The Premier
Connecticut Amateur
Tournament Returns
August 8th–9th, 2026
Registration opens June 2026
The prestigious GNMO tournament is returning after 38 years, featuring a lineup of the region's best amateur players and hundreds of spectators over the weekend.
Originally running from 1981-1988, the tournament featured 152 players in its first year, eventually growing to over 200. Co-sponsored at the time by the New Milford Times and 940 WINE radio, it received live play-by-play coverage from Matt Adams (now a host on the GOLF Channel). There were 7 men's flights and 1 women's flight, and lifetime exemptions for both Men's and Women's Championship Flight winners.
We invite you to become a part of this legendary event as it returns to Candlewood Valley Country Club in 2026.
When: Saturday and Sunday, August 8–9, 2026
Format: 18 holes each day (36 total), stroke play, gross & net
Expected field: 160 players
Attendance is expected to be in the hundreds, in the demographic groups sponsors want to reach most: local golfers, business owners and local community leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions
The original GNMO (1981–1988) was the most prestigious, best-attended amateur tournament in Connecticut. Lines formed the day before registration just to sign up. We are reviving it exactly as it was — pure competition — with a few modern upgrades (streaming, senior flights, many prizes).
Everything that made it legendary:
- All players pay full entry fee of $160 (no free rides except sponsor-provided complimentary spots)
- Strict USGA rules & integrity enforcement (putt everything out, play where the ball lays, official handicaps, signed/attested cards)
- Hole-by-hole score sheets for the entire field. Live digital displays of Leaderboard.
- Player introductions at the first tee with name, town, club, and short bio
- 10-minute tee time intervals starting at 6:30–7:00 a.m.
- Senior flight(s) played from senior tees
- Live streaming + drone footage
- Social media highlights (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube)
- A plethora of prizes (cash, certificates, merchandise) and sponsor-branded trophies
- Banquet Room VIP Sponsor ($8,000) – Climate-controlled Banquet Room VIP area with luxury box food service and limited open bar (beer, wine, soda) for up to 40 invited guests
Yes — This is a major change. The board has made the decision to donate to 3 local charities:
– Loaves & Fishes Hospitality House
– The Animal Welfare Society
– Thrift Mart of New Milford
The exact amount has not been decided as of yet. Many sponsors have given us feedback that they love when a percentage of their dollars goes to a local charity.
June 6-7, 2026 — we fully expect it to sell out in hours or days, just like in the 1980s.
We will need all player entries registered and paid for by 5/31/26.
All Sponsorship opportunities will close 5/31/26.
Available Sponsorship Opportunities
Banquet Room
VIP Sponsor
Climate controlled VIP area with great views of the course; Luxury Box food service with limited open bar for up to 40 guests.
$8,000
Platinum Sponsor
Logo on tournament banners, inside cover of program and website, 2 tee sponsors. 4 player entries.
$7,500
Gold Sponsor
Logo on website & tournament banner, tee sponsor, program listing, 2 player entries.
$5,000
Silver Sponsor
Two full-page ads in program, tournament banner, tee sponsorship, 1 player entry.
$2,500
Gallery Tent Sponsor
General admission, grab & go snack, draft beer, cash bar. $2,000
Bronze Sponsor
Full page ad in program, tee sponsor.
$1,000
Booth Sponsor
Exhibitor table at event, program listing.
$750
Half Page Ad
Half page ad in program.
$500
Quarter Page Ad
1/4 page ad in program.
$250
Tee Sponsor
Program listing, 1 player exemption (must pay entry fee).
$100
For full details on available sponsorship levels and benefits, please contact Ted Bouzakis, Lead Sponsorship Coordinator, at 203-213-9679 or fill out the Sponsorship Inquiry form below.