We would like to welcome you to the Niagara Falls Country Club, host of the 53rd Annual Porter Cup. Each year, the tournament builds on the foundation laid down previously to reach new heights of excellence in amateur golf.

The tournament is pleased to again have a collection of the world’s best collegiate and mid-amateur golfers. Top players from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Venezuela, Germany and South Africa will be vying to have their name engraved on the Alexander L. Porter Cup.

We are pleased that 2010 Porter Cup Champion David Chung will return to the Niagara Frontier to defend his title. David will be joined by 2011 Nationwide Tour winner and US Open participant Russell Henley, 2011 NCAA Champion John Peterson and 2011 British Amateur Champion Bryden Macpherson.

Three-time US Mid-Amateur Champion and 2009 US Walker Cup Team member Nathan Smith returns to NFCC for his eighth Porter Cup. Nathan is joined by perennial mid-amateur contenders Mike McCoy and Skip Berkmeyer.

Junior sensation and Pittsford, NY native Gavin Hall leads the local contingent of players. As a 15-year old, Hall thrilled the galleries with a runner-up finish in the 2010 Porter Cup. Last year’s final round co-leader and recent Binghamton graduate Jake Katz from Williamsville returns to improve upon his top ten finish.

Many players in the field will be looking to impress 2011 US Walker Cup Captain Jim Holtgrieve who is expected to attend the tournament to assess potential team members. The United States will take on their amateur counterparts from Great Britain and Ireland in the 43rd bi-annual match scheduled for September 10-11 on the Balgownie Links of Royal Aberdeen Golf Club in Scotland.

We would like to thank our Official Corporate Sponsor M&T Bank for their long-time financial support of the tournament. Without our partnership, the tournament simply could not exist in its present capacity and we are excited about continuing our relationship for many years to come.

We would like to acknowledge the membership of the Niagara Falls Country Club for enthusiastically and graciously sacrificing a week of mid-season golf in the spirit of maintaining the wonderful tradition of Porter Cup. Your support of the tournament is greatly appreciated.

We would also like to thank Bob Woods, our 2011 General Chairman, and his Committees of volunteers for the dedication and commitment they have displayed to make this special week run so smoothly.

Special appreciation is in order for our Grounds Superintendent Khlar Holthouse and the entire Grounds crew. General Manager Alan Cohen and his dedicated staff in the office and kitchen and Head Golf Professional John Boss and his folks in the Pro Shop are to be acknowledged for their efforts and professionalism.

Finally, we are grateful to lead officials Rich Johnson and Mike Murphy for returning to NFCC to once again coordinate and enforce USGA Tournament Rules.

We look forward to another successful Championship and hope you enjoy the 53rd edition of Porter Cup.