The Berkeley Cup

Alex Elias

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Twenty-five years ago Rick Hartmann—longtime Head Professional and Director of Golf at Atlantic Golf Club—founded the East End Cup to honor and celebrate the caddies from the esteemed clubs across eastern Long Island. Following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the event was renamed The Berkeley Cup in memory of Michael Berkeley, whose love for the game began at age 12, when he spent eight summers caddying at Winged Foot Golf Club. He would later become a member at Winged Foot Golf Club, Atlantic Golf Club, and Muirfield Village Golf Club.

“Rick founded the event to honor the caddies who make East End golf what it is,” said Corey Layton, Head Golf Professional at Atlantic Golf Club.

With eighty caddies representing ten clubs—Atlantic Golf Club, East Hampton Golf Club, Friar’s Head, Maidstone Club, Noyac Golf Club, The Bridge, Sebonack Golf Club, Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, and Westhampton Country Club—Keith Clawson, Head Golf Professional at East Hampton Golf Club, said, “The tournament means a lot to everyone involved, and I love seeing how excited our caddies get each year. I feel extremely fortunate, as the Head Golf Professional at East Hampton (and a former caddie myself), to have such a talented caddie program, where 95% of our rounds are walked with a caddie. Caddies play an essential role in the experience at our club, and in my opinion, nobody has a greater impact on creating a memorable and enjoyable round of golf than a trusty caddie. I hope they see how much their dedication means to all of us.”

Each year stands as a living tribute to both Rick’s vision and Michael’s legacy, but this year carries added significance as the first event following Rick’s passing. With the event to be played tomorrow (Tuesday, October 14) at Friar’s Head, the lowest individual round will receive the inaugural Big Pro Trophy of Excellence, named in honor of Rick, affectionately known as “Big Pro.”

“It’s my favorite event each year, and tomorrow will be especially meaningful,” said Layton. “The event has grown each year—from the addition of the ‘Rolling in the Dough’ Pizza Truck in 2014, to the Michael J. Berkeley Foundation awarding its first $2,000 scholarship in 2019, to this year’s trophy carrying forward Rick's spirit and the values he brought to the game of golf.”