Beginning with our annual Day of Golf, to breaking records for highest number of GOLFWORKS interns, the MGA Foundation saw success in all aspects this year. Join us in celebrating this success by looking back on 2019 though the MGA Foundation's eyes!
Your past support has fueled our growth, and without it, many of the programs showcased below would not be possible. We ask that you consider making an end-of-year donation so we can continue this growth and success in the years to come. Donations can be made possible via check to MGA Foundation or online by clicking the button below and selecting 2020 General Fund. The MGA Foundation is a 501 (c)3 organization so your donation is tax deductible.
MGA Foundation's Day of Golf Kicks Off a Successful Year
Each year the MGA Foundation hosts its major fundraising event in the spring to kick off the golf season. More than 150 friends and supporters of GOLFWORKS gathered at Westchester Country Club for a great day of golf and to celebrate 25 years of the MGA Foundation’s cornerstone student internship program.
GOLFWORKS Celebrates 25 Years of Making a Difference
2019 gave us the chance to look back on the growth and success of the GOLFWORKS Program over its 25 years!
“Sometimes you hear how people dread going to their jobs but I’ve enjoyed what I’ve done here. At times it can be difficult, especially dealing with all of the kids when their groups are large. Overall, the days go by quickly. It’s gratifying work.” – William Bornmann, Lake Isle Country Club
From a humble start with 12 kids at four Met Area clubs, the GOLFWORKS program has delivered controlled growth in size and scope each year. In 2019, a total of 328 young men and women were enrolled at over 70 clubs, setting a new program record for participation.
These paid summer internships might include working in the pro shop, bag room, outside services, kitchen, dining room or snack bar, or on-course maintenance. As a Year 1-3 intern gaining experience, everyone benefits—kids and parents, clubs and local communities.
This year, 20 MGA clubs celebrated a more than 20 year commitment to the program and the future of our young people. A number of GOLFWORKS alumni can be found in the golf industry ranging in roles from golf professionals or club managers to food & beverage managers and golf course superintendents. A work environment reflecting the values and traditions of golf, teamwork, communications and mentor guidance is a life-enhancing experience. Thank you to our GOLFWORKS supporters - your help allows us to provide further program advancements.
“I have learned to attentively listen to people and be patient when helping the members. I think that this advice is important no matter the profession and I will take it with me in life.” – Cynthia Ezihie, Rockaway Hunting Club
“The best part of GOLFWORKS is personal relationships. One of the other GOLFWORKS interns became one of my really good friends.” –Don Cervantes, GOLFWORKS Alum, Glen Oaks Club
In celebrating 25 years of the GOLFWORKS program, The MGA Foundation acknowledges those MGA Member Clubs who have supported the GOLFWORKS program for 20 years or more
The Apawamis Club | Baltusrol Golf Club | Canoe Brook Country Club | Cherry Valley Club | Crestmont Country Club | Deepdale Golf Club | Essex County Country Club | Fenway Golf Club | Forest Hill Field Club | Francis A. Byrne Golf Course | Hendricks Field Golf Course | Metropolis Country Club | Pelham Country Club | Quaker Ridge Golf Club | Rockaway Hunting Club | Somerset Hills Country Club | Weequahic Park Golf Course | Winged Foot Golf Club
This year, a total of 29 forward-thinking public courses and facilities participated in the launch of Youth on Course in the Met Area. Through the Youth on Course program, junior golfers ages 6-18 have weekday access to participating courses for a green fee of just $5 (or less). More than 750 rounds were played through YOC this summer and the program is slated for growth in future years.
The MGA Foundation is proud to subsidize the difference between the regular junior rate at participating courses and the $5 fee, providing more access for kids to play and develop their games for the years to come.
Junior Championships Recap
102nd Met Junior Championship
Sponsored by MetLife Southward Ho Country Club July 17- 19, 2019
Will Celiberti of Ridgewood, N.J., put the exclamation point at the end of an impressive week of play by capturing the 102nd Met Junior Championship Sponsored by MetLife with a 3-and 2 victory over Luke Sample of New York, N.Y. After finishing as runner-up in 2018, Celiberti followed one strong performance with another throughout the four rounds of match play to earn his first MGA title.
2019 Caddie Academies
Caddie programs at MGA Member Clubs are second to none. This year, nine clubs held one-day, no-cost introductory classes for juniors interested in becoming caddies. Several clubs hosted avanced caddie training as a next step for committeed future caddies looking to learn even more to be prepared out on the course. There are more than 140 clubs in the Met Area with active caddie programs and teen caddies are needed every summer, so the MGA Foundation is proud to help provide the first step for kids looking to get started.
After two summers of experience, caddies can apply for caddie scholarships. The Caddie Scholarship Funds of Long Island, New Jersey and Westchester awarded 210 caddies with meaningful scholarships for the 2019-2020 school year. Additionally, the Evans Scholars Foundation, based in the Midwest, provides 1,000 caddies nationally with full college scholarships and to-date, more than 30 local caddies have been named Evans Scholars.
MGA Junior Player of the Year
Presented By Callaway
Jack Wall
Thanks to yet another consistent season, Jack Wall of Brielle, N.J., becomes the first two-time winner of the award. Advancing to match play in the U.S. Junior Amateur, finishing as runner-up in the New Jersey Amateur and advancing to the quarterfinal of the Met Amateur highlighted Wall’s summer and added to his point total of 571 points. Nathan Han finished second in the season-long points race, with Luke Sample, Ben Carpenter and Will Celiberti rounding out the top 5.
Jay Mottola Scholarship Fund
The MGA Foundation
49 Knollwood Road, Elmsford NY 10523
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