Van Cortlandt Park

The Daily Plant : Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Birds Sang As Golf Clubs “Swang” On The Van Cortlandt Golf Course

Submitted by Lisa Hummel

The 10th Annual John Muir Benefit Golf Tournament took to the fairways of the Van Cortlandt Golf Course on June 23.  Bronx Parks Commissioner Hector Aponte, American-Scottish Foundation President Alan Bain, and Van Cortlandt Park Administrator John Herrold attended what turned out to be a sunny, above par day on the oldest public golf course in the United States.

Nick Gregory, a Fox 5 Meteorologist and member of the Tournament’s Honorary Committee, was among the 72 golfers hitting the green for a good cause and some friendly competition.  Two young talents swinging in for the day’s action were Andrew Giuliani, a Duke Blue Devil golfer and son of former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, and Stephanie Noser, a freshman University of North Carolina at Wilmington golfer and the Colonial Athletic Association’s 2006 Rookie of the Year.  Paul Sliva, a professional golfer and coach to Andrew Giuliani, also came out in support of the event.

Co-sponsored by Parks and Recreation, the American-Scottish Foundation, the Friends of Van Cortlandt Park, and the American Golf Corporation, the tournament proceeds support the care and maintenance of Van Cortlandt Park, its horticulture, and its 1.7-mile-long John Muir Nature Trail. 

“Proceeds have supported a summer internship program for local youth which enables participants to develop a variety of skills that will serve them well for the rest of their life,” said Alan Bain.  “The summer internship experience has encouraged a number of its participants to continue their education by going to college, an aspiration that they had not entertained prior to their participation.”

The day’s events got underway with a note of welcome from Commissioner Aponte at a pre-tee luncheon.  Following the afternoon’s 18 holes, guests enjoyed a Glenlivit whisky-tasting reception, a buffet dinner, and live Celtic music as the sun set over the beautiful Van Cortlandt Lake.  Many fabulous prizes were raffled and auctioned, and awards were given for hole-in-ones, closest to pin, longest drive, and straightest drive.

“The tournament has, during the past ten years, made over 500 people from outside the immediate area aware of both the Van Cortlandt Golf Course and the Park itself,” said Mr. Bain.  “The Tournament recognizes John Muir, an American-Scot, and acknowledges this country’s indebtedness to him as the pioneer of environmentalism.”

John Muir emigrated to the United States from Dunbar, Scotland in 1850.  A writer, farmer, and inventor by profession, Muir became known for his pioneering environmental activism.  He was founding President of the Sierra Club and is known as the Father of American Conservation.

Van Cortlandt Park, with 1,146 acres, is New York City’s fourth largest park. Located in the northwest Bronx, the Park’s mature forests, wetlands, lake and numerous trails allow visitors the chance to relax and savor nature’s wonders just a stone’s throw from City streets.

Written by Lisa Hummel

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

“Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated.”

Arnold Palmer
(1929 -  )