MGA FOUNDATION newsletter 2024 YEAR END
Celebrating 30 Years of GOLFWORKS
The MGA Foundation’s GOLFWORKS student-intern program reached a milestone in 2024, celebrating 30 years of making a positive impact on the lives of young men and women throughout the Met Area. This season, 237 interns worked in various roles at 45 clubs and courses throughout the Met Area, whether in the golf shop, bag room, on the grounds crew, on the outside operations team, or in the kitchen and clubhouse.
From a concept that started with just 12 interns at six clubs in 1994, GOLFWORKS has grown to be a thriving program that provides an introduction to the golf industry, a first job for many, teaches lifelong lessons, and offers incredible networking opportunities for future endeavors.
We caught up with a number of GOLFWORKS alumni to learn about how their experiences with the program shaped their future:
Trapper Van Dunk was a GOLFWORKS intern in the program’s first year and interned at The Tuxedo Club in Tuxedo Park, N.Y., where he was inspired to pursue a career in the golf industry. He became the head golf course superintendent at Leewood Golf Club in Eastchester, N.Y., in 2006, then worked at various clubs and courses before joining the team at Spook Rock Golf Course in Suffern, N.Y., earlier this year, where he oversees the grounds crews and maintenance operations at one of the busiest public facilities in New York that hosted the MGA Public Links Championship in June.
Thirty Year History
“Being around golf my entire life, having the ability to be at the top of my game as a superintendent, and coming from the GOLFWORKS program, it means a lot to me to put a product out there I can be proud of, my team can be proud of and have the MGA and the GOLFWORKS program be proud of.”
-Trapper Van Dunk (1994-95)
Brother and sister Tyler and Skye McCaine spent their high school summers working at clubs near where they grew up in Mount Vernon; Tyler at Bonnie Briar Country Club in Larchmont and Quaker Ridge Golf Club in Scarsdale, and Skye for five years at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck. Tyler attended Colgate University and Skye studied at Iona University. The siblings now live and work in Manhattan, Tyler in commercial real estate and Skye in experiential marketing.
“I think the important thing with GOLFWORKS is that you have structure in your life. You have responsibilities that you have to answer to. You must learn at a young age that your social plans must coalesce with your work obligations. It was a great experience, Quaker Ridge was always good to me.”
-Tyler McCaine (2008-11)
As a part of the 30th anniversary celebrations, the MGA Foundation is proud to share two special GOLFWORKS videos that tell the stories of just a few of the people and places that make the program so special. The videos can be accessed via mgagolf.org or by scanning the QR code.
“Looking back, I think I learned how to deal with different personalities and interact with people very different from me from a very young age. I didn’t anticipate the connections I made, but I was very grateful because I think the world runs on connections.”
-Skye McCaine (2009-12)
GOLFWORKS offered relief to Ukrainian students studying in the US who were seeking a safe working environment during the conflict in
MGA ADAPTIVE GOLF PROGRAM – 2024 RECAP
The Metropolitan Golf Association’s Adaptive Golf Program has made incredible strides in 2024, expanding its reach and impact on the adaptive golf community in its first year of programming. From our inaugural clinic in April to our final event in October, we have been privileged to work with an array of inspiring individuals and dedicated partner organizations.
March – October: Special Olympics Clinic Series at Harbor Links Golf Course
One of the cornerstones of our 2024 program was our collaboration with a local Special Olympics Chapter. Every Monday from March through October, we participated in adaptive golf clinics at Harbor Links Golf Course in Port Washington, N.Y. These clinics served athletes with various intellectual and developmental disabilities, providing a structured environment where participants could develop their golf skills, increase their physical fitness, and foster social connections.
These clinics’ consistent, weekly format allowed participants to build familiarity and comfort with the game, resulting in significant improvement over the year. Athletes refined their swing and short game and demonstrated increased confidence and camaraderie.
April: GiGi’s Playhouse Clinic at Golfzon Social & USGA
Adaptive Open Qualifier
We officially launched our 2024 season in April with a clinic in partnership with GiGi’s Playhouse, a community organization supporting individuals with Down syndrome. Held at Golfzon Social in Scarsdale, N.Y., the clinic leveraged the unique setting of an indoor golf simulator to create a fun, controlled environment for participants. The session emphasized golf fundamentals while incorporating games and adaptive equipment to ensure all attendees could fully participate. The success of this clinic set a positive precedent for our programming throughout the year.
Also in April, the MGA conducted a U.S. Adaptive Open qualifier at Haworth Country Club in Haworth, N.J. This event was a powerful
testament to the skill and dedication of adaptive athletes in our region. It provided a platform for competitors to showcase their talents and inspired our clinics and participants.
May: Arc of Westchester Clinic Series & NJID Clinic Series
May was a bustling month for our program as we collaborated with the Arc of Westchester for a series of clinics at Mohansic Golf Course in Yorktown Heights, N.Y., and Knollwood Country Club in Elmsford, N.Y. Designed specifically for individuals with autism and Down syndrome, these clinics combined golf instruction with social skill development. The serene outdoor setting of these courses was ideal for helping participants focus, relax, and engage with the sport and their peers.
Concurrently, we launched our first clinic series with the New Jersey Institute for Disabilities (NJID) at Topgolf in Edison, N.J. These sessions introduced golf to a new cohort of participants at a unique, non-traditional venue. Topgolf’s accessible and inclusive design and our adaptive coaching techniques created a memorable learning environment that resonated with participants and their families.
July: NYISE Clinic Series & Expansion of Adaptive Equipment Resources
July was a landmark month for the MGA Adaptive Golf Program. Partnering with the New York Institute for Special Education (NYISE), we offered a clinic series tailored for blind and visually impaired golfers. These sessions, held in The Bronx, demonstrated golf’s versatility and ability to cater to various abilities. Participants developed their skills and gain a deeper appreciation for the sport by utilizing specialized coaching techniques and equipment.
During this time, we also acquired a SoloRider golf cart with a trailer, generously donated by the JDJ Foundation. This adaptive cart provides a safe and supportive way for individuals with mobility challenges to navigate the course and enjoy a full round of golf. The addition of this equipment marked a significant enhancement in our ability to serve a broader community of participants.
August: Adelphi University Bridges Program Clinic Series at Golfzon Range
In August, we collaborated with the Adelphi University Bridges Program that offers opportunities to young adults with developmental disabilities. The clinic series, held at Golfzon Range in Westbury, N.Y., emphasized the role of golf in promoting independence and self-efficacy. Participants were encouraged to set personal goals, celebrate achievements, and connect with peers in a supportive environment. The program’s success was evident in the increased engagement and skill level observed throughout the series.
September: Aces Fore Autism
In September, we partnered with Aces Fore Autism for a clinic at Mohansic, offering a unique golf experience for individuals on the autism spectrum. The outdoor setting provided a calming environment that allowed participants to immerse themselves in the game. Our team of coaches utilized visual cues, clear communication, and positive reinforcement to create an inclusive experience. Parents and guardians noted significant improvements in participants’ ability to focus and follow instructions, further demonstrating the therapeutic benefits of golf.
October: NJID Clinic Part 2 at Topgolf & Autism Speaks Walk Teams
Our October programming saw a return to Topgolf for part two of the NJID Golf Clinic series. Building on the progress made earlier in the year, participants continued to develop their golf skills and confidence. The series concluded with a celebratory atmosphere as families and participants reflected on their achievements.
October also marked our support for Autism Speaks Walks in Westchester and Long Island. Team MGA participated in these events, further strengthening our advocacy for the autism community and building our network of supporters.
We are eager to grow our adaptive golf programs and offerings as we continue to make golf accessible for members of all our communities.
To learn how to volunteer or support the MGA’s Adaptive Golf Program, please contact Ryan Kayton at ryan.kayton@mgagolf.org.
MGA FOUNDATION
AWARDS THIRD JAY MOTTOLA SCHOLARSHIP
The MGA Foundation is pleased to announce Joshua Hamilton Smith of The Bronx, New York, as the third recipient of the Jay Mottola Scholarship (JMS). Hamilton Smith caddied at Wykagyl Country Club in New Rochelle, N.Y., worked as a peer tutor with First Tee - Metropolitan New York, and is in his first year at Savannah College of Art and Design this fall.
Launched in 2018 to celebrate the former longtime MGA executive director Jay Mottola and his dedication to youth caddie initiatives, the JMS is a significant scholarship available for four years of undergraduate study. The JMS is awarded to an exceptional young man or woman who caddies or works in service to golf in the Met Area and is eligible under the
criteria of the Long Island Caddie Scholarship Fund, the MGA Caddie Scholarship Fund, and the NJSGA Caddie Scholarship Foundation. The JMS is the most significant scholarship awarded by the MGA Foundation and the local caddie scholarship funds work together to identify and select the recipients.
“This means more than I can put into words,” says Hamilton Smith. “First, receiving this scholarship filled me with an overwhelming feeling of gratitude; the fact that I was chosen out of an applicant pool of dozens made me feel seen and appreciated, like the work I had been putting in was significant and valued outside of myself and my family.”
Hamilton Smith, the youngest of five children, intends to major in Fine Arts Illustration and Design. He graduated from The Dalton School in 2024, where he was a co-chairperson of the Black Student Union. The Bronx native also worked as a community organizer with Volunteer Initiative and as a summer intern at Assemblyman Kevin Riley’s office throughout high school. Hamilton Smith is an independent artist who has completed commissioned pieces.
JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS RECAP
“After gleaning as much as I can from my SCAD experience, I plan to become a selfemployed artist who makes commissioned pieces for customers, is hired by companies to work on various creative projects, and I just want to have the skill set to create and learn how to create everything that my mind and heart desires,” said Hamilton Smith. “I want to create an occupation I genuinely enjoy while inspiring the world to embrace their authentic selves and tap into their unique powers of creation, manifestation, and imagination.”
“Josh blew us away in his interview. I’m pleased that besides caddieing at Wykagyl, he participated in the First Tee program at Mosholu,” said Jay Mottola. “Youth caddieing and First Tee - Metropolitan New York are two initiatives I am passionate about, so having a recipient like Josh who is involved in both is very gratifying.”
“The committee was impressed by this year’s candidates, their commitment to excel in school, and determination to make their mark on the world,” said Johanna Gavin, director of the MGA Foundation. “They credited a lot of their leadership qualities to skills honed working in golf!”
The first two recipients of the Jay Mottola Scholarship, Sam Masters (2020) and Eikoh Hayashi (2022), have both graduated college and have started their professional careers. Hayashi earned a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics from the University of North Dakota, graduating with honors and Magna Cum Laude. He is pursuing a career in aviation. Masters graduated with a degree in economics from SUNY Binghamton and works for Odyssey Retail Advisors, a consulting and brokerage firm specializing in high-end retail real estate.
107 TH MET JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP SPONSORED BY METLIFE
Jack Chung of Greenwich, Conn., won 4 and 2 over Liam Pasternak of Morristown, N.J., to claim the Met Junior Championship at Sunningdale Country Club in July. On the back nine, Chung picked up his game and won four holes in a row—with three birdies on Nos. 11, 12, and 13. All three birdies followed approach shots that were tight to the flagstick. The win was the first for Chung in an MGA event.
56TH MGA/METLIFE BOYS’ CHAMPIONSHIP
Zachary Berger of Remsenburg, N.Y., edged Colin McAskin of New York, N.Y., 1-up to win the 56th MGA/MetLife Boys’ Championship at White Beeches Golf and Country Club. Berger and McAskin were tight on the front nine, with the largest lead for either player being one. Berger took a 2-up lead after winning No. 15 before McAskin answered with a win on the 16th hole. Both made birdie on No. 17 before Berger tied the par-3 18th to claim the title.
INTRODUCING THE GOLFWORKS GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP
In October, the MGA Foundation announced the creation of the GOLFWORKS Graduate Scholarship. This new scholarship will advance educational opportunities through need-based college scholarships to students who have displayed exceptional commitment to working in service to golf in the New York Metropolitan Area and will offer an affordable pathway to pursue a career in the game of golf.
Five students make up the first class of recipients: Victoria Carlson, David GoldinMcCarthy, Jack Ra, Amelia Tejada, and Christian Vinas.
“We are proud to expand our MGA Foundation scholarship offerings with the establishment of the GOLFWORKS Graduate Scholarship,” said Johanna Gavin, the director of the MGA Foundation. “This addition to our programming provides a link between our flagship youth internship program to a career in the golf industry. The first class of recipients have demonstrated personal growth and development through their service to golf and some have even declared interest in pursuing a career in the game of golf.”
Meet the GOLFWORKS Graduate Scholars:
Victoria Carlson, a junior at George Washington University, worked in the golf shop at Essex Fells Country Club in Essex Fells, N.J., for four and a half years. She is a member of the varsity rowing team and is majoring in international affairs.
Amelia Tejada is in her first year at SUNY Maritime in the Bronx, majoring in environmental studies. Tejada worked as a coach and counselor at Mosholu Golf Course through First Tee – Metropolitan N.Y. The Bronx native graduated from Saint Vincent Ferrer High School in Manhattan.
For students to qualify for the GOLFWORKS Graduate Scholarship, they must demonstrate financial need, experience working in service to golf at an MGA member club, a commitment to pursue a career in the game of golf, and exceptional academics and leadership qualities.
22ND CARTER CUP
David Goldin-McCarthy worked as a caddie and in the golf shop at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, N.Y., and is in his first year of the PGA Golf Management program at Penn State University. The Mamaroneck native was also active with First Tee – Metropolitan N.Y.
Jack Ra has been a caddie for four years at Eagle Oaks Golf and Country Club in Farmingdale, N.J., and is a freshman at the University of Delaware. Ra graduated from Howell High School and was a member of the National Honor Society and the boys’ basketball and track and field teams.
Christian Vinas caddied at the Huntington Crescent Club in Huntington, N.Y., in 2022 and 2023 and enrolled at the University of Central Florida this year as part of the class of 2028. Christian intends on pursuing a career in golf course architecture upon graduating from UCF.
The GOLFWORKS Graduate Scholarship celebrates GOLFWORKS interns and others who work at clubs and courses throughout New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, and will support young men and women as they look to further their education and explore careers in the golf industry. For more information on the GOLFWORKS Graduate Scholarship, contact Johanna Gavin, director of the MGA Foundation at jgavin@mgagolf.org.
To learn how to sponsor a GOLFWORKS intern, contact Lou Cutolo at lcutolo@mgagolf.org.
60TH WILLIAMSON CUP
Team MGA finished in seventh at the 2024 edition of the Williamson Cup at Rehoboth Beach Country Club. Zachary Berger of Remsenburg, N.Y., Aryan Gautam of Trumbull, Conn., Zachary Munno of Stamford, Conn., and Holden Schipper of Lebanon, N.J., represented the MGA. Munno was the top finisher, finishing in a tie for 10th at 2-under over the 36-hole event. Berger had the best round for the MGA in the afternoon, firing a 5-under 67 to move up to T14 individually and finish at even par for the event.
There was a shared title at the Carter Cup for the first time, with Jack Chung and Owen Jessop claiming the top spot in a weather-affected event. The event was cut to 18 holes after afternoon thunderstorms prevented the full 36 holes. The pair fired even par 70s in the morning on Winged Foot Golf Club’s West Course. Chung opened with a bogey but birdied the par-4 sixth and par-5 ninth to make the turn in 1-under. After a bogeybirdie start to the second nine, Chung reeled off five consecutive pars before a final bogey on the lengthy par-4 17th. Jessop, who competed in this year’s U.S. Junior Amateur, began on the par-3 10th and used a pair of early birdies and two more late ones to card his 70.
2024 AT A GLANCE
EXPANDING THE CARTER CUP
Ever since its first playing in 2003, the Carter Cup— the MGA’s junior stroke play championship—has stood as a coveted invitation for junior male golfers. The Met Area’s young female competitors will also have the opportunity to receive an invitation to the event as it adds a championship for junior girls beginning in 2025 at Baltusrol Golf Club.
YOUNG MEN/WOMEN certified through MGA Caddie Academies
9
MGA CADDIE ACADEMIES held throughout the spring
YOUTH ON COURSE: 415
10,292
ROUNDS IN 2024
Over 4,000 of those rounds were played at Bethpage’s Blue, Yellow, or Green courses.
237
GOLFWORKS INTERNS this year
45
MGA MEMBER CLUBS/FACILITIES hosted interns this year
YOUTH ON COURSE BREAKS RECORDS
The MGA Foundation’s partnership with Youth on Course continued in 2024, and local members more than doubled the rounds played from 2023 to 2024.
Rounds Played:
2024: 10,292 2023: 4,800
Busiest Courses:
Bethpage State Park – Blue, Yellow, and Green Courses – 4,706 rounds
Westchester Country – Dunwoodie, Maple Moor, Saxon Woods, and Sprain Lake – 2,700
Championship Caliber:
Youth On Course members competed in the Carter Cup, Ike, Met Amateur, Met Junior, Public Links, Boys’, and Long Drive Championships.
In their own words:
“Youth on Course has helped with all the costs associated with golf. With Youth on Course, I have played many courses throughout the Northeast.”
– Matthew DiFiore, Long Island
“Some courses only charge $3 for 18 holes on weekdays, which makes the cost much lower. That can let more kids who love golf not give it up because of the cost.”
– Jiajun Wang, Long Island
A NEW WAY TO SUPPORT THE MGA FOUNDATION: LEAVE
A LEGACY
Give to others in a lasting way: a gift to the MGA Foundation means strengthening the impact of our work to champion, advance, and invest in the game and its future for the Met Area golf community.
The MGA Foundation offers options for planned giving opportunities and staff members are available to assist you in finding a plan that is right for you and your family. This type of donation in your will or living trust is a unique and special way to ensure that the MGA Foundation continues its mission for years to come.
If you love the game of golf, please consider becoming a part of our “Leave a Legacy Program” by remembering the MGA Foundation in your estate plans. Your generosity will support our programs and make a profound difference in the lives of those we serve.
For more information on the “Leave a Legacy Program,” please visit mgagolf.org/foundation/plannedgiving or email Maire Brosnan-Katavolos at mairebk@mgagolf.org
IN CELEBRATION of our over 125-year commitment to the Met Area Golf Community, the MGA continues to uphold our pledge to secure the future of golf and its related services by creating an endowment fund. Since our founding in 1897, the MGA has strived to be the premier resource and trusted partner in promoting golf and its lifelong values within the Metropolitan Area, particularly among youth. With your support, we are expanding access to the game for everyone, including youth, seniors, and individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities. The MGA125 Campaign aims to ensure we have endowed funds to sustain and expand our services. We seek support from all golfers, members, clubs, businesses, corporations, foundations, and friends within our community as we invest in the next 125 years.
To learn more about the MGA125 Campaign and its impact on our charitable initiatives, please contact Johanna Gavin, director, MGA Foundation, at 914-909-4861 or jgavin@mgagolf.org
The Ridgewood Country Club | Monday, May 19, 2025
Please mark your calendars and join us for our annual Day of Golf!
The Ridgewood Country Club in Paramus, N.J., will host the MGA Foundation’s largest one-day fundraiser on Monday, May 19. Annually held early in the golf season, the Day of Golf serves as a fun gathering of friends of the MGA Foundation. Proceeds from Day of Golf support the GOLFWORKS student-intern program, which places interns at seasonal jobs at participating MGA clubs and courses.
To make your reservation early, contact Kyle Keckeisen at 914-909-4852 or kkeckeisen@mgagolf.org.
THE MGA FOUNDATION
The MGA Foundation is the charitable vehicle to growing the game in the Met Area and supporting the MGA’s mission to champion, advance, and invest in the game and its future for the Met Area golf community.
Today, the Foundation is focused on providing opportunities for individuals from all communities and and facilitates unique programs and initiatives, all while enhancing the MGA’s tradition of excellence.
Our charitable priorities are to: INVEST in the Future
ADVANCE the Game
We support the next generation of golfers through youth initiatives.
Learn more about how you can support all MGA Foundation Initiatives.
We advance the game through programs for all, both on and off the course. FOSTER Collaboration
We promote and implement opportunities for growth in all areas of the game.
We work with the communities we serve to provide increased accessibility to golf.
