The Hamptons Golf Classic has become a Hamptons institution that brings the community together with influencers and celebrities joining forces for a daylong golf tournament to raise money for charity. This year’s event will honor cancer survivor and NY Giants’ fan favorite Mark Herzlich to benefit FCancer, which is dedicated to fighting cancer through raising awareness and educating about early cancer detection.
The event has a reputation of being among the most-anticipated events of the season. While raising much-needed money for a great cause, the HGC celebrates the spirit of The Hamptons with a fun competitive element of golf, food, drinks, music and other surprises. Past attendees have included Kelsey Grammar, Kyle MacLachlan, Russell Simmons, Lorraine Bracco, Amanda Hearst, Billy Crudup, Bethany Frankel, James Lipton, John Starks, Fat Joe, Rocco DiSpirito, Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Strahan, Anthony Anderson, Marc Consuelos, Dhani Jones, Steven Klein, Justin Tuck, and Jill Zarin.
With less than a month to go before this years Hamptons Golf Classic, now entering its 11th year of existence, we sat down with event founder and host, Zev Norotsky to talk about what’s in store for this years outing.
Haute Living: Good afternoon! Thank you for taking the time to sit down with us today! We have been practicing every weekend for this year’s classic!!!
Zev Norotsky: HA! That’s good to hear, I can’t wait either! It is definitely one of my favorite days of the year.
HL: So, how did this event start?
ZN: Way back when I was running nightclubs out in the Hamptons I realized that no one was doing a really fun sporting event around Golf that incorporated all the fun things I knew about event planning and marketing that could create a new opportunity for brands. It was a little visionary at the time because there was all these other sporting events taking place like Hamptons Hoops and Bridgehampton Polo but we have stood the test of time and am proud to say that Hamptons Golf is literally the only one left.
HL: Incredible, so what’s been the secret to keeping it fresh over all these years?
ZN: It’s exactly that, we haven’t rested on our past accomplishments, every year I work to integrate new brand partners and experiences to keep people coming back and constantly re-invent the program. It’s been the secret to our success. Golfers are never waiting to tee off, they always have something fun to do whether it be a cigar cutting station from Montecristo, signature cocktail tasting from Absolut Elyx, a quick sports massage from Oasis Day Spa or even a shave from the guys over at Blind Barber its about keeping our players entertained for the full 18 holes of golf.
HL: So then what happens at the famed “19th Hole” I have heard so much about?
ZN: Hmmmm! I guess that’s really the secret to our success now that I think about it….we create a really fun vibe at the clubhouse so that even non-golfers can come out for the day and partake in the festivities. I like to joke that we are the only golf outing in the country with an outdoor DJ booth!
HL: How did you connect with this years’ Honoree NY Giant Mark Herzlich and can you tell us about the charity component of the event?
ZN: I was connected to Yael Cohen, one of the founder’s of FCancer and really love the work they are doing so felt like would be a perfect fit to help them in their cause of spreading awareness and promoting early detection. Once we announced our charity beneficiary, Phil Reese of Strapped Poets reached out to bring Mark into the conversation. Mark is one of the most popular players on the NY Giants and a cancer survivor so was an obvious choice to serve as this year’s honoree.
For more information on FCancer please visit: www.letsfcancer.com
HL: Is there anything else you would like to tell us about this year’s event?
ZN: We have some amazing sponsors this year and I couldn’t do this event without their generous support so want to thank our friends at Florida Yachts International, V2 Jets, Alexander Nash, RESQWATER Anti-Hangover Drink, D’Angelico Guitars and The Core Club.
HL: Impressive! Well thanks for your time we know you’re a very busy man and definitely looking forward to seeing you on June 22nd at Hampton Hills Golf & Country Club.
ZN: See you out on the links!!
For player registration or sponsorship opportunities please contact Sarah Mirmelli at smirmelli@hauteliving.com
