Crystal Springs Resort hosts Fifth Annual Law Enforcement Open

Crystal Springs Resort, in Hamburg, NJ, hosted the Fifth Annual Crystal Springs Law Enforcement Open at Ballyowen Golf Club on Wednesday, July 6.

This celebrated golf event, launched in 2017, is an open invitation to all law enforcement departments, agencies and associations from around NJ and beyond to send their two best golfers to compete for a year of complimentary golf play for their organization, plus coveted bragging rights for the victors as “Law Enforcement’s Best Golfers.” The event features a unique format wherein after a full round of golf, scores are tallied up during dinner and the top four qualifying two-person teams are called up to replay the 18th hole in a shootout to determine who will be crowned the champions.

At this year’s event, there were 54 two-player teams from dozens of NJ police departments and local PBAs, as well as a number of players representing departments from out of state. The final four teams making the cut included defending champions Robert Del Corpo and Jeffrey Hilbert from the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, and 2019 champions Joe Della Serra and Geoff Jeppson of the Port Authority PD. The other two qualifying teams were Lou Cardenas and Jay Barry of the NYPD, and Joe Russo and Kevin Convery of Washington Township PD.

Prior to the shootout, finalists were escorted onto the 18th hole by the Port Authority Police Department Pipe & Drum Band, along with special guests Harry Phillips, executive director of the Police Unity Tour and actor Kelsey Grammer.

Following a few opening remarks, all present stood for a moment of silence and a rendition of “Amazing Grace” by the PAPD Pipe & Drum Band before the finalists rode off to the 18th tee box to commence the shootout in front of a raucous crowd of those who did not make the cut.

In the end, victory was claimed by the Washington Township PD team as the result of a solid drive, a well-targeted approach shot and a steady 5’ putt by Officer Joe Russo to make then shootout’s only birdie.

“We are honored to have once again hosted this event, which only gets better each year,” stated Chris Mulvihill, chief marketing officer at Crystal Springs Resort. “We host hundreds of golf outings annually at the resort’s six courses, but I have to say that this one is an absolute favorite. It is nice to see this extraordinary group of brave and selfless law enforcement personnel have a well-deserved and enjoyable day. The best part is watching the 18th-hole shootout, where the finalists compete under immense pressure as they are watched and shouted at by their fellow law enforcement participants who are overlooking the 18th green.” Unlike most golf events, talking and (friendly) jeering is permitted, and in some cases encouraged, during the finale.

Attendees of this year’s event were surprised to be greeted on the course by six-time Emmy Award winning actor Kelsey Grammer of “Cheers” and “Frasier” fame.

Mulvihill said, “Kelsey now has his own line of beer, Faith American, which we are currently selling at the resort. We were talking a few months ago when I mentioned this event, and he immediately asked when it was and said ‘I’d like to be there’. Despite his busy schedule working on multiple movies and other projects including the relaunch of ‘Frasier,’ Kelsey flew in from California on the red eye the day of the event and then made the rounds to meet and greet each attendee to show his appreciation and support, which goes to the heart of what this event is all about.”

Police Unity Tour Executive Director Harry Phillips said, “This event is truly inspiring, and I am beyond appreciative for all that the resort does on our behalf. At a time when others have turned their backs on the police, Crystal Springs has shown remarkable support. It has the best playoff format I have seen in a golf tournament, and they really do a great job providing an exceptional experience from start to finish.”

The purpose of this event is to raise awareness of law enforcement who have died in the line of duty, to show appreciation for the law enforcement community, and to provide a day where participating officers can enjoy themselves.

Mulvihill added, “Many civilians have reached out to us inquiring as to whether they can play in the Law Enforcement Open to show their support. The answer has always been and remains ‘no,’ since this day is exclusively for active and retired law enforcement; however, we are launching a sister event this October 12th that will be open to public play and outside sponsorships to honor fallen officers and to raise funds for the Police Unity Tour.”