Youth Foundation Pro-am A Banner Success
The 2014 New Jersey State Golf Association Youth Foundation Pro-Am, conducted at Essex County Country Club in West Orange, site of the 94rd State Open on Monday, July 14, benefitted charities from around the state.
The event attracted 26 foursomes who were able to play on the same course on which 135 pros and amateurs will tee it off for the State Open which takes place Tuesday through Thursday, July 15-17.
The 94th State Open Championship marks the sixth time ECCC has hosted the Open, 1987 being the most recent.
The Youth Foundation Pro-Am was a four-player team event and the format was Best Ball of Four, net scoring. Teams were formed of three amateurs and one professional. There was both a team competition and individual Professionals´ competition.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of checks of $3,500 each by the NJSGA Youth Foundation to the First Tee of Essex County and Mountain Top League, both ECCC designated charities. Another check for $3,000 was awarded to the New Jersey Golf Foundation (NJPGA).
The Youth Foundation Pro-Am will also benefit The John Shippen Youth Golf Academy, New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association to sponsor the state high school championships and provide scholarships to a boy and a girl golfer; LPGA/USGA Girls Golf of Greater Newark, and the First Tee programs of Raritan Valley and Plainfield.
The NJSGA Youth Foundation supports deserving youth golf and sports-related programs throughout the State of New Jersey. This support is provided through grants, instructional clinics, and recognition through NJSGA publications and events.
“This is an opportunity for us to make an impact on various youth organizations throughout the state,” said NJSGA president Frank O’Brien. “This is our largest fund raiser of the year and we are extremely appreciative of the people who participate and thank them for their long-time support.
“It’s also an opportunity to renew old friendships. We are also thankful of the golf professionals who give of their time to make this a memorable day for the amateur participants,” O’Brien stated.
The Youth Foundation also raised money through a raffle, with the two winners receiving an all-expense paid trip for four of two nights and airfare to either Cabot Links Resort and/or Streamsong Resort. Both trips are sponsored by United Airlines.
The NJSGA thanks Callaway, sponsor of practice facility demos and prizes, and Golf Car Specialties, sponsor of the awards dinner.
Jim McGovern of White Beeches, runenr-up at the 2013 State Open, and four-time champion Ed Whitman of Knickerbocker (1991, '95, '96, 2004), shared low pro honors with 66s.
Whitman's team, McRae Capital Management, took the team honors with Rod McRae III shooting 70, Andrew Gilbert 87 and Doug Bixby 90.
"The course played a little shorter than it will for the championship," Whitman said. "The greens were receptive and that made it easier for me. I've been palying a little better. It's encouraging and provides a little confidence."
"The greens were spectacular," said McGovern, a former champion on the PGA Tour. "I kept the ball in play I'm sure the roughs will be tough for the tournament."
