MIDDLETOWN, N.J. (May 7, 2013) – The first time’s a charm for Jon Tingley of Stanton Ridge. Playing in his first MGA event, the Flemington, N.J., resident fired a final round even-par 72 to capture the 2013 MGA Senior Amateur Championship at Navesink Country Club in Middletown, N.J., by three shots over several past champions. His total score of 142 was the second lowest winning score since the event went back to a 36-hole format in 1987.

“I thought I just needed to get off to a solid start,” Tingley said. “But I was a little scratchy at the beginning, a little nervous and tight. I three-putted the second hole and made a very poor chip on the fourth. But then I settled myself down and played the rest of the front nine very well.”

Following a 2-over front nine in chilly and foggy conditions, Tingley, who broke through in 2010 to become the first amateur to win the NJSGA/NJPGA Senior Open, rebounded with 2-under 34 on the back to secure his victory.

“This is my inaugural MGA championship and it worked out great for me,” he said.

The win gives Tingley a five-year exemption into the MGA Senior Open, as well as an exemption into the Ike Championship at Wykagyl next month.

Cyrus Whitney Jr., of Hackensack, who co-led with Tingley entering the final round, finished alone in second after a 3-over 75 (145). 2009 champion Al Small of Fairmount and three-time winner Steve Rose of Fresh Meadow tied for third with totals of 147.

Robert Miller of Spook Rock and Randy Riley of Baltusrol tied for fifth with 149s. Steve Leblanc of Rockaway Hunting shot a final round 73 to finish in seventh (150), while Tom Hyland of Pebble Creek and David Prowler of Bethpage tied for eighth with 152s.

Three players tied for tenth with totals of 152, including 2007 Senior Am champion Jay Blumenfeld of Mountain Ridge, Joe Sommers of Winged Foot, and John O’Malley of Forsgate. The top 10 finishers will all be exempt into the MGA Senior Open at Sunningdale Country Club in Scarsdale, N.Y., this August.

Four past MGA champions finished T21, including last year’s winner Ron Vannelli of Forsgate, past Senior Am and Senior Open winner John Ervasti of Sleepy Hollow, former Met Amateur winner Ken Bakst of Friar’s Head tied for 21st (155), and reigning MGA Senior Masters champion Bob Howe of Winged Foot.

The Senior Amateur will return next year at Rockrimmon Country Club in Stamford, Conn., and will visit Westchester Country Club (West Course) in 2015.

Navesink Country Club, located just five miles off the coast of the Jersey Shore, was a fantastic host for MGA’s first championship of the season. Celebrating its 50th year, the Hal Purdy design is no stranger to championship golf and has hosted LPGA Tour events as well as the New Jersey Open and Amateur championships.

ENTRIES OPEN: Entries are now open for 2024 U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship

15-year-old Miles Russell climbing the leaderboard on Sunday

Miles Russell shatters records in Korn Ferry Tour and professional golf debut

Meet the five amateurs teeing it up at The 2024 Masters

Neal Shipley's amazing week at the 88th Masters Tournament