It used to be that the completion of golf’s four majors meant the end of interest in golf for the year. With the implementation of the PGA Tour’s playoff system, the FedEx Cup, that is certainly no longer the case.
The first leg of that playoff series, the Barclays, which marks the PGA Tour’s annual return to the Greater New York area, will take place at the Ridgewood Country Club from August 21-24.
Yes, it’s very questionable whether the PGA Tour’s most marketable player, Eldrick T. Woods, will be playing but the top 125-ranked golfers in the world will be competing.
The Barclays is far more than a golf tournament. It is also a vehicle for the PGA Tour to raise funds for various local non-profit agencies.
The Tour also salutes military veterans with its Birdies for the Brave program that helps our heroes get golf clubs and apparel as a way of thanking them for their patriotic service. There is also a hospitality tent for veterans.
The Barclays has a bit of a country fair feeling to it as well as numerous companies set up tents to promote their products and samples and goody bags are plentiful. There are also various golf pros in the spectator villages who provide free golf tips and will analyze your swing.
Shuttle buses will pick up patrons at the NJ Transit Glen Rock station as well as at the parking lot at Bergen Community College.
An added bonus this year will be a pair of concerts that will take place after the golfing for the day concludes. On Friday, August 22, the legendary rock band Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes will perform, while on Saturday, August 23, the Irish Rovers will take the stage. Get ready to sing “The Unicorn Song” with them.