J. Michael Carter (2005)

Michael Carter was 52 years old, and serving as Vice President of the MGA when he passed away. He loved the game of golf and devoted much of his life to the growth of the game, making him an ideal recipient of the MGA Distinguished Service Award.

Born in Bronxville, N.Y., Carter raised his family in N.J. He graduated from Villanova and the University of Chicago School of Business, followed by a successful business career ultimately serving as senior vice president at M&T Bank in New York City.

A member of the MGA Executive Committee and the Association’s charitable Foundation Board of Directors, he served as Secretary/Treasurer of both organizations, becoming Vice President in 2004. He was also a member and president of the famed Baltusrol Golf Club, where he served as vice chairman of the U.S. Amateur in 2000 and was instrumental in bringing the 2005 PGA Championship to the club.

Carter’s family was struck by tragedy earlier in his life when his son, Michael, was killed in an auto accident in 2002. Carter honored his son and their mutual love for golf by working with the MGA and Baltusrol to establish the Carter Cup, bringing together an elite group of accomplished junior golfers from around the Met Area to compete. Today the Carter Cup is the MGA’s premier Junior Stroke Play Championship.  Carter was also a strong supporter of the Foundation’s junior golf programs and initiatives and served as Chairman of the MGA Junior Committee.

Carter passed away before he was officially presented with the award, but it was accepted by his wife and two daughters, who continue to carry on his legacy of promoting the growth of golf.