Are the Heidmar Blue & Gray Golf Classics only for graduates of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy? NO. We invite all graduates, parents, midshipmen/alumni relatives, friends of the Academy and members of the maritime industry to participate in the tour. We take pride that our events are open to everyone who would like to support the USMMA and its Department of Athletics.
Do you have to be a great golfer to play? NO, we encourage all skill levels to join us for a day of fun and supporting the USMMA and its Department of Athletics. We typically play scramble (see below) events which allows for greater skill flexibility within a group. The skill level ranges from anywhere between the low handicappers to the weekend duffers. We do, however, request all participants be aware of the pace of play and to keep the golf course moving.
Where do the proceeds go? The Heidmar Blue & Gray Golf Classics are golf tournaments that benefit the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and its Department of Athletics. The events are coordinated during the calendar year and serve U.S. Merchant Marine Academy alumni, parents, maritime organizations and friends of the Academy. The proceeds for the event are restricted to the USMMA Athletics Department from the USMMA Alumni Foundation. With the rising costs of intercollegiate athletics, the money is spread throughout the entire department to enhance the programs and support the men and women midshipmen athletes. Virtually every sport has benefited in some capacity from the proceeds of the Heidmar Blue & Gray Golf Classics.
How much money is raised annually? Once all the expenses are paid, the Heidmar Blue & Gray Golf Classics raise anywhere from $125,000 to $200,000 annually. The majority of the proceeds are raised through the national and local sponsorship programs along with the auctions and raffle at the New York Blue & Gray Golf Classic.
What is the scoring formats for your events? Subject to change with notice, the format to our events are SCRAMBLES. Each member will tee off and the whole group will play from the best opening drive. From the chosen drive/spot, each golfer will then play their own ball. You will again choose the best shot and have each golfer play from that spot. You repeat the process into the hole and must use each person’s drive twice.
Is my golf fee tax deductible? Only a portion of the fee is tax deductible as you are receiving items that possess a “Fair Market Value.” Once the USMMA Alumni Foundation receives your payment, your gift will be recorded and you will receive a letter notifying you of the tax-deductible portion. The tax-deductible amount varies per outing.
I have to work during the day, but am I able to attend just the lunch or dinner? YES. We encourage all those who can’t participate during the daily golf function to join us during the post-golf reception. Know that there is a fee for attending just the dinner as we are expensed for additional food and refreshments. Please contact Gregg Matalas prior to the event to make arrangements.
It seems that the price for golf is expensive, am I wrong? When you sign up to participate in the Heidmar Blue & Gray golf Classics, know that each event is unique to not only the type of golf course but also what is included within the price. The average fee for our events is approximately $190 a person. The fee includes your tax-deductible donation, green fees, your USMMA gift, the course’s scoring fees, the cart fee, pre-golf meal, on-course refreshments, a post-golf meal and post-golf refreshments. On an average day, a person may not spend $200 to play golf, but we hope that you view these outings as a once-a-year, special event.
Can I use my business or personal credit card? YES, you may use a personal or business credit card (Visa, MasterCard or American Express) to take part in all activities on and off the course. Any golf fee transaction will come with a tax credit, along with a letter notifying you of your donation to the Athletic Department.
I have items that I would like to donate toward the raffle. Where and when should I drop them off? Please bring your items with a card attached containing your personal information to the registration table on the day of the event. Thank you!
What forms of payment do you accept for mulligans, raffles and other contests? Can I use my business or personal credit card? We accept CASH, CHECK and CREDIT CARDS. You may use a personal or business credit card (Visa, MasterCard or American Express) to take part in all activities on and off the course. Please notify us whether the card is a personal or business card.
What is the attire for the reception and awards ceremony? With possible high temperatures, you may want to bring an extra set of clothes for the reception, but are not required. Proper golf attire is required on the course and in the clubhouse. Exiting the course and heading straight to the reception is acceptable.