Fishman celebrated at opening ceremonies

CROMWELL » The Opening Day ceremonies of the Travelers Golf Championship Tournament at TPC at River Highlands were different this year.

This time around the ceremony was bittersweet as the event centered around the Memorial Garden which was dedicated to the memory of Travelers late CEO Jay S. Fishman who died of ALS — commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease — just two weeks after the conclusion of the 2016 event.

“It is important we celebrate great women and men while they are here and after they’re gone,” said Gov. Dannel P. Malloy. “Jay Fishman was a great man.”

Speaker after speaker extolled the contributions Fishman made to the tournament, including the Memorial Garden, which when conceptualized, was solely dedicated to late past tournament

champions.

“The idea is to remember past champions who are no longer with us,” said Travelers Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Andy Bessette, who presided over the unveiling of the plaque memorializing Fishman along with Gov. Malloy, Fishman’s widow Randy, Travelers CEO Alan Schnitzer, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and Nathan Grube, Travelers Championship Tournament Director.

Another theme that ran through the event was the positive psychological and financial impact the tournament has on beleaguered Connecticut.

“This gives the state a big-time psychological boost,” said Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce President Larry McHugh. “This year’s field is off-the-charts and everyone’s excited and fired up. From the private sector, the non-profits, the government — all are doing a great job.”

Sen. Paul Doyle, D-Wethersfield, whose district includes Cromwell and parts of Middletown, said, “We need a positive boost. We are at a point in our [Connecticut’s] history where we need a psychological boost. This tournament is uplifting. That we have such a great field helps, too.”

Doyle went on to point out that as the opening ceremonies were occurring, Florida Gov. Rick Scott was in the state attempting to lure Connecticut companies to his state.

Malloy stayed away from saying this was a particularly important event for the state this year, saying, “It’s been a great tournament since 1952 and it will be a great tournament this year.”

This year maybe needed more than in other years?

“This tournament comes every year,” said Malloy.

But in his prepared remarks, Malloy said, “We are proud that this is a Connecticut event.”

Like McHugh and Doyle, state Rep. Christie Carpino and Cromwell Mayor Enzo Faienza weren’t as circumspect as the governor and emphasized the importance of the event both psychologically and economically.

“It’s an economic driver,” said Carpino. “It’s a great chance to show the world what Connecticut has to offer and to showcase what we do best. It’s very much a case of local pride, too. I’m from Cromwell and it means a lot to me.”

“It’s vital event in our state,” said Faienza. “We’re looking to impress and Cromwell will be seen around the country and internationally this week. The tournament has gotten better every year and this is the best field ever.

“The hotels are full and the golfers and fans eat in our restaurants. It has a big economic impact. Travelers has done a great job and their commitment to keep the tournament here is very important.”

The tournament’s net proceeds go to many charities, led by The Hole In the Wall Gang Camp and the Hospital for Special Services, whose leaders are the honorary chairs of the tournament.

Faienza pointed to the community involvement as an indication of how important the tournament is to the area and state. Some 4,000 volunteer their services, many of whom volunteer year after year.

The Fishman Memorial Garden is located directly behind the grandstand that overlooks the practice tees. There are plaques to 11 deceased tournament champions. There is a center area of plantings that surrounds a single tree, a wide fieldstone walkway that features the plaques — which are a modest 12x18 — then another green belt beyond the plaques.

Today will be a practice day for the golfers and there are a variety of activities available. The Celebrity Pro-Am is Wednesday with the actual competition beginning Thursday and running through Sunday.