Thursday, October 1, 2026
Some of Long Island’s top golfers walked the fairways of the Seawane Club in Hewlett Harbor last week, competing in one of the region’s most prestigious championships while showcasing a course that nearly ceased to exist less than a decade ago.
The 99-year-old club hosted the 102nd Long Island Open Championship Presented by Stifel, from June 9 to 11, marking the first time the prestigious golf event was played at the historic waterfront course.
For the club’s owner, Jared Brecher, the tournament represented far more than a golf championship.
“This is the most prestigious event the club has ever hosted,” Brecher said. “It means a lot to us, and it’s something we’re very proud of.”
The event also served as a milestone in the club’s remarkable turnaround.
Brecher purchased Seawane in 2019 after the club had spent years struggling financially. At the time, membership had fallen below 150 families, and the property faced an uncertain future.
“Seven years ago, it was on the verge of being sold to developers and in bankruptcy,” Brecher said. “Today, thankfully, the club is thriving. We now have close to 400 families, and the average age has come down significantly, with about 25 percent of our members under 45.”
Brecher, whose family has lived in the Five Towns for four generations, said restoring the club became both a business venture and a community mission.
“We were very proud that we were able to bring it back to where it was in its heyday,” he said. “Really be the center of Hewlett Harbor and one of the great assets of the Five Towns.”
Since taking ownership, Brecher has invested heavily in the club’s facilities and golf course. Improvements have included extensive course restoration, new family amenities, a playground and installation of padel courts, making Seawane the first club in New York to offer the rapidly growing fast-paced racket sport that blends elements of tennis and squash.
“To come to Seawane on a Sunday now, you have kids playing basketball, padel, they’re at the pool, and we have three generations at the club, sometimes four,” Brecher said. “That’s a really special thing.”
The Long Island Open itself carries more than a century of history. Organized by the Metropolitan Golf Association, the championship is contested over 54 holes of stroke play with a cut after the second round. This year’s field began with roughly 120 competitors before being reduced to the top 40 players and ties for the final round.
Tom Roden, the MGA’s senior manager of championships, described the Long Island Open as one of the organization’s marquee events.
“This is one of our few championships where we get to see both the best amateurs and the best professionals together,” Roden said. “The highlight of the Long Island golf season is always the Long Island Open.”
Roden said Seawane was a natural choice because of its longstanding partnership with the MGA.
“They’ve been a great supporter of us for years,” he said. “Ever since Jared took over ownership, I think we’ve been here every year for different events. They’ve hosted everything from qualifiers to the Long Island Amateur and the MGA Senior Open.”
He also praised the club’s willingness to make its course available during a time when member play has surged.
“The fact that I can call Jared and ask if they’d like to host an event and he’s always happy to say yes is huge,” Roden said. “We’re ecstatic to be here.”
Head golf professional Alex Smith said hosting Long Island’s premier championship allowed the club to showcase years of restoration work.
“This is the biggest event golf-wise on Long Island,” Smith said. “You have everyone from the best professionals on Long Island to collegiate players who may one day play on professional tours.”
Smith noted the diverse field included accomplished amateurs, club professionals and even teenagers competing against seasoned veterans.
“We had a 14- or 15-year-old player in the top 10,” he said. “It’s a whole host of ages and backgrounds, but definitely the best competition on Long Island.”
As Seawane approaches its centennial celebration next year, Brecher said the successful hosting of the Long Island Open stands as validation of years of investment and community support.
“The investments we’ve made are finally paying off in a big way,” he said. “As Seawane turns 100 next year, we’re really excited. This is a massive feather in the cap for our team, and it’s very special for all of us.”
The tournament concluded with 18-year-old St. John’s University golfer Eli Weidmann claiming the title at 11 under par over 54 holes.
“It was one of the better rounds of golf I’ve ever played,” Weidmann said. “I go into every tournament believing I can win. Once I got into the lead, I was just focused on getting rest and being prepared for the final day.”
Weidmann followed that performance with a final-round 1-under score to secure the championship trophy.
The incoming St. John’s sophomore did not receive the tournament’s $9,000 first-place prize because of his amateur status. Instead, the money went to runner-up Chen Guxin, a professional golfer.
“As an amateur, we can’t make any money from playing in tournaments,” Weidmann said. “I got the trophy and exemptions into a bunch of other tournaments this summer, so I’m pretty happy with that.”
