The Ulster County Men's Championship, more familiarly known as the Herdegen, was originated in 1951 at the Twaalfskill Club in Kingston, New York, by Charles J. Tiano, who was then the Sports Editor of the Kingston Daily Freeman. It was created as a memorial to the Rev. Henry E. Herdegen, a priest at St. Peter's Roman Catholic parish in downtown Kingston. He was a true sportsman, an avid golfer and a highly acclaimed orator. His golf skills enabled him to advance to the finals of the men's championship tournament where he lost to John J. Van Gonsic on the first extra hole of the 18-hole tournament.

Several prominent members of the Twaalfskill Club, notably Supreme Court Judge Harry E. Schirick, federal Judge John Cashin, N. Levan Haver and Edward Remmert, donated funds for the purchase of an appropriate trophy and other expenses. Ralph E. Gardner was appointed tournament secretary and served in that capacity for many years. It was decided at the outset that the tournament would be contested at stroke (medal) play, an innovation at that time in amateur golf in Ulster County. The Herdegen inaugural was played at 54 holes, with rounds at Twaalfskill, Wiltwyck and Woodstock. It eventually expanded to 72 holes, except for some years it was played at 36 and 54 holes because of circumstances the committee had no control over.

The 1951-52 tournaments were open to all amateur golfers with a bonafide Ulster County legal (voting) residency. In 1953, it was decided to hold a qualifying round, using the first 36 holes. A minimum handicap of 15 was established for eligibility to qualify for the Herdegen. It would change to 12, 10, 8 and 10 again. It is now 13.

In 1952, one of the rounds was played at the Rip Van Winkle Country Club in Palenville. In 1953, Palenville was replaced with Shawangunk Country Club in Ellenville. Over the years many other clubs joined the Herdegen rotation, including Sawyerkill in Saugerties, Huguenot Manor (now the New Paltz Golf Course), Rondout Country Club and most recently the Nevele Hotel and Golf Course in Ellenville, and Apple Greens Golf Club in Clintondale.

In 1972, the name of the tournament was changed officially to the Ulster County Amateur Championship, with the winner getting the Herdegen Memorial Trophy. The Herdegen was responsible for introducing three major changes in championship play: stroke play (medal), qualifying rounds and threesomes at a time when all competitive golf was played in foursomes.

In 1980, Robert Casavant was appointed as secretary and served in that capacity until 1989. After 39 years of dedicated service and strong leadership Charles J. Tiano announced his retirement and selected Robert Casavant to succeed him as director. In 1990, newly elected secretary Richard Petro chaired a Testimonial Dinner which was held on April 20, 1990, to honor the founder of this event. Ira Fusfeld, Daily Freeman Executive Publisher, was Master of Ceremonies and helped raise funds for an all-expense paid trip for Charlie and Lisa to the 1990 U.S. Open at the Medinah Country Club in Chicago.

The Herdegen Committee purchased a permanent trophy, in Charlie Tiano's name, to be included with the names of all past and future champions. This trophy was designed by Bill Collins, Leon Randall and the staff at Schneider's Jewelers and crowned with a beautiful Baccarat Crystal vase. The Daily Freeman also has donated a second trophy which is awarded to the winner each year.

- History borrowed from The Herdegen, Ulster County Men's Amatuer Golf championship, 50th Anniversary Journal.

Thank you Robert Casavant.

The tournament continues to thrive under the direction of Dean Palen. Mr. Palen, a former Herdegen participant, has been Tournament Director for over 7 years.
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