Photo courtesy of Woodstock Golf Club
“Undeterred by the Great Depression, Hurricane Irene and now COVID-19, the 85th Annual Emerson Resort & Spa Woodstock Open Golf Tournament will be held, safely and responsibly, at the Woodstock Golf Club on July 27,” says Woodstock Open Chairman and tournament historian Dick McDermott.
The one-day tournament is believed to be the longest running tourney in the country at one site for both professionals and amateurs. Past Woodstock Open players have included Masters champions Gene Sarazen and Doug Ford.
“The perennially strong field is expected to include Scott Berliner, last year’s professional winner, a three-time tournament champion and someone who really knows how to maneuver the golf ball around this unique layout,” McDermott says, “as well as our host professional and proven champion Chris Sanger, the 2014 winner.” Berliner is a 45-year-old assistant professional at Saratoga Spa Golf Course who will attempt to capture his fourth overall Emerson Resort & Spa Woodstock Open title.
“We’re thrilled to enter into our fourth year as the premier sponsor of the Emerson Resort & Spa Woodstock Open,” says Emerson Resort & Spa Marketing and Sales Director Tamara Murray. “This historical golf tournament brings leading professional and amateur players from across the region to the Catskills. It is a prestigious event that showcases our community as a tourism destination and never disappoints with a close and exciting championship.”
The overall professional winner is guaranteed a $3,000 payday and the top amateur will receive a $500 gift card. Professional players and amateurs with a handicap of 8 or less can sign up at Emerson Resort & Spa Woodstock Open or by calling the Woodstock pro shop at (845) 679-2914. Deadline for entry is Wednesday, July 22nd or the first 72 players to sign up for either a morning or afternoon tee time. Players must follow the tournament’s COVID-19 guidelines.
Meanwhile, the tournament sponsor Emerson Resort and Spa will reopen on Thursday, July 16. During this new normal, the Emerson announces several new changes to their daily operations including launching their “Stay Safe Pledge” procedure which outlines the details of their new health and safety protocol.
Guests who stay at the Emerson Resort & Spa enjoy a special stay-and-play package at Woodstock Golf Club as well as an opportunity to play the Robert Trent Jones’ design Wiltwyck Golf Club in Kingston.
