The Theodore Roosevelt Association’s Inaugural Big Stick Golf Outing Raises Nearly $60,000
September 17, 2026
On September 14, 2026, the Theodore Roosevelt Association’s inaugural Big Stick Golf Outing raised nearly $60,000 to support the TRA’s programs benefiting military members and veterans, law enforcement, youth, conservation, and historical scholarship.
Held at the Town of Oyster Bay Golf Course, the outing took place on a particularly significant date in Theodore Roosevelt history. Exactly 125 years earlier, on September 14, 1901, Theodore Roosevelt was sworn in as the 26th President of the United States following the death of President William McKinley.
More than 115 guests and over 40 sponsors helped make the inaugural event a success.
“On this historic day, we introduced the Theodore Roosevelt Association to more than 150 new friends and supporters, all sharing our vision to inspire the next generation of leaders through Theodore Roosevelt’s life and legacy,” said TRA Executive Director Chris Cosentino. “Thank you to all our sponsors, golfers, volunteers, and supporters. It was truly a memorable day, and we look forward to 2027!”
Emceed by News 12 Long Island anchor Joe Arena, the Big Stick Golf Outing brought President Theodore Roosevelt’s story to life throughout the course.
Each hole highlighted a different chapter or theme from his remarkable life—from his childhood struggle with severe asthma and his love of coffee to the Rough Riders, the presidency, conservation, and his enduring legacy of leadership and service.
Golfers also received the event’s Golf Is Fatal T-shirts, donated by Midnight Platoon. The shirts were inspired by President Theodore Roosevelt’s famous 1908 warning to William Howard Taft about the political risks of being photographed playing golf: “Photographs of me on horseback, yes. Tennis, no. And golf is fatal.”
The outing was held in partnership with the Nassau County Lions Youth Hockey Program, which is celebrating its 60th season of developing young athletes and community leaders.
During the evening reception, the TRA proudly honored the Long Island Warriors Veteran Hockey Team for its commitment to community, service, and advocacy.
The outing also marked the launch of Big Stick Pilsner by Jones Beach Brewing Company. A portion of sales from the new beer will support Theodore Roosevelt Association programs benefiting the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71).
The TRA extends its deepest appreciation to Presenting Sponsor New York Life / The Firm Financial Group, as well as Dinner Reception Sponsor Bulovas Restoration, Lunch Sponsor Jones Beach Brewing Company, Cocktail Hour Sponsor Core Hockey at the Garage, and Breakfast Sponsor Fraschilla Plumbing.
Special thanks also go to Coach’s Collectibles for supplying the silent auction, Smokin’ Shields for providing cigars for golfers, and Beau Lardner Golf for sponsoring the popular Beat the Pro Hole.
More than 40 raffle prizes were available throughout the event, along with a silent auction and several on-course competitions.
Gordon Gerstner captured the Longest Drive competition and received a trophy and $100 gift card to Chris & Tony’s in Syosset.
Mark LaMarr won Closest to the Pin, earning a trophy and $100 gift card to Mio Posto in Merrick.
The Best Team Score went to Anthony Scali, Dan Smith, Matt Cappola, and Bryan Mercer, who each received a $100 gift card to L’Etoile in Oyster Bay.
An event of this size would not have been possible without the dedication of the volunteers and committee members who worked to bring the inaugural outing to life.
The TRA extends a special thank you to the Big Stick Golf Outing Committee: Jamison Skala, Edward Scali, Dan Bedard, Dr. Maryalice Mazzara, Marie Kutch, Beau Lardner, Anne Rose, and Joe Castellaneta.
Their hard work, enthusiasm, and commitment helped transform the idea of a Theodore Roosevelt-themed golf outing into a successful new TRA tradition.
The TRA also thanks the staff of the Town of Oyster Bay Golf Course and The Mansion, along with volunteer photographer Christopher Focazio, Jr., and everyone who donated prizes, volunteered, sponsored a hole, played golf, attended the reception, or otherwise contributed to the day.
Beyond the competition and camaraderie, the inaugural Big Stick Golf Outing was about advancing the Theodore Roosevelt Association’s mission.
With nearly $60,000 raised, proceeds from the event will help the TRA continue and expand programs focused on its five mission pillars: Scholarship, Youth, Police, Military, and Conservation.
The success of the inaugural outing demonstrated what can happen when people come together around Theodore Roosevelt’s enduring ideals of leadership, citizenship, service, and the Strenuous Life.
To everyone who helped make the first Big Stick Golf Outing possible: Thank You!
We look forward to seeing you back on the course in 2027!