by Moira Fanning, publicity director, the Hambletonian Society

Cranbury, NJ — A few slots remain for the 19th annual Hambletonian Charity Golf Tournament on Monday (August 1) at top-ranked Hackensack Golf Club in Oradell, N.J.

It’s a rare opportunity to play one of the most elite private clubs in New Jersey as well as mingle with Hambletonian trainers, drivers, owners and breeders. Call 845.294.6330 or e-mail operations@harnessmuseum.com by Friday (July 29) and let John Mayo know you can play.

The tournament and gift auction, sponsored for the second consecutive year by owner Fran Azur, will benefit the Standardbred Retirement Foundation and the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame. The Hambletonian week event has raised more than $1 million since its inception.

The fee is $350 per player, a tremendous value that includes greens fees and cart, locker room, range, lunch, cocktail hour, premium gift bag, dinner and on course contests.

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 Hackensack’s exceptional dinner buffet and lavish cocktail hour, which includes the raffle and live auction. Cocktails commence immediately after the tournament at approximately 6 p.m. (EDT).

Registration will begin at 10:30 a.m. and the practice range and putting green will be open. The day starts with lunch at 11 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 three winning teams, one randomly drawn team and the Most Honest Score team. 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.