Elmsford, NY (January 7, 2026) — The Metropolitan Golf Writers Association Board of Directors is delighted to announce donations of nearly $45,000 to a number of charitable golf-related organizations in the New York Metropolitan area. The donations were generated by the funds raised through the MGWA’s recent National Awards Dinner as well as additional MGWA activities, such as dues, outings, etc. Beneficiaries of these donations include local caddie scholarships, student internships, and various golf-related organizations.
“Our charitable donations are at the forefront of everything we do,” MGWA President Hank Gola said. “We in the golf media are fortunate indeed to be a part of this great game and pleased that we can give back to it each year by supporting these grass root initiatives.”
This year’s major fundraiser, the MGWA National Awards Dinner – the organization’s largest and most eagerly awaited annual event – took place on a beautiful night under the stars at Westchester Country Club in Rye, NY on October 7th. The crowd of several hundred people watched as the following awards were presented: The coveted Gold Tee, the MGWA’s highest award, went to former Augusta National chairman Billy Payne. Former CBS Sports and CBS News chairman Sean McManus received the Paul Dillon Distinguished Service Award and longtime NY Times sportswriter Bill Pennington was honored with the Lincoln Werden Golf Journalism Award. Other honorees included Craig, Kevin and Chris Stadler (Family of the Year), Mizuho Americas (Bing Crosby Tournament Sponsor Award), Southampton Country Club (Club of the Year) and Les Schupak and David Zona (Dave Anderson Spotlight Award).
Other MGWA events, along with individual and company donations, added to the funds available for distribution. Thanks to the success of these programs, the MGWA was able to donate $10,000 each to the caddie scholarship programs of Long Island, New Jersey and Westchester/Connecticut. The MGA Foundation, the Metropolitan Golf Association’s charitable arm which oversees Golfworks, various caddie academies, and other golf programs, also received $10,000. Donations were also made to the charitable Foundations of the WMGA, Met PGA and the New Jersey PGA.
The MGWA has been an integral part of the local golf scene and has celebrated both the sport of golf and golf journalism since its inception in 1952. Each year, the game’s greatest champions and contributors are honored at its National Awards Dinner. This highly anticipated event is supported by golf’s leading organizations and corporate sponsors, Met Area clubs and club leaders, as well as local and national golf media. Millions of dollars have been raised over the years for the charities supported by the MGWA due to the success of the Dinner and other MGWA events.For more information, contact Robin Sauerhaft, MGWA Executive Administrator, at rsauerhaft@mgagolf.org; 914-347-4653.