CALLICOON – It took just five days for the 45th Annual Sullivan County Democrat Two-Man Better Ball Golf Tourney to sell out.

“It has been another remarkable – and record-setting year,” Sullivan County Democrat Publisher and Tournament Organzier Fred Stabbert III said. “We are looking forward to August 7 when we can get on the course and start enjoying this great tournament.

“It is truly humbling that this tournament has become so popular,” Stabbert said. “My late father, Fred Jr., and Paul Zintel wouldn’t believe it.

“They started this tourney back in 1982 and it certainly has withstood the test of time,” Stabbert said. “It is as popular now as it ever was.”

The Democrat, as it is known, will be played on August 7-9 at the Villa Roma Country Club in Callicoon.

Delaware Engineering is the official sponsor of the tournament.

The field, which includes 128 players on 64 teams, has 14 past champions returning this year.

At the top of the list is defending champions Sean Semenetz and Joe Winski, who will be going for their tenth title as a team.

Also in this year’s field is two-time winners Michael Decker and Michael Scuderi, who won in 2023 and 2024.

Expected back is nine-time winner Ken Cohen along with partner, Mitchell Etess, who has three titles.

Other past championship teams who will be playing in 2026 include Jared Kubenik and Gregg Semenetz Jr., Billy Phillips and Greg Semenetz Sr., Kort Wheeler and Walter Herzog, and Peter Rymer and Barry Winter.

The past champions have a combined 46 Democrat titles, dating back to 1982, when Mitchell Etess and brother Mark won the first title at the Big G at Grossinger’s.