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MGA announces team for 14th Carey Cup

ELMSFORD, N.Y. (April 4, 2017) – The biennial Governor Hugh L. Carey Challenge Cup will highlight the early portion of the MGA schedule this season, as six of the Met Area’s top amateur competitors will square off against the Golfing Union of Ireland at Galway Bay Resort in Oranmore, Ireland, May 16-18.

Related: Meet Team MGA | Carey Challenge Cup History

Though the GUI prevailed in the 2015 meeting at Metedeconk National Golf Club in Jackson, N.J., the MGA will be eyeing its third win in the last four matchups, having won in 2011 and again in 2013, which marked the MGA’s first ever victory on foreign soil. The Walker Cup-style competition features Foursome and Fourball matches on day one of competition and concludes with Singles matches on day two.

The 2017 MGA Carey Cup team once again features a highly accomplished group of competitors. Newly elected president Michael Sullivan will have his first opportunity to lead a MGA international team, serving as co-captain alongside former MGA executive director Jay Mottola. Additionally, Rob Bluestone, pastformer chair of the MGA’s Rules and Competitions Committee, will serve as honorary captain. This year’s team includes:

Tyler Cline, 23, of The Tuxedo Club in Tuxedo Park, N.Y. First appearance on an MGA international team; 2016 MGA Player of the Year Honor Roll.

Darin Goldstein, 35, of Noyac Golf Club in Sag Harbor, N.Y. Two-time competitor on MGA international teams; 2016 LIGA Amateur champion; advanced to match play in 2016 U.S. Mid-Amateur.

Stewart Hagestad, 26, of Deepdale Golf Club in Manhasset, N.Y. Two-time competitor on MGA international teams; 2016 MGA Player of the Year; 2016 Met Amateur and U.S. Mid-Amateur champion; low amateur, 81st Masters Tournament.

Brian Komline, 43, of Black Oak Golf Club in Long Valley, N.J. Six-time competitor on MGA international teams; 2016 Bergen County Amateur champion; 2016 MGA Mid-Am runner-up.

Ethan Ng, 17, of Fiddler’s Elbow in Bedminster, N.J. First appearance on an MGA Carey Cup team; member of the 2016 MGA/WMGA French-American Challenge Cup Matches team; 2016 Carter Cup champion; runner-up, 2016 Met Amateur.

Trevor Randolph, 44, of Arcola Country Club in Paramus, N.J. Three-time competitor on MGA international teams; 2015 and 2016 MGA Mid-Am champion; three-time NJSGA Mid-Am champion; also won 2016 Hochster Memorial and Travis Invitational.

The Carey Cup was originally called the Metedeconk International Challenge Cup and was first played at Metedeconk in 1990. The teams played once again in Ireland in 1992 but did not meet in 1994. In 1996, the matches were conducted once again—an effort spearheaded by the late Governor Hugh L. Carey who envisioned the matches as an opportunity to foster sportsmanship and goodwill between the countries. Ever since, the matches have been played in his honor with a spirit of camaraderie and competition.

The 14th Carey Cup begins Tuesday, May 16 with an “Am-Am,” in which each of the GUI and MGA players will be paired with three amateurs in a best ball competition. The matches officially begin on Wednesday, May 17. All six players from each team compete in every round of play.

Galway Bay Resort hugs the Atlantic coastline in western Ireland, creating a truly incredible setting for championship golf. The links style course demands precision while playing exposed to sweeping winds off the bay. Several water hazards and cleverly concealed bunkers add to the challenge of the course, which is known for its finely conditioned fairways and greens.

Prior to the Carey Cup, several MGA team members will have the opportunity to compete in the Irish Amateur Open. The event—Ireland’s premier stroke play championship—will be contested at Royal County Down, May 11-14.

For more information on the competition as it draws near, continue to visit www.mgagolf.org. The MGA will provide updates from Ireland, both through its social media channels and its website.

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