Black Oak Golf Club Defends Red Hoffman Cup Championship

By Kevin Casey

Led by Patrick Bosworth and Todd Peluso’s four-under 67 and David Glenz and John Olsen’s 68, Black Oak Golf Club successfully defended its 2013 Red Hoffman Cup Matches championship this past Saturday, May 17, at Knickerbocker Country Club in Tenafly.

Black Oak narrowly edged Manasquan River Golf Club by two strokes in the Finals with a four-under 209 total. A full field of 32 clubs were represented in the month-long matches.

After last year’s eight-shot victory, Black Oak was considered by many the team to beat in the 2014 Finals, but after a narrow tie-breaker win against Baltusrol in the semifinals, the other Finalists gained some hope.

Donations from the 2014 Hoffman Cup teams to the four First Tee Chapters in our region were still coming in, but had already reached $20,000, far exceeding the 2013 total of $14,100.

Spring Brook Country Club rejoined the Finalists after some time away with a third-place 214. Spring Brook’s consistency was evident with two 71’s and a 72. Five-time Montclair Country Club came in fourth at 217, despite a sterling 67 by the duo Mike Strleckar and Ty Zymbrowski.

A complete rundown of the Finals results is available at www.hoffmancup.org

The Awards Reception included short remembrance by former New York Times sportswriter Dave Anderson, a Pulitzer Prize recipient and member of Knickerbocker. Dave regaled the players with some great stories about his long-time friend and colleague Red Hoffman.

Isabel Gonzales told the audience about the importance of The First Tee in her life. The high school junior credits The First Tee with providing her with many of the tools she uses to thrive, not only in golf, but in her young life.

Congratulations to all 32 HCM captains, without whose interest, energy, passion, and good judgment have made the Hoffman Cup Matches a successful endeavor.