This year the Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing has some special perks for players. It is again being held at the Woodcrest Country Club on Muttontown Road, Syosset but this year it has undergone a major renovation. It is the sixth annual golf outing hosted by the chamber and will be held on Monday, June 28.

World class golf in top-shelf accommodations at this first-rate facility will make it a day to remember.

The Woodcrest course has undergone a major renovation. Arthur Crouch, general manager of the club said, "The course opened in 1960. In 38 years those 150 ft. marker trees over-grew and became unwanted obstacles on the course. William Mitchell was the original golf course designer. He did a few golf courses on Long Island including a few of the public courses."

The renovation is a three phase program of complete renovation. The first phase has been completed. There is a new double irrigation system installed to keep the greens more lush.

"We have also dredged and re-configured our ponds so that they could bring them more into play on a few of our holes - the 13th and 18th.

"It is more challenging for the average player but the long ball hitters won't be able to make it in two strokes - on the par five number 13.

"They can still do it - but it's a wicked gamble," he said.

The work in phase one is bringing the golf course back to its original design. Over the years the trees became overgrown so people weren't playing the game as intended.

The second and third phases will mean re-doing all the trees and sand traps, he said.

Adding to the glitz of the event - the golf club has been chosen as the site for two qualifying tournaments: the U.S. Amateur Qualifying Tournament and the New York State Open local qualifier.

Assistant Golf Pro Alex Kirk said the fact that the course will house two prestigious events was serendipitous. The course needed primping and they brought in an architect who changed two holes to make them more challenging and at the same time they got two big tournaments scheduled for the course.

They will host for the USGA, the U.S. Amateur Qualifying Tournament on Aug. 2. "It is a local qualifier," said Mr. Kirk. "There will be about 100 contestants for about two spots to go to the U.S. Amateur Tournament which will be held in Pebble Beach, California in late August.

"We are also holding the New York State Open local qualifier on June 14," said Golf Pro John Kudych. The event itself will be held on the recently renovated Black Course at Bethpage State Park, on July 20 to 22.

"We are one of the qualifying sites," said Mr. Kirk, "There are six qualifying sites in the whole State of New York."

"As in years in the past this promises to be a day filled with fun and camaraderie," said Scott Davis of Oyster Bay Dodge, who is again chairing the event.

The day's activities will include a brunch, two hours open bar and a buffet dinner in addition to fun on the links. Mr. and Mrs. Roger Bahnik of Mill Max Manufacturing have generously sponsored dinner and cocktails again this year and Scott Davis of Oyster Bay Dodge is sponsoring the brunch. "The committee thanks them for their charitable contributions," said Chamber President Karen DeVine-Minicozzi of DeVine Funeral Home, Inc.

The Woodcrest Country Club is providing caddies for all foursomes. They will be there to give advice and to spot the ball, saving time and effort for the players. It will make the outing run smoother and protect the course at the same time.

There will be contests for hole-in-one, closest-to-the pin, low gross, longest drive and a variety of door prizes and raffles. "What a great way to get to know each other in a relaxed atmosphere. You are sure to have a memorable time." said Karen DeVine.

If that is not enough of an incentive all proceeds will benefit the chamber's Downtown Beautification Program. "We would love to have you as part of our day as a player or a sponsor," said Kathy Wilson, executive director of the chamber.

The cost for a single entrant is $200 and $760 for a foursome. Arrival time is at 10:30 a.m. and tee time is at noon. Anyone wishing to participate in cocktails and dinner only may do so for only $50. To reserve a place or for more information call the chamber office at 922-6464.