top of page
IMG_3383.jpg

The Joseph Mariani

MOST VALUABLE GOLFER AWARD

Named for the grandfather of event founder Brett Mariani, the Joseph Mariani Most Valuable Golfer Award (MVG) is awarded annually to the golfer who is most integral to their team's successes. 

 

2024:  Larry Grove

One of the most tenured Mariani Open participants, Larry put together a 2-0 weekend and secured the win for Blue with his approach shot on 18 as he eliminated all hope for Red and took home the MVG trophy.

​

2023:  Steve Lieb

One of the original Mariani Open participants, just weeks before the event Steve suffered a medical episode that threatened his ability to participate in the event.  After that, everyone was just happy to see Steve on the course.  With the biggest victory of being healthy enough to participate already won, that didn't stop Steve from winning both his matches en route to helping Blue repeat as Champions and earning Steve the MVG trophy.

​

2022:  Chance Malkin

This tournament veteran entered the event with an overall losing record, but that didn't stop him from putting together two dominating performances, once while partnered with Mike Lannutti and then partnered with Dave Mariani.  Chance led the way as Blue reclaimed the trophy and Mariani Open glory.

​

2021:  Josh Clark

Playing in his 6th tournament, Mariani Open veteran Josh had come into the 2021 tournament on a bit of a cold streak, much like the Red Team.  Josh was out to ensure that 2021 would be a different story.  Teaming up with Robert Orr on Day 1, Josh got the upper hand against a previously undefeated foe.  On Day 2, Josh fought back from 3 holes down on the front 9 to a strong 4 + 2 win, helping to cement the victory for the Red Team for the first time since 2017.

​

​

2020:  Kyle Kenworthy

In his 7th year playing in the tournament, Kyle had a big year with two hard fought matches against some tough opponents.  Partnering with Peggy Larosa Day 1 & Dan Whalen Day 2, Kyle was a 3 + 1 victor each day, proving instrumental to securing the Tie and retaining the trophy for Blue.

​

​

2019:  David Mariani

Original event participant and the award namesake's son, David Mariani paired with Scott Jewett & Ryan Kuhnle for two dominating wins. David was an instrumental playing partner in both matchups, helping to secure two points for the Blue Team en route to their back-to-back win.


​

​

2018:  David Orr

Longtime event participant and life-long golfer David Orr partnered with Mike Lannutti on Day One & Chris Grove on Day Two. Winning both of his tough-fought matches, David was critical to snuffing out the Red Team's hope by winning his Day One match with a walk-off putt on the 18th hole. He followed that up with a solid performance at Honeybrook, winning 3 + 2 as part of the Blue Team's dominating 2018 performance.

​

​

2017:  Kenzie Brown

Playing in her first event, Kenzie partnered with Joe DiGiaimo & John Useller for two key wins as part of Red's Tournament Victory.  Kenzie's Solid All-Around Play and Great teamwork was vital to their successful matchups.  Kenzie is also the first Female to make home the award, and she is an extremely deserving winner of the MVG.

 

 2016:  Brian Lasky

Playing in his 3rd Event, Brian extended his undefeated record to 6-0 as he teamed with Barb Orr on Day 1 and set a record for largest margin of victory in the Mariani Open, then paired with Steve McFalls on Day 2 to take down 2 formidable opponents at Honeybrook.  Brian's steady and consistent golf along with his ability to lift his partner's games were pivotal as Red was able to take back the trophy in 2016 thanks in large part to Brian's efforts.

 

2015:  Steve Kenworthy

Playing in his 2nd event, Steve had 2 great rounds of golf getting 2 wins while partnering with Mike Mariani and his son Kyle.  On the 2nd day, to punctuate Blue's dominating performance Steve & Kyle carded the low round of the day.  Further his energy and enthusiasm proved a vital resource for the blue team as he helped ensure the trophy would exchange hands for the 4th consecutive year.

 

2014:  Steve Mariani

This 4-Time Mariani Open participant had not had the best luck in previous years compiling a 2-4 record coming into the tournament.  That proved to be a mirage as Steve partnered with Eric Schweller and Nancy McFalls to earn wins both days against formidable opponents to help the Red Team take back the cup and win the award named after his father.

 

 2013:  Rich Bradley

as a Mariani Open Rookie, Rich went 2-0 with 2 dominating performances while partnering with Bette Mariani & Sue Mariani.  The two big wins proved integral as Blue won the Title by a close margin.

 

2012:  Justin Claffey

Went 2-0 aiding 2 dominating performances while partnering with Robert Orr & Glen Mariani.  Consistently hit approach shot after approach shot setting up his team for many hole wins and playing a big part in the dominating win by the Red team.

 

2011:  Mike Bertha 

Went 1-0-1 including a convincing defeat of 2 tough opponents while partnered with Bette Mariani, and a well earned all-square while partnered with Dave Mariani which won the title for the Blue team.  Also hit a par putt on the 18th green at Kimberton which sealed the win for the Blue team.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Grey Instagram Icon

© 2025 The Mariani Open. All rights reserved.

Website by Laura A. Mikowychok Design & Media, LLC.

Photography by Kim Mariani & Barbara Orr.

bottom of page