Buick Classic Tickets

The Ridgewood Country Club Golf Course, designed by Tillinghast, in Paramus, New Jersey is the home of The Barclays PGA golf tournament. The Barclays replaces the Buick Classic, which allowed sponsorship to lapse in 2006. The June tournament has been played in the New York area since the 60s. Most famously connected to this PGA event had always been the Westchester Country Club in Rye, NY, which also hosted the Thunderbird Classic. This tournament was originally called The Westchester Classic. The recent shortening of the present name from 'Barclays Classic' to 'The Barclays' is a nod to the way golfers and fans used to refer to this tourney as simply 'The Westchester.' The Barclays is the fifth change of sponsor since 1967.

The history of this tournament is unique in golf. High purses resulting from television adverts, resulting from money campaigns is the PGA norm. But the Barclays tournament is built upon the old adage of what's good for golf. The Westchester Classic's sole original purpose was to benefit New York County Hospitals. In a time when thoughts of money and only money rule tournaments, the old-fashioned thinking of the Barclays is refreshing. They have kept the tourney in the New York area. They have tapped into a historic 'Tilly' golf course. And they have kept the integrity of a cherished classic golf event alive through trying times.

The PGA hired A. W. Tillinghast in the mid 30s to visit different golf courses. He talked extensively to PGA members who were employed at the various courses. He took their suggestions and designed course improvements. Tillinghast's forte has always been his insightfulness and resourcefulness. He had a gift for designing contoured greens. His bunkering is a work of art. The Ridgewood is a fine example of an ability to visualize, eliminate excessive traps, and control the wise line of play by letting the rough grow. His courses are primarily designed to keep golf fun for the golfers. They succeed in that.