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PROFESSIONALS WILL PLAY FOR $25,000 FIRST PRIZE

The Metropolitan Amateur Golf Association (MAGA) is set to conduct the 10^th Metropolitan Open Championship at The Country Club of St. Albans next week on the Lewis & Clark Course. With the bunker renovation complete and a few design changes in effect, the golf course is prime to again test the areas top amateurs and Professionals from 17 states, 2 Canadian provinces and an Australian.

Maybe the most exciting part of the 10^th Open is the first place prize of $25,000 will be awarded on Sunday to the champion. Curt Rohe, Executive Director of MAGA stated, “The commitment of The Country Club of St. Albans to provide a marvelous test of golf, to conduct the Pro-Am, the volunteers from the CCSA membership to assist with scoring is instrumental in bringing in some of the countries top young professionals and allow us to provide the $25,000 first place prize in 2015!”

Local professional Chris Brant 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.” Brant is in the field next week to defend his title.

Jim Nienhaus, General Chairman of the Open commented on St. Albans commitment to the Metropolitan Open,  ”The increased purse is another indication of the commitment The Country Club of St. Albans has to hold a professional golf championship at the highest level.  The club, has completed a comprehensive renovation project inside and out, but the major golf course/bunker renovation is probably the most exciting.”

Also highlighting the 2015 Open will be an all-walking event. In an effort to create a more professional atmosphere the change to an all-walking championship has been implemented.

The Champion will also have his name etched onto the James S. Manion Trophy. The Manion Trophy was donated by Jimmy Manion to honor his father, one of the St. Louis areas greatest amateur golfers. The trophy remains on display at The Country Club of St. Albans throughout the year.

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 had a very impressive championship in 2014 and would finish as Low Amateur for the second consecutive year, alone in 4^th 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 professional golf in St. Louis!

For all Starting Times and LIVE Scoring of the 10^th Open, visit the Plaza Motors Scoreboard found at METGA.ORG. Any further questions, please contact Curt Rohe at /Blog/10th-open-championship-rounds-1-2-starting-times-released or (314) 567-MAGA.

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