Louis Fuoco Sr. and his friends and family simply loved the game of golf and wanted to bring everyone together annually for some friendly competition.
So, in 1959, Louis created the Fuoco Open at the Bellport Country Club.
In 1969, Louie’s son “Buddy” partnered with the Italian American Club of Brookhaven to sponsor the tournament. At the time, Buddy served as Chairperson of Suffolk County’s Handicapped Advisory Board as his daughter Beth Ann was born with Spina Bifida, a birth defect in which a developing baby’s spinal cord fails to develop properly. Because of her physical challenges, Beth attended Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck on Long Island every summer.
The Italian American Club of Brookhaven agreed to donate all proceeds to the camp at Buddy’s request.
In 1979, the tournament was renamed the Fuoco Memorial in tribute to its founder, Louie Fuoco Sr.
Just over 20 years later, in 2000, the tournament was renamed again, better representing all it encompasses. The Fuoco Memorial Golf Feastival is sponsored by the Patchogue Rotary Club and local families; it garners support from individuals, groups, and organizations throughout Long Island and New York City.
Fifty-five years after Louis Fuoco Sr. started the event, the fourth generation of Fuocos is now carrying the torch. Thanks to your generous support, we have donated over $2,800,000 to Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck and built a 14-bed dormitory on its grounds. We look forward to this special event every year as it brings us together to celebrate and contribute to a cause so close to our hearts.
