Golf in Broome County

Golf in Broome County
96 Pages
ISBN 978-1467123655

This book illustrates the history of professional golf in Broome County, as it traces the development of the present day Dick’s Sporting Goods Senior Open, which has been in existence since 2007, as well as the B.C. Open, which was held from 1971-2006. The BC Open began in 1971 as the Broome County Open, a one-day golf tournament. The following year it became a two-day tournament and in 1973, it was accepted as a four-day PGA Tour Event.

For both the BC Open and the Dick’s Sorting Goods Open, clearly the biggest attraction besides the golf has been the annual Free Friday Night concert. After the first round of the tournaments, at approximately 8 PM, all fans in attendance have been invited to stay for a free music concert on the 18th hole. Lately, and largely due to sponsor money from Dick’s Sporting Goods, the recent musical guests have been major recording artists, including Tim McGraw, Hootie and the Blowfish, Maroon 5, and this year, which included one of the largest crowds to date, the The Zach Brown Band.

While music fans love listening to the music, the golf fans are amazed at how quickly the 18th hole can be transformed from a rock and roll venue to the final hole on a professional golf tournament. The concerts are typically over at 10:30 PM and by 8 AM, the 18th hole is again ready for golf! Legends of the links who have played at the Endicott tournaments include: John Daly, Tom Kite, Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, and Tiger Woods.

Jim Maggiore

About Jim Maggiore (Oneonta, New York Author)

Jim Maggiore

JIm currently focuses on writing about both minor and major league baseball. He resides in Binghamton, N.Y., which has been affiliated with the Yankees or the Mets for 60 years (and counting). His current project is "From Binghamton to the Big Apple," which documents the players who have played for Binghamton and gone on to play baseball for the Yankees, Mets, Giants, or Dodgers.

Jim was born in Brentwood, Long Island, and was graduated from Binghamton University. After completing his college studies, Jim stayed in the Binghamton area and worked for IBM in a variety of professional positions for 33 years.

Since his retirement from IBM, Jim has written seven books, including "Spring Training with the New York Mets in Port St. Lucie," "Celebrating 100 Years of Baseball in Greater Binghamton: Tales from the Binghamton Baseball Shrine," and "Spring Training with the Washington Nationals."