On Monday, July 8th, Town of Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim and his fellow elected leaders joined with PGA Master Professional and Golf Hall of Famer Michael Hebron and Tournament Organizer David Capo at the Smithtown Landing Country Club. Supervisor Wehrheim announced registration was officially open for the first ever Sarazen Par Three Match Play Championship, aka “The Squire”. The announcement came one week after major renovations and repairs to the golf club were complete.
“Over the last year and a half we set out to invest in smart improvements to the Smithtown community that would result in a return on investment for the taxpayer. The renovations just completed here at Landing speak to this point. I am very pleased to present the community with this exciting Match Play event, which will undoubtedly bring attention to the historic roots here at Landing and generate a weekend of new foot traffic for surrounding businesses.” – Supervisor Ed Wehrheim
Recent renovations to the Smithtown Landing Country Club include repaved golf cart paths, entryway, roads, curbs and pavement, new starter shack, new renovated halfway house, sidewalk areas, benches, and fencing. An entryway island was re-designed and landscaped with plantings, signage, and renovated crosswalks featuring all new traffic calming signs and lighting. Additionally, ID Cards have been instituted for the pool and golf course, which has already generated $6,000 in new revenue in two weeks. Building renovations are set to begin in the Fall. Parks, Building and Grounds Department, Recreation, Traffic Safety, and the Highway Department were responsible for the completion of the work.
“It’s been an honor for me to be here for many years and see the influence the town’s golf course has had on the community. To be a part of this team has been an opportunity for me to share what we can do with the community. Children’s camps, children going off to play golf in college, children developing social and business skills through golf…To be a small part of the big picture here has been a real honor.” – PGA Hall of Famer Michael Hebron
DID YOU KNOW:
This event is meant to honor the life of golf legend Gene Sarazen, known as “The Squire,” who helped to design the Par Three Course at the Smithtown Landing Country Club. Many golfers who have played on the course have said it is one of the most difficult par three courses they have played on.
“We embarked on a five year project in the Town of Smithtown, and part of that is understanding the history…it’s a fascinating place. After finding an old map, learning that the Course weaves along the historic Culper Spy Ring… I came down to talk with Michael Hebron and his knowledge about the history of Smithtown Landing helped to inspire this event.” – Golf Championship Organizer David Capo
About the Tournament:
The Opening Ceremony will take place on Thursday, July 25th from 6pm-9pm with the two-day championship running Saturday, July 27th and Sunday, July 28th. Golfers at all skill levels (ages 16 and older) are invited to register for the 64 available spots in this “100% handicap” Par Three Match Play Championship, held on the Sarazen Par Three Course.
The Opening Ceremony will feature presentations by Supervisor Ed Wehrheim, Michael Hebron, and members of the Sarazen Family. Practice rounds are available by contacting the Pro Shop at 631-979-6534.
Registration is $29 per golfer to enter the tournament. Tickets to attend the Opening Ceremony Party are $25. Registration closes on July 20th.