Emerson Resort & Spa Woodstock Open Amateur Winner to Receive ‘Dick McDermott Cup’
2022 NY State Open winner Michael Miller, runner-up Justin Lane and six Woodstock Open champions confirmed to play in July 25th Tournament
Left to right, former Ulster County Tourism Director Rick Remsnyder, Emerson Resort & Spa Marketing & Sales Director Tamara Murray, 2021 Emerson Resort & Spa Woodstock Open champion Michael Shine, former Emerson Resort & Spa Woodstock Open chairman Dick McDermott and Emerson Resort & Spa Marketing Manager Nicole Tallman. Photo by Nicholas & Lence Communications
Woodstock, New York (July 18, 2022) – Dick McDermott will continue to lend his name to the tournament he loves so much.
The amateur champion of this year’s 87th Annual Emerson Resort & Spa Woodstock Open will have his name engraved on the “Dick McDermott Cup.” The former 15-year tournament chairman will be on hand to award the annual trophy to this year’s amateur champion following completion of the July 25th tournament at Woodstock Golf Club.
The silver cup will remain on display in the Woodstock Golf Club pro shop. A duplicate trophy will remain on display at the Emerson Resort & Spa.
“This means a great deal to me,” said the 82-year-old McDermott, who is semi-retired but remains an adjunct law professor at Fordham University School of Law and a mediator for the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York. “The tournament is very important not only for the club and Woodstock but for golf and the MGA (Metropolitan Golf Association), which is a real hotbed for terrific tournament golf.
“I’ve never won many trophies and I’ve never had my name on a trophy. For the fact it will go to the amateur winner is very important. Amateurs are the backbone to the game of golf, whether it’s good, bad, or indifferent players.”
He then followed with a laugh: “I put myself in the category being between bad and indifferent.”
McDermott first embraced the sport as a 14-year-old caddy at the Milwaukee Country Club. Upon retirement he recently sold his house in Woodstock but continues to maintain his 49-year membership at Woodstock Golf Club.
“Dick McDermott is one of the main reasons this tournament continues to be so successful,” said Tamara Murray, Marketing & Sales Director at the Emerson Resort & Spa. “You can see the passion he has for this tournament, Woodstock Golf Club and the residents in the community. Having his name on the trophy crowning our amateur champion rightfully continues his legacy in association with this golf tournament.”
During his former role as tournament chairman, McDermott donned his trademark blue blazer and tie and colorful madras shorts, making a point to greet every player as they walked to the first tee. He relinquishes his greeter role but will closely monitor scores, especially those of the home course participants (host professional) Chris Sanger, (Woodstock Golf Club assistant) Justin Lane and (Woodstock Golf Club champion) Chris Grady.
Last week at Bethpage Black during the 2022 Lenox Advisors New York State Open, Lane finished tied for second place behind two-time MGA Player of the Year Michael Miller.
Miller and Lane will be reunited during the Emerson Resort & Spa Woodstock Open. Miller, a native of Brewster, NY, won with a 6-under-par 207 for the 54-hole event while Lane, who entered the final round tied with Miller, finished seven shots back. Miller also won the 2014 New York State Open at Bethpage Black. Other NY State Open qualifiers who will be in the Woodstock Open field include Sanger, Jesse Steel and Juan Weissenberg.
Lane, who recently turned professional, captured last year’s top Woodstock Open amateur honors with a 1-under-par 69, three shots behind overall winner Michael Shine. In 2019 Lane was the overall winner when he carded a 66. Overall, Lane has been the tournament’s low amateur on six different occasions.
Since 1969, 11 amateurs have won the tournament outright. Eight amateurs were crowned champions from 1969-1977.
McDermott is quick to recall Ethan DeForest’s tournament-record 10-under 60 as an amateur. Another one of his fond Woodstock Open memories came when local amateur Leon Randall won in 1969, the last time the event was 27 holes.
Shine, the 28-year-old assistant professional at Schuyler Meadows Club in Loudonville, N.Y., is one of six Woodstock Open champions currently entered in this year’s field. Other Woodstock Open winners who have signed up include Lane, John DeForest, Dal Daily, John Stoltz and Chris Sanger.
“The Emerson Resort & Spa Woodstock Open couldn’t be in better hands,” McDermott said. “Having the Emerson as a sponsor has really put us on the map. It’s made a difference and has put us in the big leagues.”
Overall, 40 players are currently signed up. Registration is open for 72 spots in the field for the 87th Annual Emerson Resort & Spa Woodstock Open. To register for this year’s tournament, professionals and amateurs (with an 8 handicap or less) can sign up by clicking on to Emerson Resort & Spa Woodstock Open.
Morning tee times will be from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. and afternoon times will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This year’s professional winner receives $3,000 and the amateur champion earns a $600 gift card.
For results from last year’s tournament click on to 86th Emerson Resort & Spa Woodstock Open.
Woodstock Golf Club is a private nine-hole course with panoramic mountain views and fairway routes that navigate players along running creeks. The nine-hole private course is known for its small and lightning-fast greens, and both precision accuracy and outstanding conditions from tee through the green. Each hole’s teeing area from the front nine to the back nine offers subtle different looks.
The Emerson Resort & Spa is in Mount Tremper, N.Y. and is less than a two-hour drive from New York City.
Guests who stay at the Emerson Resort & Spa enjoy a special stay-and-play package at Woodstock Golf Club as well as an opportunity to play the Robert Trent Jones’ design Wiltwyck Golf Club in Kingston.
For golf course package or other information on the Emerson Resort & Spa, visit http://emersonresort.com or call (845) 688-2828. Follow the Emerson on Facebook at Emerson Resort & Spa, Twitter @emersonresort and Instagram at EmersonResort.
About Emerson Resort & Spa: Surrounded by the splendor of the Catskill Mountains, the Emerson Resort & Spa is a hidden treasure located a mere two hours from Manhattan. The resort brings the Catskills inside with stunning views, open spaces and an earthy color palate. Featuring spacious accommodations in the contemporary Inn and Adirondack-style Lodge, Emerson guests also enjoy an award-winning Spa, The Shops at Emerson and the World’s Largest Kaleidoscope. Seasonal activities are plentiful and include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking and biking. Urban pursuits are satisfied by exploring the nearby towns of Woodstock, Phoenicia and Saugerties. On property guided nature walks and nature-themed workshops reflect a deep connection and appreciation for the history and stewardship of the Catskills. The Emerson’s signature restaurant, Woodnotes Grille, has made its name with locally-sourced foods prepared with a twist, and craft cocktails that are an experience as well as a drink. Overlooking the Esopus Creek and one of the region’s most magnificent peaks, Mount Tremper, the Emerson provides a memorable yet affordable respite from the demands of the outside world. Ideal for family gatherings and intimate weddings. Dogs are welcome. For more information, please visit http://www.emersonresort.com and for reservations call (845) 688-2828.
About the Woodstock Open: The tournament has a rich history since its inaugural event in 1932 and is believed to be the longest running tournament in America on one course open to both professional and amateur golfers. The par-70 course opened in 1929. Legendary Masters champion and Harrison, N.Y. native Gene Sarazen twice played in the Woodstock Open, finishing fourth in 1966 at the age of 64. Another Masters champion, Doug Ford, played in the 1977 Woodstock Open. Joining the Woodstock Open list of distinguished players include legendary PGA Tour player and instructor Bob Toski, 1931 PGA Championship winner and longtime Saratoga Spa Golf Course professional Tom Creavy and five-time PGA Tour winner Ken Green. Frank Hannigan, who from 1983-1989 was the Executive Director of the United States Golf Association, was an honorary chairman of the Woodstock Open. In 2012, then 16-year-old high school junior Ethan DeForest carded a 10-under 60 to shatter the previous tourney record by three shots. The tournament once was a 27-hole event until changing to an 18-hole format in 1970. This year, players will be challenged on the 5,429-yard Woodstock Golf Club layout that tests players with its well-guarded tree-lined fairways and smooth and extraordinarily fast putting surfaces.
Media Contacts
Nick Nicholas, Nick@nicholaslence.com / Tel: 917-769-0102
About Emerson Resort & Spa
Surrounded by the splendor of the Catskill Mountains, the Emerson Resort & Spa is a hidden treasure located a mere two hours from New York City. The resort brings the Catskills inside with stunning views, open spaces and an earthy color palate. Featuring spacious accommodations in the contemporary Inn and Adirondack-style Lodge, Emerson guests also enjoy an award-winning Spa, shopping in The Shops at Emerson and the World’s Largest Kaleidoscope. Seasonal activities are plentiful and include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking and biking. Urban pursuits are satisfied by exploring the nearby towns of Woodstock, Phoenicia and Saugerties. The Emerson’s signature restaurant, Woodnotes Grille, has made a name of Catskill Creative Cooking with locally sourced foods prepared with a twist, and craft cocktails that are an experience as well as a drink. Overlooking the Esopus Creek and one of the region’s most magnificent peaks, Mount Tremper, the Emerson provides a memorable yet affordable respite from the demands of the outside world. The Emerson is also an idyllic location for special events, including corporate retreats and destination weddings. Dogs are welcome. For more information, please visit http://www.emersonresort.com and for reservations call (845) 688-2828.
About the Woodstock Open: The tournament has a rich history since its inaugural event in 1932 and is believed to be the longest running tournament in America on one course open to both professional and amateur golfers. The par-70 course opened in 1929. Legendary Masters champion and Harrison, NY native Gene Sarazen twice played in the Woodstock Open, finishing fourth in 1966 at the age of 64. Another Masters champion, Doug Ford, played in the 1977 Woodstock Open. Joining the Woodstock Open list of distinguished players include legendary PGA Tour player and instructor Bob Toski, 1931 PGA Championship winner and longtime Saratoga Spa Golf Course professional Tom Creavy and 5-time PGA Tour winner Ken Green. Frank Hannigan, who from 1983-1989 was the Executive Director of the United States Golf Association, was an honorary chairman of the Woodstock Open. In 2012, then 16-year-old high school junior Ethan DeForest carded a 10-under 60 to shatter the previous tourney record by three shots. The tournament once was a 27-hole event until changing to an 18-hole format in 1970. This year, players were challenged on the 5,500-yard Woodstock Golf Club layout that tests players with its well-guarded tree-line fairways and smooth and extraordinarily fast putting surfaces.
Media Contacts
Nick Nicholas, Nick@nicholaslence.com / Tel: 212.938.0833
Shin-Jung Hong, ShinJung@nicholaslence.com / Tel: 212.938.0005