Community Corner

Golf Channel Investigates 'Nassau Bet' Origins in Glen Cove

Film crews interviewed Nassau Country Club's head golf pro, Drew Pohalski, and club historian, Doug Fletcher, extensively.

The Golf Channel visited Nassau Country Club in Glen Cove in March, investigating the origins of the Nassau Bet for the second episode of its new segment "Golf Detective," featuring Matty Blake.

The episode is expected to air on April 21 at 10 a.m. as part of In Play with Jimmy Roberts. Nassau Country Club’s Head Golf Pro Drew Pohalski as well as Club Historian Doug Fletcher were interviewed extensively.

“In 1900, Nassau Member J.B. Coles Tappan invented the "Nassau System" of scoring where one point is awarded for the first nine holes, one for the second nine and one for the winner of the 18 hole match,” Fletcher said.  “Nassau was home to the leading industrialists of the day who were often embarrassed by lopsided losses that were reported in the local newspapers. Under the Nassau system, the worst loss was 3-0. This system prevented bruised egos and kept the matches competitive.”

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From Aug. 4-10,  Nassau Country Club will again be in the spotlight as 156 of the top female amateur golfers compete in the 114th U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship, conducted by the United States Golf Association. At stake will be the Robert Cox Trophy, the oldest trophy that the USGA awards in a women’s championship, as well as the title of national champion. 

The club has a proud history in Glen Cove. Founded in 1896, Nassau Country Club hosted the 1914 U.S. Women's Amateur, won by Katherine Harley Jackson. This year marks the 100th anniversary of hosting the same championship, which is a rare achievement for any club. Nassau Country Club has also served as the site for the 1903 U.S. Amateur, won by Walter Travis, and has hosted many state and regional tournaments, including the New York State Amateur, Long Island Open, three Metropolitan Opens and eight Metropolitan Amateurs.

Find out what's happening in Glen Covewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

For more information on becoming a corporate supporter or on how to volunteer, please visit www.2014USWomensAM.com or call the championship office at 866-212-2014.


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