The Emerson Resort & Spa will partner for the first time with the Woodstock Open Golf Championship to celebrate its 82nd edition to be played September 5 at the historic nine-hole Woodstock Golf Club.
The tournament, which began in 1932, is believed to be the longest running tournament in America on one course open to both professionals and amateurs. The course opened in 1929.
Legendary Masters champion and Harrison, NY, native Gene Sarazen twice played in the Woodstock Open, finishing fourth in 1966 at the age of 64. Another Masters champion, Doug Ford, played in the 1977 Woodstock Open.
Other notable competitors include legendary PGA Tour player and instructor Bob Toski, 1931 PGA Championship winner and longtime Saratoga Spa Golf Course professional Tom Creavy and 5-time PGA Tour winner Ken Green. Frank Hannigan, who from 1983-1989 was the Executive Director of the United States Golf Association, was an honorary chairman of the Woodstock Open.
“We are excited to partner with the Woodstock Open Golf Championship at the Woodstock Golf Club, a staple of the Catskills since 1932,” said Tamara Murray, Marketing & Sales Director at the Emerson Resort & Spa. “This tournament has an unprecedented history of hosting the top area professional and amateur golfers and we are excited to add to the tradition. Our goal is to further promote the Catskills as a superb family golf destination venue paired with the Emerson’s reputation for delivering the utmost in relaxing accommodations.”
The boutique hotel located less than two hours from NYC in Mt. Tremper, NY, recently completed a $6 million renovation and offers golf stay-and-play packages with Woodstock Golf Club and Lazy Swan Golf & Country Club in Saugerties.
“The combination of the Emerson Resort & Spa and the Woodstock Open brings together the Hudson Valley’s premier resort and a storied and prestigious golf tournament featuring outstanding professional and amateur players,” said Richard McDermott, Woodstock Open Co-Chairman. “As host of the event, the Woodstock Golf Club is most appreciative of the Emerson’s support.”
The nine-hole course plays at 5,500 yards using two sets of tees to make an 18-hole test. It’s noted for small, well-bunkered greens and tight tree-lined fairways that favor accuracy rather than length off the tee.
Defending champion John Stoltz, head golf professional at Osiris Country Club, is scheduled to play this year. The former Met Open champion carded a 3-under 67 last year to claim his second Woodstock Open title and $2,500 first-place check, winning by one shot over Woodstock Golf Club head professional Judd Noto. The overall purse will be more than $8,000 with the professional winner’s share receiving $3,000.
Registration is open through August 25. Entry fee for professionals is $220 and for amateurs is $115. To sign up, go to www.woodstockgolf.com.
