2026 GAP Middle-Amateur Qualifying: Running Deer

Mercer Oaks’ Porter medals at Running Deer

PITTSGROVE, N.J. — Matthew Porter of Mercer Oaks Golf Course carded a 2-under-par 70 to earn medalist honors in GAP Middle-Amateur Championship Qualifying at Running Deer Golf Club (par 72, 6,569 yards).

| Scoring portal |

Porter secured one of 17 qualifying spots plus ties available. The 43rd Middle-Amateur Championship, presented by Parx Casino, will take place May 20-21 at Jeffersonville Golf Club in Norristown, Pa. It is the first time a public facility will host a GAP Major.

The cut line stopped at 75. Frost caused a one-hour delay.

The Middle-Amateur is open to males 25 years of age or older with a GAP Handicap Index of 5.0 or less. 

A William Hyndman, III Player of the Year points event, the Middle-Amateur started in 1984, three years after the USGA created the U.S. Mid-Amateur as a formal championship for post-college amateurs. GAP followed suit with the USGA in creating a Middle-Amateur, but initially varied in its administration of the tournament in a couple of respects.

The most obvious difference was the age requirement. Prior to 2001, the GAP Middle-Amateur was only available to players 30 years of age or older.

The GAP Executive Committee reviewed and revised that age requirement in 2001 to match the USGA’s guidelines of 25 years of age or older for eligible players.

GAP
Celebrating Amateur Golf since 1897, GAP, also known as the Golf Association of Philadelphia, is the oldest regional or state golf association in the United States. It serves as the principal ruling body of amateur golf in its region. The organization’s 345 Member Clubs and 140,000 individual members are spread across Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey and Maryland. The GAP’s mission is to promote, preserve and protect the game of golf.

Parx Casino
Parx Casino® is owned and operated by Greenwood Racing Inc. and is the #1 revenue-generating casino property in Pennsylvania. Conveniently located just 20 minutes north of Center City Philadelphia on Street Road in Bensalem, Bucks County, Parx Casino® features more than 180,000 square feet of gaming and sports wagering space, including 3,000 slot machines, 148 live table games, and 48 poker tables in a private poker room.

The property also offers live thoroughbred horse racing and simulcast action, the Xcite Center – a 1,500-seat live entertainment venue – nine restaurants and bars, and complimentary parking for more than 5,000 vehicles. Parx Casino® operates a world-class retail sportsbook and online sports betting, along with online casino gaming, under the betPARX® brand in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Michigan.

In 2026, Parx Casino® expanded its destination experience with the opening of Parxview Hotel, a brand-new, completely smoke-free hotel located just steps from the casino. Parxview Hotel offers 160 modern guest rooms across four room categories, including 16 spacious suites, The Bistro and bar, free parking, seasonal outdoor pool deck, and convenient complimentary shuttle service to and from Parx Casino.