreds of charity golf tournaments, and now there is a way to connect golfers looking to play in an event with organizations who want to get the word out. Charity Corner, a new feature on the Metropolitan Golf Association’s official Web site,www.mgagolf.org, allows Met Area golfers to search for a charity tournament at dozens of highly regarded golf courses in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. At the same time, Charity Corner will help charities publicize their events for a nominal fee.

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (March 29, 2007) - Only two weeks removed from her first win on the LPGA Tour, Port Chester, N.Y., native Meaghan Francellanow faces the first major championship of her career. She will be joined by local favorites Diana D’Alessio of Dover, N.J., and Heather Daly-Donofrio, formerly of Bridgeport, Conn., when the Kraft Nabisco Championship kicks off today at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, Calif.

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (March 29, 2007) - Only two weeks removed from her first win on the LPGA Tour, Port Chester, N.Y., native Meaghan Francella now faces the first major championship of her career. She will be joined by local favorites Diana D’Alessio of Dover, N.J., and Heather Daly-Donofrio, formerly of Bridgeport, Conn., when the Kraft Nabisco Championship kicks off today at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, Calif.

HARRISON, N.Y. (March 22, 2007) - The Metropolitan Golf Association Foundation is pleased to announce Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, N.J., as the recipient of the first annual MGA Club Environmental Award. The award honors an MGA member club that has demonstrated environmental stewardship through golf course maintenance, construction, education and research. The award was presented at the 2007 MGA/USGA Green Chairmen Education Series and Club Environmental Award Luncheon on Wednesday, March 21, at Willow Ridge Country Club in Harrison, N.Y.

ELMSFORD, N.Y. (February 20, 2007) - Apparently J.J. Henry’s birdie at the 17th hole during the final round of the Nissan Open last Sunday was a product of more than just good play.

HARRISON, N.Y. (March 22, 2007) - The Metropolitan Golf Association Foundation is pleased to announce Trump National Golf Club - Bedminster, N.J., as the recipient of the first annual MGA Club Environmental Award. The award honors an MGA member club that has demonstrated environmental stewardship through golf course maintenance, construction, education and research.

There isn’t a golfer anywhere who wouldn’t have traded places with Fresh Meadow member Jonny Doppelt the week of February 5. During that week, Doppelt played as an amateur participant in the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, one of the most beloved tournaments on the PGA Tour. As if that weren’t good enough, Doppelt was in the same foursome as actor Bill Murray, who happens to be a longtime friend. We caught up with Doppelt upon his return to New York and asked him about the experience of a lifetime.

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (February 14, 2007) - Tom Sipula of Edgewood CC in River Vale, N.J., defeated John O’Leary of Chantilly, Va., 2 and 1 to capture the 44th TaylorMade-adidas Golf PGA Match Play Championship on February 11. Sipula notched five birdies in the final match played over the Dye Course at The PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie.

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (February 14, 2007) - Tom Sipula of Edgewood CC in River Vale, N.J., defeated John O’Leary of Chantilly, Va., 2 and 1 to capture the 44th TaylorMade-adidas Golf PGA Match Play Championship on February 11. Sipula notched five birdies in the final match played over the Dye Course at The PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie.