NJSGA Golfers Thankful For Member Golf Day At Galloway National
Thanks to a helping hand, some 103 NJSGA members enjoyed a beautiful day of golf and camaraderie at a Member Golf Day event at Galloway National on Thursday, October 13.
“Spectacular is the word of the day,” said Rich Kennedy, NJSGA Director of Handicapping and Member Benefit Services. “This is up there as one of the top venues on the state. I have to thank Galloway National for heling us out.
“We lost a venue due to an unforeseen incident and Galloway National stepped in late and was able to accommodate us. It sold out quickly.”
This Member Golf Day was originally slated for Hidden Creek, but a fire in the clubhouse this spring derailed the event there. In Mid-August, Galloway National agreed to pinch-hit for Hidden Creek and enable this Member Golf Day to take place.
“This drives home the point that there are great people involved in the game of golf in New Jersey. The relationships the NJSGA has with them is a special thing,” Kennedy said. “NJSGA golfers are getting an opportunity to enjoy this day because of it.
“There exists a family of golf in New Jersey. More golfers should enjoy our Member Golf Day, and it’s not that difficult to do. All they have to do is go down to their local public golf course, visit our website, NJSGA.org, and sign up to keep their handicap with us. It will take their passion to another level,” Kennedy added.
Steve Ciecura of Ash Brook originally signed up for the Member Golf Day at Hidden Creek, but said he was blessed by the circumstances that landed him at Galloway National.
“I ended up playing Hidden Creek in the NJSGA Senior Four-Ball, and the way it worked out moving the day to Galloway National was great for me. It is now off my bucket list,” Ciecura said.
Dr. John Kellam of Basking Ridge, who normally plays at Neshanic Valley, was able to cross off Galloway National from his bucket list as well. He’s already played the top five courses in New Jersey, raking them Pine Valley, Baltusrol Lower and Upper, Plainfield and Somerset Hills.
“This place is awesome. It’s a cross between Pine Valley and Spyglass (which he has also played). It’s a beautiful course,” said Dr. Kellam, a dentist.
Michael Hamas was playing Galloway National with three fellow Hawk Pointe members, Terry Duego, Scott Cooper and Robert Wheatley.
“You can’t have a better day. It’s perfect out here. I couldn’t sign up for more. If you want to attract more members, this is what you do, have a perfect day for us,” Hamas said.
“This is a great golf course, the way it’s carved out of the woods,” said Michael Muniz of Hominy Hill who works in business communications. “It’s picturesque for sure. The course is fair and the greens are challenging.”
“I’m very impressed. It’s a man’s course,” said Jeff Dubowy, who resides in South Orange. “I made an effort to finally get to play here. Howard (Ackerman) and I decided to spend the night in Atlantic City, so we turned it into a junket. We supported the local economy.”
“I just played Streamsong in Florida and this ranks right up there with them,” said Christine Speck.
Bob Duenskie of Flanders Valley, who recently was runner-up in the NJSGA Pre-Senior at New Jersey National, was in a foursome with Mark Stankiewicz, Mike Armellino, Anthony Centrelli and Mark Stankiewicz. Duenskie, who won the Bergen County Senior Amateur, was low amateur at the state Senior Open.
Stankiewicz also played in the Pre-Senior and in an Amateur qualifier.
“This is my first time playing here. I’ve been thinking about doing it since it opened, but it’s a private course. I thank the NJSGA for Member Golf Days,” Stankiewicz said.
