2026 Barfly Open sees record success

Five current Barfly Open players date back to the first edition of the yearly tournament in 1978. From the left, Ed Yanchitis, Walter McClure, Frank Puckhaber, Gary Ottavenia and David Nicola. — LAKE PLACID | After a chilly Tuesday morning Sept. 15, the day broke sunny and clear for the record field of 130 players participating in the 48th annual Barfly Open Golf Tournament, presented by High Peaks Distributing. It benefits the Tri-Lakes Humane Society.

The society is the local no-kill animal shelter that provides dog control services, food pantry services, loving animal care and shelter to all the homeless companion animals in the Tri-Lakes region and beyond. All donated money goes directly to feeding, sheltering, and giving medical care to animals in need.

“The Tri-Lakes Humane Society depends mainly on fundraising and the generosity of local animal lovers like John and Marie,” concluded Bedore. “We are very thankful they have chosen us as the recipient of this wonderful event for several years now.”

The two-person scramble, contested in three flights, had additional support from Rock Bottom Golf and The Devlin Inn and Suites. It is organized by John and Marie Morgan of JFM Sports.

The Devlin donated tournament hats to all players in a USA 250 theme, marking the 250th birthday of the United States. The hats, commissioned by hotel owner Steve Brown, were designed in red, white and blue with 250 emblazoned in the American flag.

The men’s flight was led by the team of Jon Sequin and Pat Boynton shooting 5 under par 66 on the Lake Placid Club Links Course. That was two shots clear of the runner-up team of Paddy Power and Rock Bottom Golf founder and CEO Tom Rath. Their 68 was one better than four other teams that posted 2 under totals of 69. A tiebreaker system put Ryan Kane and Evan Damp in third place.

The women’s championship was captured by Kathy Hale and Kelly Collins with an outstanding one under par 70.

The mixed division title went to Josh and Bailey Trembly who combined for an even par round of 71, just one clear of Lynne and Chip Brubaker. Kelly and Forest Morgan were another stroke back in third place at 73.

Wiseguys Sports Bar and Grill in Lake Placid hosted the players’ awards party afterward. Event sponsors provided the prizes for the Barfly tournament that features owners and employees in the area’s hospitality industry.

“This turnout tells you everything you need to know about the people who are employed in our hotels, bars and restaurants,” said Mike Shaheen, General Manager of High Peaks Distributing. “Many are pet owners themselves, and as we saw with this record number of players, they are very willing to help the society’s mission of animal care. Thank you to everyone.”

“We are proud to be associated with an event and so many people that care so much about the wellness of pets, whether their own or waiting for a great family to adopt them,” stated Tom Rath, Founder/CEO of Rock Bottom Golf. “Given the record number of players, this year’s tournament will be talked about for a long time.”

JFM Sports thanked the Lake Placid Club, PGA Professional Jim Beauregard and his staff as well as a cadre of volunteers for the seamless operation of the tournament. The Barfly Open moves around the Lake Placid golf facilities each year. The 2025 edition was held on the Lake Placid Club Mountain Course.

2026 Barfly Open sees record success

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