Public Links heads to Ballyowen
ELMSFORD, N.Y. (July 3, 2017) – The Met Area’s top public links players are set to square off in the nation’s oldest public links championship, as Ballyowen Golf Club in Hamburg, N.J., will host the 70th MGA Public Links Championship for the first time on July 6. A field of 60, determined from five local qualifiers across the region, will vie for the title over 36 holes of stroke play.
Related: Pairings | Public Links History | Public Links Records
Trying to Defend
Reigning champion Michael Miranda of Bethpage is looking to become the first player to successfully defend the MGA Public Links title since Mark Farrell won in 2005 and 2006. Miranda enters the championship following a recent runner-up finish in the Long Island Amateur and a tie for fifth in the Ike Championship.
Brey’s Time?
After back-to-back runner-up finishes in the MGA Public Links, Kyle Brey of Bethpage would like nothing more than to break through with a victory in the championship. Brey took second place following a playoff in 2015, and finished two strokes off Miranda’s mark in 2016.
Consistent Contender
Jonathan Jeter of Nassau Players has also been in the middle of contention each of the last two years, finishing tied for second in 2016 and tied for fourth in 2015.
Seeking Another Top Finish
Marc Coleman of Nassau Players finished the season-opening MGA Senior Amateur tied for fourth. After serving as Matt Lowe’s caddie en route to the Ike title at Century, perhaps Coleman is ready to post a couple low rounds of his own to claim a title.
Keep Watch
Nick Dilio of Casperkill and Gray Barnes of Centennial led after one round at last year’s championship, and are among the many competitors eyeing to contend for the title. Others include Scott Kim of Darlington, who finished tied fifth last year at Spook Rock, Mark Reilly of Peninsula, David Prowler of Bethpage and Ryan Rodriguez of The Golf Club at Mansion Ridge.
Format
- One day, 36 holes of stroke play
- Field determined from five local qualifiers throughout the Met Area
- Open to competitors with a USGA Handicap Index not exceeding 8.0
Ballyowen Golf Club
- Designed by Roger Rulewich, opened June 1998
- Links-style course, featuring 71 bunkers and water hazards on five holes
- Sets upon 250 acres atop a plateau, featuring views of the Wallkill River
Coverage
- 9 and 18-hole updates for the first round and additional updates during the final round
- Social Media: @MGA1897 on Twitter for updates through the day; additional content on Facebook and Instagram
- Scoring, recaps, interviews, and photos on mgagolf.org