The 25th annual Freeport Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic took place under sunny skies at the Middle Bay Country Club, delivering a day of friendly competition, camaraderie, and community spirit. Hosted on Oct. 8, the event was a testament to the enduring legacy of the golf classic and its importance to the Freeport community.
With perfect weather setting the stage, 71 golfers came together for the morning’s festivities, followed by a dinner attended by 80 guests, including most of the golfers. The event kicked off with great enthusiasm as participants formed teams and prepared for a day of competition. The team of Matt Wilson, Jeremy Smith, Joe Tripi, and Rob Randall claimed first place with an impressive score of 64. Other standout performances included Tucker Williams and Christina Feile, who won the closest-to-the-pin competitions for men and women, respectively. Will Blum and Sue Lyons took home the titles for the longest drives.
While the event featured a special prize—a 2024 BMW X1 donated by BMW of Freeport for a hole-in-one—no participant managed to secure the keys. Teams from Montana’s and Jeremy’s Ale House vied closely for the prize, adding a thrilling element to the day.
Throughout the day, participants enjoyed lunch provided by Middle Bay Country Club, along with samples from local restaurant Nunzi’s By the Water, which served up their famous Saffron Arancini and Grandma’s Meatballs. The day concluded with a dinner hosted at Bayview on the Water, where Mike Dannon and his staff created an inviting atmosphere that left attendees raving about the food and ambiance.
Among the dinner guests were notable community figures, including Freeport Mayor Robert T. Kennedy, Nassau County Legislator Seth Koslow, and a representative from Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. The evening’s honorees, Police Chief Michael Smith and PBA President Detective Shawn Randall, were recognized for their contributions to the Village of Freeport, receiving plaques and citations from the chamber and local dignitaries.
The evening also included a raffle with gifts donated by local merchants, such as C & C Appliance, further adding to the festivities. Sponsors played a crucial role in the event’s success, including dinner sponsors like Michael Dannon of Bayview on the Water, Clean Air Solutions Group, and George Voulagarakis of Dimirtri Painting. The cocktail hour was supported by sponsors such as Jenny Jorge of Gala Foods and Jorge Martinez of J & A Group, while Catcher’s Fish House and Jaguar of Freeport sponsored the driving range.
John Nuzzi, who has been a part of the golf classic’s journey, provided a rich history of the event, recalling memorabilia that dates back to 2000. He emphasized the event’s roots in raising funds for the local community and honoring those who contribute significantly to Freeport. “I have plaques that date back to 2000,” he shared, reflecting on the event’s longstanding tradition.
John Hrvatin, the current chairperson of the Golf Committee, reminisced about being honored in 2017, a moment that inspired him to join the committee and oversee the classic’s planning ever since. The golf classic has evolved over the years, growing in scope and influence while staying true to its original mission of supporting Freeport.
About the event Jennifer Winters-Runolfsson, the office manager of the Chamber of Commerce said, “it was my first time ever experiencing golf as a whole… the event itself was run extremely well, and it was a lot of fun, and… (the) thing I love about Freeport (is I) really enjoyed seeing how much everybody – even though it was (in) the spirit of competition – they all get along, and they all support one another, and this event really shows that”
The Freeport Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic has become a vital part of the community, offering a platform to foster relationships with local merchants and businesses. Through sponsorships, donations, and the event’s marketing reach, the golf classic helps support the local economy. It also provides opportunities for businesses to engage with the chamber and build lasting partnerships across Long Island.
As the Freeport Chamber of Commerce looks forward to next year’s event, they plan to continue the tradition of community support and collaboration. With a commitment to involving more local businesses and community members, the chamber aims to make future editions of the golf classic even more impactful.
The 25th annual Freeport Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic was more than just a day of golf; it was a celebration of community, tradition, and the spirit of Freeport, setting the tone for many more years of success to come.