Brooklake Site Of First Of 12 Member Golf Day Offerings
The seventh season of the NJSGA’s highly-popular Member Golf Day program kicked off on Monday, May 15, at beautiful Brooklake Country Club in Florham Park.
A full field of 95 golfers took part in the first of 12 Member Golf Days for the 2017 golf season, with NJSGA partner Punzone’ Organic Italian Vodka providing an after-golf tasting station. Punzone’ Vodka will appear at numerous NJSGA tournaments and events throughout the year.
“It’s a pleasure to have collaboration with the NJSGA. We’re looking to a long-term partnership,” said Frank Guerrera, owner of Punzone’ Vodka. “At an event like this, it’s about meeting people and building relationships. The golf market is perfect for our product. It speaks to the high-level consumer.”
The Member Golf Day season stretches to the final event on Oct. 19 at Green Brook Country Club in North Caldwell.
“We have 12 superb venues for Member Golf Days this year,” said Rich Kennedy, NJSGA Director of Handicapping and Member Benefit Services.
“Personally, I do enjoy our members having a great opportunity to play a course like Brooklake, which is a hidden gem in New Jersey, with arguably the most difficult greens in the state. I feel like the Member Golf Day program is growing each year. The word continues to spread.
“The question is should we do more Member Golf Days or are we at the right number of events? The season is relatively limited. It’s exciting to begin the season again. It was nice to see the excitement on the faces today of some return players and some new players. We plan on 2017 being a great year,” Kennedy said.
The next Member Golf Day is June 27 at Rumson. On June 1, registration opens for Member Golf Days at Cherry Valley C.C. (July 17) and Bedens Brook (July 24), both located in Skillman.
On July 5, registration opens for Member Golf Days at Ridge at Back Brook in Ringoes (August 7) and Forest Hill Field Club in Bloomfield (August 17).
Registration for the remaining six Member Golf Days takes place on August 9. The final six MGDs are Spring Brook in Morristown (Sept. 18), Laurel Creek in Mount Laurel (Sept. 26), Morris County in Morristown (Oct. 3), Hidden Creek in Egg Harbor Twp. (Oct. 10), Deal G.C. in Deal (Oct. 16), and Green Brook in North Caldwell (Oct. 19). Cost of each event is $135 for anyone who keeps a handicap with the NJSGA
Mike Decker of Mercer Oaks, who won the 2016 Ultimate Team Event with Jim Schulz said he would register for as many of the MGDs as he could manage onto his personal schedule. Last year, he played at Ridge at Back Brook, Galloway National and Trump National in Bedminster.
“Member Golf Days are such an awesome deal, that you have to take advantage of it,” sad Decker, who will take part in the NJSGA Pre-Senior championship this year. “You play a great course, the food is good before and after golf, and the NJSGA does a first-class job of administering each one. “
The event at Brooklake was Individual Net, with Stableford scoring.
“I play three or four per year. I like playing private clubs,” said Ellie Yum of Galloping Hill. “I told my friends about them and brought three of them with me today. “
“I was told about what a great opportunity they are. It allows golfers to play the nicest courses in the state. There is a lot of value there,” said Ken Palczewski of Preakness Valley.
Maryjo Harowicz was one of four members of the Executive Women’s Golf Association of North Jersey taking part in the event at Brooklake.
“I’ve always wanted to play here. The EWGA always has its Christmas party here. I play in the NJSGA Four-Ball and Public Links championships, too.”
