Headline: MGA Player of the Year Point System to See Changes in 2017; Point Allocation Changes for Senior and Junior Point Systems
For Immediate Release: April 23, 2017
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| 2016 MGA Players of the Year (from top): Matt Parziale, Kevin Carey (senior) & James Imai (junior). |
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Norton, MA — The first event of the 2017 MGA Championship season is less than two weeks away and competitors are already gearing up for what is a seven-month long battle for the ultimate title of MGA Player of the Year.
Beginning with the MGA Four-Ball Championship - scheduled for May 9-10 - competitors will earn points for top finishes in a select number of MGA, NEGA, USGA and regional events.
By season's end, the MGA will crown a Richard D. Haskell Player of the Year, George M. Cohen Senior Player of the Year and a Christopher Cutler Rich Junior Player of the Year.
In anticipation of the season start, the MGA recently announced changes that will impact the way points are earned for both the George M. Cohen Senior Player of the Year and a Christopher Cutler Rich Junior Player of the Year.
"We are excited to make these changes to the Senior and Junior Player of the Year point systems for this coming season,” said Kevin Eldridge, the MGA's Director of Rules and Competition. “Each season, the Player of the Year point race seems to get tighter and tighter and we hope that these changes will enhance the experience for even more competitors."
One key change noted by Eldridge was the change in the number of points earned at the MGA Senior Four-Ball Championship. Under the new scoring system, the champion team will each be awarded 50 points, with the runner-up pair each receiving 35 points. Third place will receive 25 points, fourth place will get 20 points and fifth place and ties will each receive 15 points, respectively.
Additionally, the annual Senior Hornblower Memorial Invitational, held at Plymouth Country Club and arguably the most recognized tournament in the region, has been expanded to recognize the top-10 finishers and ties. The Champion will receive 120 points towards the George M. Cohen MGA Senior Player of the Year points standings.
The final change to the senior portion of the MGA Player of the Year point system includes the addition of the Cape Cod Senior Amateur, held at the Hyannisport Club and traditionally one of the final events of the competitive season. Dates for the 2017 season are still being finalized.
With the addition of the Cape Cod Senior Amateur to the George M. Cohen Senior Player of the Year standings, the MGA will recognize the top-4 competitors with the Champion receiving 40 points, second place receiving 25 points, and third and fourth place finishers receiving 10 points apiece.
CLICK HERE for a complete breakdown of the new George M. Cohen MGA Senior Player of the Year point system.
On the junior side, key changes to the Christopher Cutler Rich Junior Player of the Year standings include the elimination of points for the CYO Championship.
Additionally, for the US Challenge Cup Events (World Series of Junior Golf & Challenge Cup Invitational), the MGA has reached the decision to award each age division (14-15) & (16-18) its own set of points. For the 14-15-year-old division, only first through fifth place and ties will be awarded points while first through 10th place and ties will be awarded for the 16-18-year-old division.
All other point system rankings for the three MGA Player of the Year categories will remain the same for the 2017 season.
CLICK HERE for a complete breakdown of the new Christopher Cutler Rich MGA Junior Player of the Year point system.
Competitors earn points throughout the season as outlined by the Player of the Year system that has been established for each group by the MGA Championship Committee.
The Players of the Year are honored annually at the Salute to Champions dinner. Matt Parziale, Kevin Carey (senior) and James Imai (junior) are the reigning MGA Players of the Year. The MGA competitive season will begin on May 9 for the 37th playing of the MGA Four-Ball Amateur Championship, being held at Haverhill Country Club & Renaissance.
For information throughout the season, be sure to visit mgalinks.org and follow the MGA on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.
