Championship Spotlight: Senior Events
Ned Zachar of GlenArbor will aim to defend his title in the MGA Senior Amateur Championship.
ELMSFORD, N.Y. (January 19, 2021) -- The Met Area holds rich history in senior golf, including the birth of the United States Seniors Golf Associaton after an invitational for players aged 55 and above took place at The Apawamis Club in Rye, N.Y., on October 12, 1905. The MGA launched its first senior championship in 1928 and today offers four events specifically for senior competitors.
Related: More on the 2020 MGA Schedule
After its rescheduling to the fall in 2020 due to COVID-19, the MGA Senior Amateur Championship returns to the leadoff position on the MGA's calendar of competitions for its 94th playing in 2021. The event has become one of the most popular events on the schedule, quickly selling out each year. This year's edition takes place at Round Hill Club in Greenwich, Conn., for the first time, with the Met Area's top senior competitors aged 55 and above squaring off May 3-4 in the 36-hole event. The winner will hoist the Horace L. Hotchkiss trophy, named in honor of the man who invited players to compete at Apawamis in 1905.
The Senior Net Four-Ball Tournament returns in 2021 following its 2020 cancellation, no doubt providing great anticipation for many competitors. The event—played by sides on a net better ball basis—provides a competitive atmosphere for players whose Handicap Indexes fall closer to that of the average golfer, welcoming players aged 55 or older with a Handicap Index not exceeding 18.0. The championship was originally formed as the Senior Net, but was changed to a two-man team event in 2006, with the two competing players not having to be members of the same club. The 29th playing takes place at Ardsley Country Club on May 18.
The 25th Lexus MGA Senior Open Championship heads to Old Westbury Golf and Country Club for the first time, August 30-31. The 36-hole championship becomes more and more competitive each year as decorated champions reach their 50th birthday and become eligible. To date, seven past Met Open champions have gone on to claim the Senior Open, including Darrell Kestner of Deepdale who did so in his very first year of eligibility.
Though in its infancy, the MGA Senior Masters Tournament has quickly become a highly anticipated event, welcoming players aged 65 and above. It's inaugural playing was pushed back a year due to Tropical Storm Irene and was first played in September 2012 at Country Club of Fairfield. Details for the event's 10th playing is to be announced.
Both the Long Island Golf Association and Westchester Golf Association also have incredible opportunities for senior competitors. The LIGA's Senior Open Championship Sponsored by Steve Madden heads to Huntington Country Club on October 12-13, while its Senior Amateur continues it's annual visit to Old Westbury Golf and Country Club, October 21-22.
The WGA's Senior and Super Senior Amateur Championships coincide with the WGA Amateur, taking place July 6-8 at Paramount Country Club. The WGA this year will also introduce the Westchester Senior Open Championship, presented by Lexus, August 16 at Pelham Country Club.
Championship registration for all events will open on March 1.