CALLICOON – Today marks the start of the 42nd Annual Sullivan County Democrat Two Man Better Ball Tournament, with golfers making their way to the Villa Roma from all over to compete for glory on the greens.

For Golf Superintendent Will O’Brien and his hard-working staff, preparations for the tourney began more than two weeks ago, with a checklist of work that needed to be completed for the upcoming event.

The long hours put forth by the team were assisted by the mild temperatures and consistent rain that helped to breathe life into the course. 

“The rain helped us get the greens into the best conditions that we could get. We also knocked down the rough to give us the best possible product,” O’Brien said.

Will O’Brien has been working for the Villa on and off for the past 15 years, with the most recent five as the Superintendent of the course, so he is no stranger to the Democrat tourney and the work that goes into the course each year.

“The staff this year is the best I’ve ever had,” O’Brien said. “Everyone knows what needs to be done and has put in the extra effort to get it all finished.”

He continued about the staff saying, “They are a pleasure to work with, I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Last year in the weeks leading up to the Democrat tourney, new hole markers were introduced. They have been a big hit among guests at the golf course and will be a prominent part of the tournament again this year as golfers make their way through the winding 18-hole course.

Improved irrigation has been the main topic tackled by the Villa Roma staff this year, with holes 11-14 getting a much-needed improvement in time for the tourney. The rest of the course is scheduled to have their irrigation improved in the fall.

“There has been so much support from top to bottom at the course, and we are very dedicated to giving guests a great experience when they come to the course. I can’t thank my staff, Paul Carlucci [Vice President] and Craig Passante enough for how much they have supported myself and the golf course,” O’Brien said. 

The staff responsible for the preparation of the course include Assistants Cody Bojo, John Meyer and Brett Bauernfeind, as well as Mechanic Tyler Knapp. Additional members of the staff are Cody Quick, Tyler Tarkett, Allen Stagl, Colin Wilson, Kyle Powell, Steve Greenwald, Glenn Herman, Anthony Durkin and Will Krantz.