by Moira Fanning, publicity director, The Hambletonian Society

Cranbury, NJ — The 16th annual Hambletonian Charity Golf Tournament, to be held on Monday, July 28, will return to Montclair Golf Club in West Orange, N.J. It’s a rare opportunity to play one of the most elite private clubs in N.J. as well as mingle with Hambletonian trainers, drivers, owners and breeders.

Montclair, founded in 1892, is rated one of the top 20 private courses in the state by N.J. Monthly magazine. The charity golf tournament and gift auction will benefit the Standardbred Retirement Foundation and the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame.

The event is one of the most popular features of Hambletonian Festival Week, and has raised close to $1 million for charity since its inception. This year’s gift auction will again feature such desirable items as a suite for an NFL game at Giants Stadium, airline tickets, and many more unique items. Reservations are required for the preferred event.

The cocktail and dinner portion of the evening, always one of the best parties of Hambletonian week, is open to all. For a mere $50, non-golfers can partake of Montclair’s exceptional dinner buffet and lavish cocktail hour, which includes a raffle and live auction. Cocktails commence immediately after the tournament at approximately 6:00 p.m. (EDT).

Player registration is $400 and includes a gift bag, greens fee, cart, caddy, caddy gratuities, locker room, luncheon, open bar, and dinner.

Registration will begin at 10:30 a.m. and the practice range will be open. The day starts with lunch and a putting contest at 11:00 a.m., and tournament play will begin with a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. The format is a scramble. Prizes will be awarded to the top four winning teams and four randomly drawn teams. Contests include longest drive for men and women, closest to pin for men and women, closest to the line, and on the green 50/50.

Sponsorships are also available.

For more information, or to book a spot, call John Mayo at the Harness Racing Museum at (845) 294-6330, or contact him via e-mail at operations@harnessmuseum.com, or contact Gen Sullivan via e-mail at gen@srfmail.com or by telephone at the Standardbred Retirement Foundation at (609) 324-1524.