Team Maryland Claims the 18th MAPGA Capital Cup

Team Maryland Claims the 18th Annual MAPGA Capital Cup Matches

Maryland used a strong second day and a tight Sunday singles session to take back the Cup at Cutalong for the first time in three years.

The Middle Atlantic PGA wrapped up its 18th annual Capital Cup with Team Maryland defeating Team Virginia, 13-11, in the Section’s Ryder Cup-style team competition for junior golfers.

The Capital Cup pits the Section’s top junior golfers from Maryland against those from Virginia across three days of match play: fourball on Friday, alternate shot on Saturday and singles on Sunday, mirroring the Ryder Cup format at the junior level.

This year’s matches, played at Cutalong Golf Club at Tributer Resort on Lake Anna, Virginia, were tight throughout. The two sides tied Friday’s fourball session, 3.0-3.0. Maryland took Saturday’s alternate shot matches, 3.5-2.5, for a 6.5-5.5 lead entering Sunday singles. Maryland held on through Sunday, winning the session by the same 6.5-5.5 margin, for the 13-11 final.

Maryland held the edge in several matches for most of Sunday, but the day still swung on a handful of results. An early half point secured by Maryland’s Jordan Wallace, who rallied from several holes down in the closing stretch of his match, looked minor at the moment. It grew in importance after Virginia’s Kayden Fullana came back to beat Maryland’s Leo Zalaya in another match. The Cup was finally decided on the 17th green, where Maryland’s Daniel Park made a birdie to clinch the win. 

Maryland entered the Capital Cup with an exceptionally strong roster, featuring the top seven ranked junior players in the state, and the team was captained by MAPGA Professional John Mlynarski, PGA. For Team Virginia, MAPGA Professional, Rob Ferguson, PGA, returned for his second year after captaining the team during last year’s tournament at Chartwell Golf & Country Club.

The win returned the Cup to Maryland for the first time in three years.

The Capital Cup would not have been possible without the outstanding support of the team at Cutalong. From the exceptional golf course and practice facilities to the professionalism and hospitality of the entire staff, Cutalong provided a first-class experience for our players and families.