Hollywood actor Bill Murray and former NFL star (and now popular podcaster) Jason Kelce will be among the special guests helping to celebrate a major milestone in Sullivan County this summer. The Sullivan County Golf Club is marking its 100th anniversary with two days of festivities on August 27 and 28, featuring live music, a long drive competition, art, and a community-wide celebration of one of the Catskills’ oldest golf courses.
The centennial comes after a period of major revitalization for the club. In 2023, golf writer Tom Coyne partnered with others to take over operations, renovating the course and clubhouse while also introducing new amenities such as a putting course, driving range, and the opening of Otto’s, a new on-site restaurant.
Coyne, who is also the author of several acclaimed golf books including A Course Called America, described his involvement as “an accidental journey” after being approached by superintendent Sean Smith, who feared the nearly century-old course might not survive to its centennial. Instead, a new ownership group formed, invested in improvements, and stabilized the club’s future.
“It was one of those things where we realized this place deserved to keep existing,” Coyne said. “Sullivan County Golf Club has been part of the community for generations, and reaching 100 years means a lot not just for golf but for local history.”
The anniversary celebration will include a kickoff party on Wednesday, August 27, with grilling stations, oysters, live music, and guest appearances. On Thursday, August 28, golf events will take center stage, along with a conversation hosted by Coyne and actor Bill Murray, who is a partner in the club. Other special guests include Mike Madden, son of legendary football coach John Madden, and NFL star Jason Kelce, another recent partner.
“The public is absolutely invited,” Coyne said. “Every dollar we bring in goes right back into the club and into supporting rural community golf. We’d love to celebrate this milestone with the people who care about this place.”
As for the future, Coyne says the focus will remain on serving both visitors and local members while continuing improvements at the course. “It’s about building something that brings people together and honors the history of golf in Sullivan County,” he said.
More information at: sullivancountygolf.com
Note: Foster Supply Hospitality is part of the Sullivan County Golf Club ownership group and FSH’s Kirsten Foster is a past Radio Catskill Board of Trustees President.
Image: (left to right) Jason Kelce, Tom Coyne, and Bill Murray, members of the Sullivan County Golf Club’s ownership group. (Credit: Sullivan County Golf Club Facebook)