The Golf Association of Philadelphia heads south to defend its title against the Middle Atlantic Golf Association when the two organizations face off yet again in their longstanding rivalry this Saturday and Sunday in the 57th running of the Mason-Dixon Matches. The annual dual is set to take place at Columbia CC in Bethesda, Md.
The matches have been played annually since 1952 with the Golf Association of Philadelphia holding a 32-20 lead. There have been four ties.
The contest pits two 12-man teams, including one junior and two seniors, from each association in a four-ball match (held on Saturday) and an individual match (held on Sunday). Each match is worth one point. A possible 18 points are available. In the case of a tie (9-9), the defending association retains the trophy.
Last year, the Association hosted the contest at Hidden Creek GC in Egg Harbor township, N.J., and came away with a 10 to 8 point victory over the Middle Atlantic squad.
Michael McDermott, the 2008 William Hyndman, III, Player of the Year, 108th GAP Amateur and Mid-Amateur Champion out of Merion GC, leads the way as the GAP’s team captain for 2008.
Joining McDermott in Maryland will be the 2008 Senior Player of the Year and Senior Amateur Champion in Thomas Bartolacci, Jr., of Saucon Valley CC; John Brennan of Spring Ford CC; Geoffrey Cooper of Laurel Creek CC; Mike Danner of Lu Lu CC; 2008 Senior Silver Cross Winner Don Donatoni of White Manor CC; Current and four-time Junior Boys’ Champion and three-time Junior Player of the Year Robert Galbreath, Jr., of Huntingdon Valley CC; Jeffrey Griest of Waynesborough CC; Matthew Mattare of Saucon Valley CC; Stephen Seiden of Concord CC; the 2008 Patterson Cup Champion and Silver Cross winner Glenn Smeraglio of Yardley CC and David West of Whitford CC.
Next year, the Mason-Dixon Matches return to the Delaware Valley as the Golf Association of Philadelphia will play host to the 58th edition of the event to be held at The Ridge at Back Brook.
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Founded in 1897, the Golf Association of Philadelphia (GAP) is the oldest regional golf association in the United States and serves as the principal ruling body of amateur golf in its region. Its 136 Member Clubs and 56,000 individual members are spread across parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland. The purpose of the Association is simple: To promote, protect and preserve the game of golf in the region.
