A Night to Remember: Hall of Fame Class of 2026 Inducted at Upper Montclair
CLIFTON, N.J. — A packed ballroom of nearly 200 guests filled Upper Montclair Country Club on Wednesday evening as New Jersey Golf welcomed four distinguished figures into the New Jersey Golf Hall of Fame.
Guided by emcee Matt Loughlin, the evening unfolded with a cocktail hour, tribute videos, and heartfelt speeches, each moment reflecting the deep impact the game has had across generations in the Garden State.
The Class of 2026, Cindy Ferro, Rees Jones, Jim McGovern, and the late August F. Kammer, represents excellence in playing, design, and service, each leaving a lasting imprint on the game in New Jersey and beyond.
Introduced by longtime friend Jenny Beimfohr, Ferro’s legacy was defined not just by achievement, but by the relationships she built along the way.
“Golf for Cindy was always about people as much as performance,” Beimfohr said.
That sentiment echoed throughout Ferro’s remarks as she reflected on a journey that spanned competitive golf, an LPGA Tour career, and ultimately a calling in teaching, one that shaped countless players and lives.
“This is just an incredible night. I am truly in good company,” Ferro said.
Never one to chase recognition, Ferro emphasized the joy she found in helping others grow through the game.
“For me, it was always about helping people enjoy the game more and reach their potential,” she said.
Her closing thoughts captured both golf and life in equal measure.
“It’s a game of resilience and never, ever giving up. A good tune-up for the game of life.”
Few have shaped the modern golf landscape like Rees Jones, whose career spans more than 300 courses worldwide.
Introduced by noted writer Michael Bamberger, Jones was celebrated not only for his architectural brilliance, but for his character.
“He’s taken his discerning eye for the beauty of golf and combined it with an extreme understanding of people,” Bamberger said, calling Jones “a true gentleman.”
A lifelong New Jersey resident, Jones reflected on a career rooted deeply in the state that helped shape him.
“I’m New Jersey born and bred. That makes this even more meaningful for me,” Jones said.
Following in the footsteps of his father, Hall of Famer Robert Trent Jones Sr., he spoke about a lifetime immersed in the game, from measuring drives at the 1954 U.S. Open to designing championship venues around the world.
At the heart of his philosophy was accessibility, creating courses that challenge the best while remaining enjoyable for everyday players.
“Golf has always been a common denominator, bringing people from all walks of life together,” he said.
Honored posthumously, August F. Kammer’s induction served as a powerful reminder of golf’s enduring traditions, competition, family, and giving back.
New Jersey Hall of Fame Chair Eric Houseknecht highlighted Kammer’s remarkable playing record and his unmatched success alongside his sons, including seven New Jersey Father and Son titles, still a state record.
“August Kammer exemplified what it means to pass the game down through generations,” Houseknecht said.
Accepting on behalf of her grandfather, Polly Kammer Hudson brought a personal and heartfelt perspective rooted not in scorecards, but in memory.
“Pop-Pop and I played gin rummy every afternoon. That’s what I remember most,” she shared.
Though she knew him only briefly, the pride in carrying the Kammer name and its legacy in golf remains strong across generations.
Introduced by his brother Mike, Jim McGovern’s story was told through the lens of family, competition, and an unwavering connection to home.
“It’s an honor to introduce someone who represents the very best of this game and this state,” Mike McGovern said.
From his early days at Hackensack Golf Club to a successful professional career and his role as head professional at White Beeches, McGovern’s journey has been defined by steady growth and deep-rooted values.
“This honor, it’s not really mine. It belongs to my family,” McGovern said.
A fierce competitor with a grounded perspective, he spoke about the lessons the game has taught him and continues to teach.
“You’ll lose more matches than you win, but golf will teach you honesty, discipline, and perseverance,” he said.
And, in a line that drew laughs and nods alike, he summed up his lifelong relationship with the game.
“It will exhilarate you and infuriate you, and keep you coming back for more.”
From emotional reflections to lighthearted moments, the evening carried a consistent theme, golf’s ability to connect people across generations.
Inside a full ballroom at Upper Montclair, that connection was on full display. Family, friends, and members of the New Jersey golf community gathered not only to honor four remarkable individuals, but to celebrate the shared history and future of the game in the state.
The NJ Golf Hall of Fame Class of 2026 stands as a testament to that legacy, one built on excellence, character, and a deep love for the game.
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