10th Metropolitan Open Going to New Heights
PROFESSIONALS WILL PLAY FOR $25,000 FIRST PRIZE
On the heels of a successful 2014 version of the Metropolitan Open, the Country Club of St. Albans Metropolitan Open Committee is taking larger strides in ensuring the Open is one of the top events in the midwest.
MAGA is excited to announce the first prize of the 2015 Open will be $25,000. Jim Nienhaus, General Chairman of the Open commented on the increase, “The increased purse is just another indication of the commitment The Country Club of St. Albans has to hold a professional golf championship at the highest level. The club, as many already know, is in the midst of a comprehensive renovation project inside and out, but the major golf course/bunker renovation is probably the most exciting.”
The 2014 Open attracted professionals from all around the country. Local professional Chris Brant (pictured) captured his first professional victory in a thrilling 6-hole playoff over Chris Thompson. Brant commented on his victory, “It was an honor to win my first professional event at the 2014 MAGA Open. The support from Plaza motors/MAGA staff, the immaculate and challenging Lewis and Clark course, and strong field make the event one of the best we play all year. I cannot wait to come back and defend in 2015.”
A full field will be 144 players, amateurs who are members of MAGA with a USGA handicap index of 1.4 or below are eligible and professionals from around the country will comprise the field.
Nienhaus also highlights several changes to the 2015 championship, “Other changes to the Championship for 2015 will be a Sunday finish as well as an all walking event. Also, the Pro Am will have several celebrities participating as the tournament will be supporting two charities; PGA Reach and The First Tee of St. Louis.”
The Open will kick-off on Thursday afternoon with the Pro-Am. This will be the fourth year of the Pro-Am and has become an excellent way to showcase some of the young professionals in the field and meet some of our great supporters of the Open. The Pros will play for a skins pool where $1,000 will be up for grabs.
Alex Cusumano (Metropolitan GC) had a very impressive championship and would finish as Low Amateur for the second consecutive year, alone in 4th place. 2014 MAGA Player of the Year, Phil Caravia also had a strong Open with a top-10 finish.
Championship play will commence Friday with all competitors playing 36-holes Friday and Saturday before a cut to the Low 40 and ties is made for the Final Round Sunday. The Championship is FREE for spectators to come out and see one of the strongest fields to tee it up in St. Louis!
If you should have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact Curt Rohe, Executive Director, via email at /Blog/10th-metropolitan-open-going-to-new-heights or phone at (314) 567-MAGA.
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