THE LATEST HEADLINES FROM
NEW JERSEY GOLF NEWS
NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE
START GETTING THOSE CLUBS READY...The entering of your scores from rounds in NJ will re-open in April 1, 2026
SAVE THE DATES
MIZUHO AMERICAS OPEN AT MOUNTAIN RIDGE GC...May 7-10
SHOPRITE LPGA CLASSIC POWERED BY WAKEFERN AT THE SEAVIEW...May 29-31
Congratulations to our latest EVANS SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Congratulations to the 2026 NJ Golf Evans Scholarship winners. This four year scholarship, for both full room and board, is afforded to local caddies who have met the caddying, academic and financial qualifications of the scholarship, The scholarship is valued at approximately $150,000.
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First Name
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Last Name
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Hometown
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Sponsoring Club
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High School
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Kalani
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Durham
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Irvington
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Baltusrol GC
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Saint Benedict's Preparatory School
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Dean
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Post
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Livingston
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Cedar Hill CC
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Livingston HS
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Ayman
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Zare
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Newark
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Echo Lake CC
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Saint Benedict's Preparatory School
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Juah
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Awlime
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Newark
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Montclair GC
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Saint Benedict's Preparatory School
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Walter
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Lawrence
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Newark
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Essex County CC
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Saint Benedict's Preparatory School
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Joseph
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Faccone
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Oakhurst
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Hollywood GC
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Ocean Township HS
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Adele
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MacGregor
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Oceanport
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Spring Lake GC
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Red Bank Catholic HS
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Ryan
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McCarthy
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Rumson
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Rumson CC
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Rumson-Fair Haven Regional HS
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Joseph
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Walker
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Sea Girt
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Spring Lake GC
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Wall HS
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Litzy
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Pinto
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Union city
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North Jersey CC
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Jose Marti Stem Academy
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SPOTLIGHT PGA PROFESSIONAL - SCOTT PARIS
PGA of America Golf Professional of the Year &
2025 Inductee in the NJ Hall of Fame
SCOTT PARIS (Plainfield Country Club)
Photo Courtesy of the PGA of America
2025 PGA OF AMERICA GOLF PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR and 2025 NJ PGA HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
Scott Paris, PGA, the Director of Golf at Plainfield Country Club in Edison, New Jersey, is the recipient of the 2025 PGA of America Golf Professional of the Year Award. This is the highest annual honor given to a PGA of America Golf Professional, which is awarded for leadership, strong moral character and a substantial record of service to the Association and the game of golf. In addition, Paris was inducted into the NJ Hall of Fame at this year's Celebration of Golf at the end of October.
A PGA of America Golf Professional since 1994, Paris has played an integral role in the success of the historic Plainfield Country Club, both locally and nationally, since 1997 when he was hired as PGA Head Golf Professional. He has served as Director of Golf since 2006 and also served as the Chief Operating Officer from 2018-2024.
Paris was instrumental in Plainfield Country Club hosting two PGA Tour FedEx Cup Playoff events (2011, 2015) and in the awarding of three future USGA Championships (2025 U.S. Amateur Four-Ball, 2031 U.S. Senior Women’s Open, 2037 U.S. Senior Open).
His passion for mentorship has led to over 20 former Assistant Golf Professionals becoming either PGA Directors of Golf or Head Golf Professionals at facilities throughout the country. Paris has strived to inspire career advancement for his staff by providing interview training, objective goal setting and career seminars.
Paris helped establish the First Tee of Plainfield in 2009, the first First Tee program located at a private club. Additionally, he serves as an Evans Caddie Scholarship PGA Ambassador and helped implement the Evans program at Plainfield CC. The first Evans Scholar from the facility was named in 2023.
A native of Avon, Connecticut, Paris graduated from Bucknell University in 1989, where he competed on the golf team and earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration. Following graduation, he moved to Florida to play mini tour events while working for DeLand Country Club. Prior to Plainfield, he worked for Aronimink Golf Club (1993-97) in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, and spent winters at Bonita Bay Club (1993) and the Simon Holmes Academy (1994-96).
Already a national award winner, Paris was the recipient of the 2013 PGA of America Merchandiser of the Year (Private). A multiple-award winner at the New Jersey Section level, he received the Golf Professional of the Year Award (2013, 2017), Bill Strausbaugh Award (2009), Merchandiser of the Year (Private-2004) and Plainfield CC received the Club of the Year Award (2004).
An accomplished player, Paris qualified for the 2019 U.S. Senior Open, Senior PGA Professional Championship (2024, 2021, 2019) and 2015 PGA Professional Championship.
Paris has extensively served the New Jersey PGA Section, serving as President (2015-16), Vice President (2013-14) and Secretary (2011-12) following his service on the Section’s Board of Directors as well as the New Jersey Golf Foundation Board of Directors.
Paris, his wife Rachel and their three children Jack, Kate and Will reside in Westfield, New Jersey.
Congratulations to a wonderful person and role model for so many golf professionals!
(Courtesy of the PGA of America)
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NEW OWNERSHIPS
Congratulations to Pomona Golf Course in Egg Harbor City and Gambler Ridge Golf Course in Cream Ridge, NJ on their new ownership - Read about there transformations under our section - "Course Reviews"
CONGRATULATIONS
We extend our congratulations to the recent 2025 NJ PGA Special Award Winners:
● Golf Professional of the Year: Mike Attara – Spirit Golf Management - Lambertville, N.J.
● Assistant Golf Professional of the Year: Chris Whalen – Echo Lake Country Club - Westfield, N.J.
● Teacher & Coach of the Year: Matt Wilson – Baltusrol Golf Club - Springfield, N.J.
● Club of the Year: Canoe Brook Country Club – Summit, N.J.
● Bill Strausbaugh Award: Jason Fiore – Montammy Golf Clubs - Alpine, N.J.
● Professional Development Award: Joe Doughty – PGA of America Career Services
● Merchandiser of the Year (Private): Mickie Gallagher III – Trump National Golf Club Bedminster - Bedminster, N.J.
● Merchandiser of the Year (Public): Gabe Rickards – Skyway Golf Course - Jersey City, N.J.
● Player Development Award: Tommy Lee – D1 Golf Academy - Englewood, N.J.
● Youth Player Development Award: Dave Vazquez – Canoe Brook Country Club – Summit, N.J.
● Patriot Award: Ron Reed – High Bridge Hills Golf Club - High Bridge, N.J.
● Salesperson of the Year: Shannon Pfundheller – Dunning, Greg Norman Collection
● Deacon Palmer Award – Ed Koch – Life Member
MIKE ATTARA - picture courtesy of the NJ PGA
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PINE VALLEY GOLF CLUB WILL HOST THE 2044 WALKER CUP
The USGA recently announced the following championship updates:
- Pine Valley Golf Club will host the 2044 Walker Cup Match
- Stu Francis named USA Captain, 2025 Men’s World Amateur Team Championship
- Kendra Graham named USA Captain, 2025 Women’s World Amateur Team Championship
- Meghan Stasi named 2026 USA Curtis Cup Captain. Stasi is a native of Voorhees, NJ
Pine Valley Golf Club, in Pine Hill, N.J., will host its fourth USGA championship, having previously hosted the 1936 and 1985 Walker Cup Matches. The renowned venue will also host the 2034 Curtis Cup Match. (Above photo is courtesy of the USGA/ Pine Valley Golf Club)
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FUTURE USGA/PGA TOUR EVENTS IN NEW JERSEY
2027 BMW Fed-Ex Cup Championship at Liberty National (August 2027)
Plainfield Country Club to host the the 2031 US Senior Women's Open and the 2035 US Senior Men's Open
2026 NJ GOLF EVANS SCHOLARSHIPS
CLICK HERE FOR SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS
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