CALLICOON – One of Sullivan County’s most anticipated golf outings – the 45th Annual Sullivan County Democrat Two-Man Better Ball Golf Tourney – has started taking applications this week [See application on page 9B].

“This is always an exciting time of year as we look forward to hosting this event each year,” Democrat Publisher and Tournament Organizer Fred Stabbert III said. “As always, the field will be filled with many past champions, including last year’s winners, Sean Semenetz and Joe Winski.”

And for the second year in a row, Delaware Engineering will be a Major Sponsor of the event, which will be held at the Villa Roma Country Club in Callicoon from August 7 through August 9.

“It’s three days of great golf and great fun for the 128 golfers who sign up every year,” Stabbert said. “And I think the golfers will enjoy some of the new ideas we have in store for them.”

One of those ideas is the renaming of Flights 2-7 in honor of six Sullivan County Democrat Golf Tournament Hall of Famers.

Nine-time champion Ken Cohen presented the idea of naming the flights in honor of six players who had a huge impact on the  tournament.

“Although these players are all gone now, their legacy to our tournament should never be forgotten,” Stabbert said. “I thought it was a great idea and I’m sure the players will love it too.”

The new flight names will include:

• Mark Etess Flight

Mark and his brother, Mitchell, hosted the first six Democrat Golf Tournaments at their family’s resort, The Big G, Grossingers in Liberty. The brothers also won the first two Democrats.

• Marv Newberg Flight

Marv Newberg was an institution at the Democrat, having played in 43 straight events.  He also was a championship calibre player who competed at the highest level of the tournament for decades.

• Charlie Johnston Flight

Charlie Johnston was a two-time winner and fierce competitor who loved the Democrat Tournament for its competiveness and comaraderie.

• Paul Zintel Flight

The Democrat Golf Tourney’s first director, Paul attracted the best players from across Sullivan and Wayne counties and developed the format which is still used today.

• Marty Passante Flight

The owner of the Villa Roma who played host to nearly 40 tournaments, Marty also competed in the Democrat. His love of golf showed through on the course as he took home several trophies during his playing days.

• Fred Stabbert Jr. Flight

The late publisher of the Sullivan County Democrat started the Democrat Golf Tournament in 1982, and was known as the face of the tourney, along with Paul Zintel, for nearly two decades.