CALLICOON – The Sullivan County Democrat Golf Tourney inducted five new members into its ranks, bringing the total of inductees to 18 since the Hall of Fame started in 2020.

“This year’s Class was remarkable in every way, from their performance on the golf course to the class they had both winning and in defeat,” Tournament Sponsor Fred Stabbert III said. “I’m thrilled that all the inductees were able to join us for the ceremony and our 128 players at the tournament were thrilled to see these five players go in.”

Leading the way was Sean Semenetz, who was introduced by his father Gregg Sr., who is also a Democrat Golf Tourney Hall of Famer. 

Gregg said his son loved golf from an early age and the competitiveness, comraderie and memories that are made on the golf course last a lifetime.

He said his son loves the tournament and always makes it a point to put it on his calendar.

Hall of Famer Ken Cohen introduced Barry Winter, who he called one of his most dedicated friends. 

While Cohen and Winter share four Sullivan County Democrat Golf Titles together, Cohen said the bond goes so much deeper.

Cohen recounted how   Winter was there for him through his successful bout with cancer and also during some of his biggest golfing days outside of the Democrat.

Tournament Sponsor Fred Stabbert III introduced Joe Winski, Walter Herzog and Kort Wheeler.

“Voted the best team to ever play in the Democrat, this lefty has had a front row seat to some of the best matches ever played - and had been in the finals 8 times and is undefeated in Championship Match play competition. He also ranks second behind Ken Cohen and Sean Semenetz as the winningest player in Democrat history. Please give a big round of applause to our next inductee, Joe Winski,” Stabbert said.

This hall of fame team, which hails from Liberty, was also chosen as one of the best five teams to ever tee it up in Sullivan County Democrat Golf Tourney history.  

“This team has a unique history in that they both started their Democrat careers with different teammates, but have been together for the past 10 years. That 10 years have brought a lot of success, including winning in 2015, and three finals appearances together. Kort Wheeler was also in back-to-back finals in 1993 and 1994, winning in 1993 with Robert Friedman and losing in 1994 to Ken Cohen-Mitchell Etess. Walter Herzog won his other title as a teenager playing with long-hitting Gerry Garber in 1995 – 30 years ago. Let’s have a big round of applause for our new Hall of Famers, Kort Wheeler and Walter Herzog,” Stabbert said.

The other Sullivan County Democrat Golf Tourney Hall of Famers include: Ken Cohen, Mark Etess, Mitchell Etess, Marvin Newberg, Fred Stabbert Jr., Paul Zintel, Marty Passante, Jack Jordan, Charlie Johnston, Chris DuBois, Matt Kleiner, Gregg Semenetz Sr., and Billy Phillips.