Long Time MGA Journey Man Earns First Title!!

First off, I need to mention that Scott went low and won some money, Bill was long, Ben was close, Wynn finished in the middle, Bernard would meltdown, Anthony sunk the longest and Ryley would win his 3rd Red Key on the year. But none of that matters as today was about 1 man only and his long journey to immortality.

That's right it was all about the little man with the interesting saying that would finally handle his bidness. My friend Chad Gunning finally after 14 seasons has finished an MGA tournament on top of the leaderboard. This is a story of patience and consistency that we will sure to be celebrating for years to come. 

This is the story of neck ties and logging boots that all Medios would be proud of.

Well before the chapter was booming with 50+ members; well before the changing of chapter leaders; well before every current member became a member: there was Chad. A mediocre golfer with questionable style and outfits to match. In the spring of 2013, he registered as a Medio in the Baltimore Chapter of the MGA to start his mediocre golfing journey. Many would forget his first tournament as he would finish tied for the lead with 91s at the AM-AM. Gunning would go on to say "I don't remember a lot from that first tournament except that I tied for the lead then next thing I know I was 2nd place? About the only thing I do remember from that day so long ago was that I kicked Mark Hill's ass by 14 strokes. Don't believe me? Go look it up."  This reporter can confirm that through a little fact checking and the great record keeping of the MGA website that Chad is 100% correct. He really embraced the role of being our 2026 Douche Bag Champion quickly and this is one reporter that is very proud of him for that. 

Chad's beginners' luck would not guarantee the quick success that he once believed as his scores would be consistently in the 90s and low 100s for the next decade but no victories would surface. Even more consistent than his scores would be his attendance as Chad would register for more tournaments over his career than any other member in history. This shows that he truly Gets It even before Getting It was popular. Get it? Through his journey to the top Chad would register for 86 MGA events and join the team at Las Vegas for the World Championships on 3 different occasions making him the most consistent to show up for the MGA in Baltimore chapter history. #HeGetsIt

The 2026 Douche Bag Invitational would be no exception as Gunning would post the same number that started his career at a 91 and find himself sitting atop the list. This time though there would be no tie breaker as the group waited on the 18th green for a few more constant winners would finish. As each handed in their cards with numbers greater than the Bidness it became clear who finally would get his Big Check. Chad would respond with "Thank God for penalty strokes as the last groups had a few guys beat my score, but we count by Net score around here and it is about time". 

Consistency pays off, and this reporter can confirm this to be no truer than that of Chad Gunning. He proves that the MGA is not about winning things and being the best in the group. Chad showed than being patient and present will reward you just the same as talent and skill in this game. Chapter Leader Noah Kiehle was also asked for comment at Hysteria Tap Room on the matter, "I am so happy for Chad, welcome to the Big Check Club!!! He has been a part of the MGA for way longer than me and it took being my partner at this year's Am-Am to lift his spirits into a winning determination. So basically, you could say this is a win for me since it was MY PARTNER who won today." This reporter is certain everyone will agree with this take from the Chapter Leader. 

If you are looking to congratulate Chad, I am sure you can find him with his DB visor on and Big Check in hand sitting in the corner of the Millstream Inn signing autographs and telling everyone of his journey to greatness in the MGA career. You have been called a lot of things, but no one can argue or take away your latest title as you are forever known as an MGA Champion!!