CALLICOON - The field is set - 128 golfers strong - for the 39th Annual Sullivan County Democrat Two-Man Better Ball Golf Tourney later this month at the Villa Roma Country Club in Callicoon.

Sixty-four two-man teams will tee it up on Friday, July 31 through Sunday, August 2 in what has become one of the most competitive golfing events in the Hudson Valley.

“The turnout was phenomenal and I think we filled up faster than we ever have before,” Tournament Sponsor and Sullivan County Democrat Publisher Fred Stabbert III said. “The field looks very strong and I look forward to enjoying three days of exceptional golf.”

Although the field is full and many previous champions will be returning, the Democrat will have a little different feel this year.

“We (the Villa and Demo­crat) have made a few changes to the tournament this year for the safety of our players and all those involved,” Stabbert said.

For one thing, the shotgun starts, which took place on Friday and Sunday of the event, will be converted to tee times to insure that golfers stay as safe as possible.

“We are trying to avoid the large gatherings of golfers that shotgun starts create,” Stabbert said. “By assigning tee times throughout the weekend, golfers will either be on the course golfing or getting ready to go out, without the potential for the large gathering a shotgun start would create.”

The meals will also be designed to be socially distanced while at the same time allowing golfers to enjoy the camaraderie of the event.

“It has taken an extraordinary amount of coordination and the Villa Roma has been excellent in providing the necessary guidance needed to make this event a reality,” Stabbert said.

The field looks to be very strong, with returning champion Jake Hummel leading the way.

“Jake's partner from last year - David Powers - is turning pro and could not play in this year's tournament.”

So Hummel picked up family friend Scott Klee­schulte, another King­ston High School grad who won the OCIAA championship as a junior, to try and defend his title.

“This team, while not experienced at the Villa Roma, brings a ton of talent to the table and, if they win, will be the first championship team to both play lefty,” Stabbert said.

“These two, young golfers have what it takes to win it all, but there is a lot of experience and course knowledge in the other top contenders that they will have to overcome,” he said.

Leading the way in the experience category would be 9-time winner Ken Cohen, who will be teaming up with Maxx Kleiner.

Maxx has been to the final match three times (from 2005 through 2007) with his cousin Ben). He should provide a steady hand as Cohen attempts to win his tenth Democrat title, which will have come in five different decades - ‘80, ‘90s, ‘00s, ‘10s and now ‘20s.

“Ken has been the model of consistency in the Democrat, having reached the finals 14 times,” Stabbert said. “Any time he tees it up at the Democrat, he expects something special to happen.”

Close behind Cohen in victories is phenom Sean Semenetz, who has six Democrat titles to his credit.

He will be playing with his long-time partner Joe Winski, and combined they have five of the victories.

“I've heard Sean has already won a few tourneys down in Philly and Joe is also hitting the ball well,” Stabbert said. “They are always dangerous - and tough to beat - at the Villa Roma.”

The Semenetz family is sending in some strong back-up for Sean as both brother Gregg Jr. and dad Greg Sr. will be in the field.

Gregg Jr. is teaming up with Jared Kubenik, a team that won it all in 2017.

Gregg Sr. will be alongside long-time partner Billy Phillips, a team that have six final match appearances, and won the tourney in 2001 and 2002.

Liberty golfers Kort Wheeler and Walter Herzog, champions in 2015, will be back as will 1986 winner Tom Drobysh, who will be playing with Rich Schmidt.

The Armstrongs - Justin and Newt - will also be returning after not playing for several years and could make some noise in the championship flight.

What would be Democrat Golf Tourney be without Marvin Newberg, one of the most competitive amateur golfers from Monticello, who will be making his 39th straight appearance in the Democrat?

“It's a record that I don't see anyone catching,” Stabbert said. “Marvin goes back to the days of my father and Paul Zintel and his love for this tournament is evident.”

Newberg will be playing with his son, Ben, this year.

And one golfer that is sure to attract attention will be Ben Hogan, who is playing for the first time in the Democrat along with partner Chris James.

“Years ago, Bobby Jones of Liberty held the standard as the greatest golfing name to ever play in the Democrat,” Stabbert laughed. “I certainly want to meet Ben Hogan and welcome him to our tournament. I'm sure he will be a great addition, especially if he wins it all.”