Youth Foundation Pro-Am Raises Significant Support for New Jersey Youth Golf
MORRISTOWN, N.J. - The annual New Jersey Golf Youth Foundation Pro-Am was once again a tremendous success, generating significant support for youth golf initiatives throughout New Jersey through the generosity of its participants, sponsors, and donors.
Morris County Golf Club hosted the Pro-Am, in preparation for the 106th New Jersey Open Championship, beginning Tuesday, July 21.
The New Jersey Golf Youth Foundation supports deserving youth golf and sports-related programs throughout New Jersey by providing grants that help grow the game and create opportunities for the next generation of golfers.
"The New Jersey Golf Youth Foundation exists because of the generosity of our golfers, sponsors, and supporters," said Frank O'Brien, Co-Chair of the New Jersey Golf Youth Foundation. "What began in 1992 supporting youth sports has grown to provide grants to organizations that make a meaningful difference in communities across New Jersey. We're grateful that today's Pro-Am allows us to continue investing in youth golf while also supporting so many worthwhile causes."
This year's event attracted 25 foursomes, giving participants the opportunity to play the same course that will challenge 123 of the state's top amateur and professional golfers during the Donnelly Industries-sponsored New Jersey Open.
Winning the professional division was a three-way tie at a 2-under par 68 with Nick Bova of Hamilton Farm Golf Club, Daniel Castano of Hudson Golf and Frank Esposito of Mountain Ridge Country Club. For the team competition, played in a best-ball-of-four format, was won by Bedens Brooks Trevor Benavidez, Michael Furman, Chet Czeslowski, and Jim Butler with a 12-under par 58.
The Pro-Am also featured the annual Youth Foundation raffle, which raised $53,100 to support youth golf initiatives throughout New Jersey. In addition, the New Jersey Golf Foundation presented a $41,000 contribution to the New Jersey Golf Youth Foundation through proceeds from its annual foursome auction.
Morris County Golf Club selected the Alport Syndrome Foundation as this year's charitable beneficiary, a cause that holds special meaning for the club through Head Golf Professional Craig Smith and his family.
"When our son Jack was diagnosed with Alport syndrome, our world changed overnight," Smith said. "Organizations like the Alport Syndrome Foundation give families hope through education, support, advocacy and research. We're incredibly grateful to the New Jersey Golf Youth Foundation for helping shine a light on this cause and supporting families like ours."
2026 Youth Foundation Raffle Winners Announced
The following winners were selected at the Pro-Am reception following golf.
2026 Raffle Prizes
Grand Prize: Troy Isaksen
2 nights and 2 rounds of golf for four at Streamsong Resort ($1,600 value)
Generously donated by Streamsong Resort.
2nd Prize: John Canelao
The NJ Golf Founders – Foursomes at North Jersey Country Club, Morris County Golf Club, Montclair Golf Club and Essex County Country Club ($1,200)
3rd Prize: Jannie Pelcher
The Bergen Tour – Foursomes at Hackensack Golf Club, Knickerbocker Country Club, Ridgewood Country Club and White Beeches Golf & Country Club ($1,200)
4th Prize: Donna Veneziano
The Shore Tour – Foursomes at Manasquan River Golf Club, Hollywood Golf Club, and Metedeconk National Golf Club; one threesome at Spring Lake Golf Club ($1,200)
5th Prize: Peter Demeropoulos
The Revolutionary Experience – Foursomes at Battleground Country Club and Trenton Country Club ($800)
6th Prize: Julie Gill
The Presidential Experience – Join NJ Golf President David Cronheim for a round at Somerset Hills Country Club (three players) ($800)
7th Prize: Victor Joo
Dunning Golf Outfit and Imperial Hats ($300)
Bonus: Ray Marzulli
Round at Essex Fells
NJ Golf Social Media
For the latest updates and news, visit njgolf.org or follow New Jersey Golf on Facebook, X and Instagram at @njgolf1900.
