Manasquan River Plays Host to 122nd New Jersey Amateur Championship Presented by Provident Bank

BRIELLE, N.J. – The New Jersey State Golf Association is headed to Manasquan River Golf Club for the 122nd Amateur Championship presented by Provident Bank, which will be contested from July 10-12. 

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Competitors will play 18 holes of stroke play on July 10 and 11, after which the field will be cut to the low 40 scorers plus ties for the 36-hole finale on July 12. The championship is open to amateur golfers with a Handicap Index® not exceeding 7.0 and must be a New Jersey resident or member of an NJSGA club. A record 516 entries for the 122nd Amateur Championship was accepted in 2023. In 2012, the NJSGA accepted 577 entries for the Amateur hosted by Baltusrol Golf Club, making 2023 the second-largest entered event since 2004.* 

Founded in 1922, Manasquan River Golf Club has been a long-time staple of New Jersey competitive golf. Having hosted 17 NJSGA championships in the past, Manasquan River most recently hosted the New Jersey Four-Ball Championship in 2020.  

The course was designed by architect Robert White who built nine holes in the pastures and swampy meadowlands along the river, which opened for play in 1923. He then made the second nine holes in the elevated woodlands and laurel-laden ravines overlooking the river, which would be opened in 1926. Over the years, the club has improved its infrastructure, one major fix being upgrading the irrigation and drainage systems in 2015. A new pump house was built, and 700 sprinkler heads were added, allowing the entire course to be irrigated in 2.5 hours instead of 7.5 hours. The club is well known for its farmland and rolling hills that are highlighted by 1800 feet of waterfront property along the Manasquan River. 

Manasquan River Golf Club has hosted three Amateur Championships dating back to 1969, and most recently in 1993, when Robert Housen of the hosting club Manasquan River and six-time winner of the Amateur Championship claimed the Edwin M. Wild Trophy. 

Head golf professional Chris Dymek, who is in his 10th season at the club, alluded to the club's tough conditions and the memberships eagerness to host the major championship. 

“The membership at Manasquan River Golf Club is so excited to have this championship,” said Dymek. “Historically, we are a relatively great playing membership. We will have great representation in the championship and our members will get excited behind that. They’re excited to go out and support our members participating.  We finished a course renovation a few years ago, and having this event will be the icing on the cake. It will be exciting to see how all of the changes test the players."

Having hosted the 95th New Jersey PGA Section Championship in 2022, Manasquan River is no stranger to high-level golf on its own soil. 

“Manasquan River will be ready for the test,” expressed Dymek. “We have so many talented golfers in the state of New Jersey, but I feel if we have the firm and fast conditions that usually we like to pride ourselves on, it will be a great challenge and anyone shooting under par will be successful.” 

Inside the Field  
The 105-player field is balanced with up-and-coming talent as well as seasoned veterans. Highlighted by six former Amateur Champions in William Celiberti (2022), Michael Brown (2021), Austin Devereux (2020), Michael Stamberger (2013, 2014), Bill McGuinness (1996, 2007) and Corey Brigham (2002), the field will stacked with talent. 

Defending champion, Celiberti is coming off his senior season competing at the University of Maryland. Winning in 2022 by way of a three-hole aggregate playoff against Will Huang, Celiberti will seek a repeat, a back-to-back feat that just 11 individuals have completed. Along with Celiberti, winners of the 2021 and 2020, Brown and Devereux, respectively, are also featured in the field. Brown, who is just coming off his second Mid-Amateur Championship title at Deal Golf & Country Club will look to build off his solid momentum. For Devereux, Director of Outside Operations at Manasquan River, knowledge of the course will potentially play in his favor.  

“He grew up in this area, he grew up caddying at this club at the age of 14,” said Dymek. “It’s a big opportunity for him. He already has his name on this trophy. It’s a great thing for him to get out there and I know the membership is going to support him tremedously.” 

John Havay joins Brown as the only other 2023 NJSGA Champion in the field, winning the 91st Four-Ball Championship at Hamilton Golf Club alongside partner Erik Diamond. Havay, Caddie Manager at Trump National Golf Club – Bedminster is set to compete in all of the major championships of the 2023 season.  

A Family Affair 
For the Wall brothers, made up of Augie, Ethan, Jeremy and Jack, golf has been a family activity for quite some time. The four of them have been long-time competitors of the NJSGA and have been successful in their efforts. Two of the four, Jeremy (27) and Jack (22) will be teeing it up in the 122nd edition of the Amateur, and at their home club, Manasquan River in hopes of hoisting the Edwin M. Wild Trophy on July 12.