History will be made on Friday as Nassau Country Club opens its grounds for the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship, playing host to the tournament which was last played on its greens 100 years ago. The club has been planning for the tournament for the past eight years or so, when the club’s president and mayor of Mill Neck, Peter Quick, says they first discussed having it return to Nassau for the 100 year anniversary. The tournament, conducted by the United States Golf Association (USGA), will have 156 women from all over the world competing for the Robert Cox Trophy and the title of national champion, including twin sisters Jennifer and Kristin Coleman, whose grandfather is a member of the club.
For the Coleman sisters, 21, of Rolling Hills Estates, CA, the tournament will almost be like a homecoming: they began playing golf at age 5, and have played Nassau Country Club a number of times over the years while visiting their grandfather, Daniel Coleman, who lives in Glen Cove.
“We’ve played Nassau about five to 10 times, in the winter and summer,” says Jennifer. “It’s a great course; we’ve only played once since it was redone.”
Nassau Country Club was incorporated in 1896 and was one of the 50 founding members of the USGA. In 2012, the green complexes were renovated.
This will be Jennifer’s second time in the tournament. She found out in early July that she qualified while playing a qualifier on her home course, when she shot 70.
“This is a special tournament; it’s a one of a kind thing, being the first time in 100 years, and it’s cool that it’s at my grandpa’s club. It’s always a great field of women and an honor to be a part of it,” Jennifer says.
Kristin also qualified on the same day as her sister, with a score of 71. This will be her first tournament, though she caddied last year for her sister.
“It’s pretty exciting,” she says. “It’s one of the best amateur tournaments and it’s awesome to be able to play, especially since both of us will be competing.”
She adds, “It’s definitely a difficult course…but it’s exciting.”
The two just graduated from the University of Colorado, each earning a degree in business marketing. This summer they are focusing on their golf game, and are looking forward to some family time in the area as well. They will be staying with their grandparents, and are already counting on some special meals out.
“Our grandfather always takes us to Buckram Stables [in Locust Valley],” says Kristin. “The food is really good.”
The 2014 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship will begin on Aug. 1 and last through Aug. 10. The golfers will play 10 rounds of golf during the tournament, beginning with stroke play on Monday, Aug. 4 and ending with the 36-hole championship final on Sunday, Aug. 10. The last time it was held at Nassau Country Club was in 1914. The public is welcome to attend and watch the games, at no charge. Shuttle buses will be available from Glen Cove Mansion and Glen Cove High School; visit 2014uswomensam.com for information about parking, the shuttle bus schedule, and the schedule of events.
