When the world comes to Southampton, Saunders agents show up. They are experts in introducing people to this place. This week, the introduction is bigger.
The 126th U.S. Open has brought the world’s best players to now six-time host Shinnecock Hills Golf Course in Southampton. Along with the crowds, logistics, and local coordination required to make a championship of this size work in the Hamptons.
Hosting in the Hamptons is a full-community effort. It takes more than a golf club, more than any one Village (or Hamlet). Volunteers, homeowners, MTA workers, rental agents, first responders, business owners, transportation teams, and neighbors all play a part in hosting the more than 150,000 attendees anticipated across championship week.
Real estate agents from Saunders & Associates, the leading locally-owned brokerage firm in the Hamptons, have been involved for months in the preparation and a presence continuing throughout the week.
“This is the Hamptons community at our best: hosting,” said Sarah Minardi, a lifelong East Hampton local and Saunders agent. “The amount of volunteers and handlers and people with each golfer on the course at the same time is something to behold. I would say there were at least 10 people for every golfer — family, coaches, security, caddies, volunteers, the list goes on and on.”
Saunders agents are also contributing to the course itself with two agents serving as marshals. An important role: part traffic director, part ambassador, part etiquette officer. Steven Zellman served as a marshal on Hole No. 3 earlier this week and will return Friday and Sunday, while Lee is serving as marshal on the first hole, a role always handled by Southampton Golf Club.
Lee tells me, “I have been to every U.S. Open at Shinnecock except for the original one. It’s a great experience. A world-class golf course. We are very lucky to live in such a beautiful place with some of the best golf courses in the world.” While Steven has not been available for a quote due to his active role in the course, his wife and fellow real estate agent, Lori Lambert, says, “This is his happy place. He’s living his best life and I love seeing him at the center of all the golf world.”
Golf tee-times may start early, but Saunders agents have been hard at work since early this year securing Hamptons rentals for visitors of the US Open. The Julie Crowley Team, known for its work across Westhampton Beach, Southampton, and Hampton Bays, secured rentals for more than 20 properties tied to the U.S. Open.
The U.S. Open at Shinnecock has already given us plenty to talk about: fog delays, steady wind, difficult scoring conditions, and the familiar sight of one of golf’s great venues testing the best players in the world. Few know Shinnecock quite like Augie Hoerrner, a 52-year member and well-known fixture in the Hamptons golf community. Hoerrner, who was also recently recognized among the top 1.5% of real estate agents nationwide, has been at the course throughout the championship, watching closely as the conditions shape play.
“The wind has been steady, but not the north wind as of yet,” Hoerrner said. “The players are playing good golf, and there have been so many tremendous shots, but putting has been difficult, especially from short range. The wind makes those putts uncomfortable, and these greens are not easy to learn quickly. They have been syringing the greens to keep them from getting too firm and fast, especially on a hole like 11, where balls can easily run off.”
Beyond the difficulty and skill required, Augie adds, “There is nothing more spectacular than looking out over Shinnecock’s 270 acres of rolling hills. The club is historic, and the views are majestic.”
Among Saunders’ resident golf experts, Elliot Pegg has been following the high-octane golf action with the rapt attention of a “fan boy” (his words). “As a fan, what I love about watching a U.S. Open at Shinnecock is that the course asks something different from the players on almost every shot. And with the U.S. Open, you are seeing the best players in the world, from all tours, all in one place.”
Ask any host: the best-case scenario is that most people never notice how much preparation went into keeping things calm. Jack and John Healy were on standby with the firefighting crew on opening day, and longtime firefighter Ed Gaetjens would not be far behind. Thankfully, they have been able to enjoy the uninterrupted.
“Service is par for the Course”
Senior Vice President of Marketing at Saunders & Associates adds, “The Hamptons has always known how to welcome the world, and seeing the community come together around an event of this scale is something very special. Hosting the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills reflects the best of who we are: generous, capable, spirited, and connected to our home. Our agents are part of that fabric every day, whether they are helping visitors find the right rental, volunteering, serving as first responders, or showing up as enthusiastic fans. Service is par for the course, a natural extension of the role they already play here: They know the homes, of course, but they also know the people, the rhythm of the season, and the shared pride that makes the Hamptons feel like home.”
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