DYKER HEIGHTS — The Verrazzano Cup, an annual golf tournament that pits judges and lawyers from Brooklyn against their counterparts from Staten Island, will remain in the borough for another year after the recent match ended in a draw.
Held at Dyker Beach Golf Course on July 23, the event began 19 years ago, conceived by avid golfer Hon. Theodore “Teddy” Jones.
From left: Mark Rayo, Steven Bamundo, Mike Rossi, Gregory J. Cerchione, Gregory T. Cerchione, Dave Davis, Hon. Donald Kurtz, Anthony Metervini, Hon. Bernard Graham, Anthony Vaughn, Hon. David Vaughn, Joseph Ferri, William Santo, George Farkas, Thomas Magill and Anthony Genovesi. Photo: Steven Bamundo
The Verrazano Cup is divided into a series of two-person, best-ball matches between Brooklyn and Staten Island lawyers and judges. Each match contributes points toward the overall team championship. The tournament typically features 20 golfers from each borough.
Because Staten Island was unable to field a full team, resulting in the forfeiture of two matches, Brooklyn would have prevailed on points. However, in the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie, Brooklyn team captain Steven Bamundo agreed to record the competition as a draw, holding on to the Verrazano Cup for another year.
The Verrazzano Cup. Photo: Steven Bamundo
Bamundo told the Brooklyn Eagle that the objective of the tournament is to foster relationships between the legal communities on both sides of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.
“All in all, it was a great day that ended with dinner, cigars, wine and stories about the day’s events,” Bamundo said. “We also had tons of laughs.”
Steven Bamundo, left, alongside Hon. William Mastro. Photo: Mario Belluomo/Brooklyn Eagle
Bamundo, an avid golfer, said many golfers involved in the competition typically play casually. “In the end, we are all about having a great time, so regardless of ability, everyone is welcome to participate,” he said.
Brooklyn team member Hon. William Mastro referred to the golf outing as “the ultimate friendly competition.”
Steven Bamundo, center, requesting a moment of silence in memory of Judges Theodore “Teddy” Jones and Philip G. Minardo. Photo: Steven Bamundo
Mastro noted that his “political and legal roots” are in Brooklyn, although he has worked on Staten Island since 1982.
“I’m sort of a hybrid,” he said. “In Brooklyn, I sat in the Appellate Division for almost 20 years, but when this golfing event began, I was on Staten Island,” he said. “I have friends on both sides of the bridge.”
Mastro said Brooklyn team member George Farkas kept the laughs rolling. “Before practically every hole, George was telling a different joke,” Mastro said. “He’s a funny guy.”
George Farkas, left, alongside William Santo. Photo: Steven Bamundo
Hon. Donald Kurtz, also a member of the Brooklyn squad, said he has been attending the Verrazzano Cup event since it began. “I’ve been going since the beginning, and I’ve never missed one,” Kurtz said.
“I like to golf a lot,” he continued. “I play as much as possible since I retired nearly three years ago, but nothing is better than getting a chance every year to play with these guys. We’re like brothers.”