The Greater New Milford Open
August 8th–9th, 2026
Registration opens Spring 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 a local charity.The exact amount and charity 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.
We would like to have the Title Sponsor as soon as possible and no later than 12/31/25. This gives us time to make sure we include the Title Sponsor name on all marketing and promotion materials leading up to the event. All Sponsorship opportunities will close 5/31/26.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Title Sponsor
Exclusive naming rights (e.g. “The Greater New Milford Open presented by [Your Company]”); premium branding on all materials and awards stage presence; center placement in program.
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.
Platinum Sponsor
Logo on tournament banners, inside cover of program and website, 2 tee sponsors. 4 player entries.
Gold Sponsor
Logo on website & tournament banner, tee sponsor, program listing, 2 player entries.
Silver Sponsor
Two full-page ads in program, tournament banner, tee sponsorship, 1 player entry.
Gallery Tent Sponsor
General admission, grab & go snack, draft beer, cash bar.
Bronze Sponsor
Full page ad in program, tee sponsor.
Booth Sponsor
Exhibitor table at event, program listing.
Half Page Ad
Half page ad in program.
Quarter Page Ad
1/4 page ad in program.
Tee Sponsor
Program listing, 1 player exemption (must pay entry fee).
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.