Mr. President:
On behalf of the Metropolitan PGA, I would like to thank the officers and Board for the outstanding support you have all shown for our signature program, PGA Hope and our very popular Summer League, by hosting a team for the past 2 seasons. After a hard fought schedule of 16 matches over 8 weeks, our team has emerged as the winner of the Westchester/Hudson Valley division, prevailing over rivals from Tamarack, Spook Rock, Mohansic, Turtle Creek, Lake Isle and several other clubs, and will face the Long Island division champion in a 9 hole playoff at Trump Links Ferry Point very soon. These gentlemen, (and a few gals also) are most appreciative and feel so honored to have these playing opportunities.
In addition, the Club recently hosted a PGA Junior Tour event, with some 38 junior boys and girls from area clubs and courses, and they were following in the footsteps of PGA tour player Cameron Young, New York State Open winner Michael Miller, and LPGA champion from Long Island, Annie Park, who all started their careers on our Junior Tour.
Finally, the Beacon High School Bulldogs completed a good season of competition, with the continued support of Southern Dutchess CC. The Boys squad this year finished with a record of 4 and 7, and we had Will Martin and Jack Philipbar qualify for the Sectional playoffs. The enthusiastic Girls team also posted several match victories, and is steadily improving, Coaches Matt Van Voorhis and Jean Marie Jacques direct these young Beacon golfers. We have had several of the players come out and play so far, on the afternoons that the Board has approved, and expect the teams to continue to make progress with this opportunity. Thank you!
Clearly, Southern Dutchess CC has stepped up to the plate in helping to grow the game, and is becoming recognized around the Met Section as a true golf club with the support of these vital and diverse programs. The long history and tradition here is still in good order…… Please share my message with the other Board members, and look forward to an outstanding Member Guest extravaganza in a couple weeks.
All the best,
Steve Elias PGA
PGA Life Member, Quarter Century Member
Met PGA Historian
Special Advisor, Beacon HS Bulldogs