Edison, NJ-For only the second time in the twelve playings of this unique international event, the MGA and WMGA team tied the powerful Ligue de Paris team finishing at ten points apiece after two days of fourball, foursome and singles play at Plainfield Country Club in Plainfield, NJ.  The only other tie in this event came in 1995 at The Creek and like then, the Ligue de Paris will retain the cup as defending champions. The event was sponsored by world-renowned watchmakers Baume & Mercier.

Tied at five points apiece after the first day, the talented women of both associations split their four singles matches in the morning 2-2. Adrienne MacLean posted an impressive 4 & 2 victory over Morgane Bazin de Jessey, while 15-year-old Megan Grehan edged Perrine Petit 1 up to secure another point. In the other two matches Mireille Scalabre defeated Sue DeKalb 6 & 5, while Marie Arnoux topped Gail Flanagan 4 & 3.

The situation was no different for the team’s men players. The MGA was again led by Michael Stamberger, playing well at Plainfield, his home club, who earned his third point of the Matches with a 2 & 1 victory over Laurent Poncelet, and Sean Hartman, who partnered with Stamberger for victories in both of the first day’s matches, also earned his third point by defeating Adrien Bernadet 2 & 1. The French were led by Wolffe who earned 2 ½ points included the all-important final singles victory 1 up over Tom Yellin. Tuxedo’s Mike Reardon secured a 3 & 1 victory over France’s Eduardo More while Pete Meurer ran into a red hot Victor Riu who made six birdies in his 4 & 2 win.

Jean Jacque Wolffe’s par on the 18th hole preserved his 1 up status in his seesaw match with Yellin. The point clinched a 10-10 tie which was good enough for the French team to retain the trophy, and improve their record to 9-1-2.

The French American Golf Challenge was inaugurated in 1990 by the Metropolitan Golf Association and the Ligue de Paris to foster sportsmanship, camaraderie and goodwill between our two nations.  A team of six men and four women (amateurs) representing each association are pitted in a "Walker Cup-type" competition over two days consisting of four-ball, foursome and singles matches.  The Matches alternate between the Met Area and Paris and the world-class talent these players bring to the competition is matched only by the quality of sites that have played host to the event.  Picturesque Plainfield CC, joins the wonderful list of venues such as Atlantic, Baltusrol, Sleepy Hollow and the Creek in the U.S. as well as Chantilly, Racing Club de France/LaBoallie, St. Nom La Breteche and Joyenval in France.  The Matches return to France in 2006.

Complete results are attached.  For more information, contact Tommy Dee of the MGA at (914) 837-3512.