ELMSFORD, N.Y. (June 16, 2009) — The MGA Foundation held the third of five MGA/MetLife Youth Clinics on Monday, June 15th at Bethpage State Park. The event was hosted by MetLife in the company’s corporate hospitality tent. The clinic was held during the first day of practice rounds for the 2009 U.S. Open Championship, which is to be held on the famed Black Course June 18-21. More than 35 young people from The First Tee of Nassau County and junior high school golfers from Suffolk County were invited to spend the day as guests of the MGA Foundation and MetLife.

MGA Vice President Gene Bernstein provided opening remarks and was followed by Scott Smith, Director of Communications for the USGA. Smith gave an informative talk about the history of the U.S. Open and what the youngsters can expect to see during their visit to Bethpage.

He also explained how hard it is and the amount of dedication it takes to acquire the golf skills needed to play in the Open. The teens were also entertained by local magician Henry Carlyle. Carlyle joked about not being able to get his full bag of tricks through security, but still had plenty of magic to share with the young participants.

   The program ended with MetLife representative Steve Sulavik giving each participant a souvenir U.S. Open flag, which they were able to use to collect autographs from their favorite golfers. Participants then toured the course and watched golfers prepare for the start of the championship.

   The event was the third in a series of annual youth initiatives conducted by the MGA and MetLife. Upcoming clinics are scheduled for Ridgewood Country Club in Paramus, N.J., and the USGA headquarters in Far Hills, N.J. MetLife has been a partner of the MGA for more than 25 years and is the sponsor of eight MGA championships as well as the MGA Calendar of Competitions. MetLife has a long history of community service and supporting MGA Foundation junior golf initiatives.

For more information on MGA/MetLife Youth Clinics contact Riley McCarthy (rmccarthy@mgagolf.org) at 914-347-4653.