Jay Mottola Recognized for Distinguished Service to Golf

The Metropolitan Golf Association honors former Executive Director.

Jay Mottola of Tarrytown was honored by the Metropolitan Golf Association with its 2018 Distinguished Service Award at its annual meeting and dinner December 5 at Westchester Country Club. The award recognized Mottola’s outstanding service and contributions to the MGA and golf in the Met Area and beyond.

Mottola first joined the MGA in 1977 and served as the Executive Director for 34 years, from 1982 until 2016.

“Jay Mottola fully embodies everything that the Distinguished Service Award represents,” says former MGA President and chair of the DSA committee Jeffrey Holzschuh. “From day one at the MGA, he’s always had a clear vision and his commitment to serving the game at all levels has truly led the MGA to become one of the leading golf associations in the country. He’s a true leader, both here in the Met Area and on a national scale, and we couldn’t think of a more deserving recipient of this year’s Distinguished Service Award.”

- Advertisement -

The MGA DSA was created in 1973 and winners have included Pulitzer Prize-winner Dave Anderson, former USGA Executive Director David Fay, and broadcasters Jimmy Roberts and Jim Nantz.

Mottola’s MGA career achievements included the expansion of the organization’s extensive service program, the launch of Met Golfer magazine, the creation of the MGA Foundation and the construction of “Golf Central” as a home for the MGA and a number of other area golf organizations. He has been honored by multiple local and national organizations, having received the Metropolitan Golf Writers Association’s Distinguished Service Award in 2016, the International Association of Golf Administrators (IAGA) DSA in 2017, and the Sam Snead Award from the Metropolitan PGA earlier in 2018.

In addition to his work at the MGA, Mottola has also been active on national boards, serving on the Board of the National Club Association and the Executive Committee of Golf 20/20. He is an officer with The First Tee of Metropolitan New York, and played a lead role in establishing the chapter in 2001 with the MGA Foundation as a founding partner. He is a longtime member of the Westchester Caddie Scholarship Fund and MGWA Board of Directors.

Also recognized at the dinner was Darin Goldstein of Deepdale Golf Club, who was named the 2018 MGA Jerry Courville Sr. Player of the Year.

Tod Pike, Apawamis, was elected to serve as the 64th President of the MGA and also becomes Chairman of the MGA Foundation. Pike joined the Executive Committee in 2007 and began serving as an officer in 2013.

Our Westchester Home Builders Awards take place on April 4!

Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Forum is March 14!

Unveiled: A Boutique Bridal Brunch is February 25!

Our Best of Westchester Elimination Ballot is open through March 6!

Holiday flash sale ... subscribe and save 50%

Limited time offer. New subscribers only.