Deal Captures First Red Hoffman Cup Title at Liberty National
JERSEY CITY, N.J. - Deal Golf & Country Club claimed its first Red Hoffman Cup championship in emphatic fashion, posting a seven-under-par 281 to win the 22nd Finals by seven strokes at Liberty National Golf Club.
The victory capped a remarkable rise for the Shore club, which only a year ago entered the Hoffman Cup’s 36-club, preliminary competition as an underdog. Under the leadership of captain Derrick Scenna, Deal transformed itself into the tournament favorite in 2026, dominating group play, earning a semifinal bye, and delivering on its championship aspirations with a balanced team performance.
The Red Hoffman Cup Finals brought together the five surviving clubs from an original field of 36 after almost three months of regional competition. Each club fielded four better-ball teams, with 40 players competing over 18 holes to determine northern New Jersey's premier club team.
Although the weather was ideal, Liberty National's ever-present Hudson River breezes made its often-elusive fairways and lightning-fast greens a challenge. Deal's consistency proved decisive. Scenna teamed with Brian Hale for a two-under-par 69, matched by son Patrick Scenna and John Browndorf. Anthony Campanile and Brian Hart contributed a 70, while Pat Keenan and Matt McCormick completed the champions' effort with a 73.
Manasquan River Golf Club finished runner-up at even-par 288, continuing an impressive Hoffman Cup run with a second consecutive Finals appearance. Hamilton Farm Golf Club placed third at 293, highlighted by the day's low round, a four-under-par 68 from Mark Costanza and co-captain Evan Jones. Five-time champion Montclair Golf Club finished fourth at 300, while Morris County Golf Club, making its first Finals appearance in nearly two decades, rounded out the field at 301.
Liberty National proved a true championship venue, providing outstanding course conditions, spectacular views, and exceptional hospitality for the region's premier interclub competition.
