We would like to welcome you to the Niagara Falls Country Club, host of the 51st 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 strong field of the world’s best collegiate and mid-amateur golfers. Top players from nine countries- the United States, Canada, Australia, Philippines, China, South Korea, Scotland, Italy, and South Africa will be vying to have their name engraved on the Alexander L. Porter Cup.

We are pleased to be joined by defending Porter Cup Champion Adam Mitchell and his University of Georgia teammate Brian Harman, the 2007 Porter Cup Champion and tournament record-holder. 2009 Byron Nelson Award recipient Mike Van Sickle of Marquette University will return to NFCC to improve upon his 3rd place finish in 2008. 1st Team NCAA All-American Cameron Tringale of Georgia Tech and 2008 Porter Cup runner-up Zack Sucher will also be returning.

Numerous Australian National Team members will lead a talented and diverse international field. 2009 top-ranked Aussie Matt Jager leads this group and will be joined by his mates, Matt Giles, Daniel Nisbet and Brendan Smith.

2006 Porter Cup runner-up and 2008 US Mid-Amateur medalist Skip Berkmeyer, Jr. is among a competitive field of mid-amateurs participating. He will be joined by 1998 Porter Cup Champion Gene Elliott, 2003 US Mid-Amateur Champion Nathan Smith, and perennial contenders Tim Jackson, Mike McCoy, Tim Mickelson and Buddy Marucci, Captain of the 2009 United States Walker Cup Team.

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 Dr. Sal Manente, our 2009 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.

We are also grateful to Rich Johnson, Mike Murphy and David Laird for returning to NFCC to once again coordinate and enforce USGA Tournament Rules.

Finally, we would like to extend our personal thanks to Fred Solomon of the Scratch Players Group for his detailed and diligent preparation of the Player Biographies.

We look forward to another successful Championship and hope you enjoy the 51st edition of Porter Cup.