Caliendo Winter Golf League, In 56th Season, Is Underway

The 56th season of the John Caliendo Shore Winter Golf League began on a balmy Thursday, Nov. 3, with 130 golfers at Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth.

The league will top out at about 150 members, 30 of them local PGA professionals, and play an ambitious 22-event schedule, mostly on Thursdays, at courses mainly in the Central to Southern portions of the state.

The 2015-16 season was very kind to Caliendo golfers, with only one of the 22 events canceled by snow. The league runs from the first Thursday in November through the first Thursday in April, on which the championship is played. The only Tuesday this season is Nov. 22 due to Thanksgiving.

“A lot of what we do depends on the weather. We stated out great here at Galloping Hill with temperatures near 70,” said Caliendo League president Dan Hollis of Colts Neck Golf Club. “This October was a good growing season with sunny days and cool nights. That means conditions will be good for the Winter League season. “

Last season, Hollis was the only pro to play in all 21 events. John Doherty is Tournament Director.

The league was founded by Angelo Petraglia of Spring Meadow, John Cafone of Manasquan River, Andy Sikora of Beacon Hill and Roddy Newman of Homestead and originally called the Jersey Shore Winter Golf League.

Later, it was renamed for John Caliendo, a former Long Branch postal worker who ran the tournaments and computed the handicaps until 1985.

Those interested in joining and for a look at the schedule, visit www.caliendogolf.com