The Masters immediately comes to mind when we think of continuity in golf tournaments, but the Emerson Resort & Spa Woodstock Open actually began in 1932, two years before Bobby Jones’s event in Augusta. With a few timeouts for World War II (just like the Masters), the Woodstock Open will see its 83rd edition on July 30 this year.
The venue will be the venerable and tightly-routed Woodstock Golf Club, a private 9-hole course with panoramic mountain views and fairways frequently punctuated by running creeks. Past Woodstock Open fields have included Masters champions Gene Sarazen and Doug Ford. The tournament is believed to be the longest running tournament in the country at one site for both professionals and amateurs.
Defending champion and three-time Woodstock Open winner John Stoltz, a teaching professional from West Orange, N.J., will defend his title among many of the area’s top club pros and amateurs. Last year Stoltz carded a 3-under par 70 before winning on the first hole of a sudden-death playoff in route to securing the winner’s share of the $3,000 purse.
“Our goal is to always continue the traditions associated with hosting this historic golf tournament at Woodstock Golf Club,” says Brent Powlison, general manager of the club “But we’re looking to inject new ideas to keep our returning players excited and at the same time encourage new golfers to be a part of the Emerson Resort & Spa Woodstock Open experience.”
The night before the tournament, the title sponsor Emerson Resort & Spa will be the site of the first Woodstock Open Champions Dinner. “The Emerson Resort & Spa and Woodstock Golf Club have added a new festivity to this longtime annual golf tournament in the heart of the Catskills,” said Tamara Murray, marketing and sales director for the Emerson Resort & Spa. “The Champions Dinner will recognize our tournament’s distinguished past winners along with an opportunity to enjoy recollections linked to this historic golf tournament.”
