Komline, Stamberger, Handley Represent New Jersey In U.S. State Team Championships At Galloway National

Three outstanding amateurs will represent the New Jersey State Golf Association in their home state when the United States Golf Association Men’s State Team Championship comes to Galloway National Golf Club in Galloway Township September 19-21.

Brian Komline of Black Oak Golf Club, a Bridgewater resident, built on his already impressive competitive record in May by winning the NJSGA Mid-Amateur Championship at Galloway National to become the first player to take all four of the association’s major titles. Komline is only the

Michael Stamberger of Spring Lake Golf Club, a Brielle resident, the 2011 NJSGA Player of the Year, finished second to Komline in the State Mid-Amateur and placed fourth in the Open.

Niall Handley of Essex Fells Country Club, a West Caldwell resident, was runner-up by a stroke in the Open and reached the semifinals of the Mid-Amateur for the third time.

Robert Housen of Manasquan River, a Brielle resident, who played on the first state team in 1995 at Lake Nona in Orlando, Fla.,, will serve as New Jersey’s non-playing captain.

The New Jersey trio will compete for a championship that is open to teams of amateur, non-college golfers from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

They will play a Tom Fazio course on Reed’s Bay just inland of Atlantic City that is ranked No. 24 on Golfweek’s list of the Top 100 Modern Courses. After playing well at Galloway in the Mid-Amateur, Komline said, “You don’t get any relief out there on any holes. You’re always trying to play away from trouble.”

Said Handley, “The course is very, very difficult, a great course for match play. It tests every aspect of your game.”

Mike Killian, the director of golf, commented, “From the club’s ownership to its members, we’re thrilled to host a USGA championship. We feel Galloway National Golf Club is going to be an excellent test, and we hope this will be the first of many USGA championships held at the club.”

There is no charge to watch the event, and no tickets are required. The teams play 18 holes of stroke play with the two lowest of the three individual scores counting as the team’s score for the round. The team with the lowest aggregate score for 54 holes is the champion.