The Bridge
An Insiders Guide
As I wandered down the fairway on that beautiful sunny day in September, I could not shake the feeling of being an interloper. Admittedly, my golf skills have always been below par. Having yet to possess my own set of clubs (I don’t think my better half would appreciate my taking up another time-consuming pursuit), that comes as no surprise. What was surprising was that I was treading the hallowed ground of the Bridge Golf Club, in Bridgehampton. The club house was a hive of activity, with the sound of a live band carried away by the sea breeze, and nary a golf cart in sight. Instead, all manner of exotic and scarce motor cars populated the course. Over one hundred and fifty of them were parked in the middle of the fairways, surrounding the greens and seemingly dropped into the middle of the odd bunker. You might ask yourself, well, how did I get here?
So, let’s rewind just a little. I’d recently made the acquaintance of a neighbor who through chance or circumstance passed by my Brooklyn house at just the moment I was arranging for the delivery of a much cherished (and rather limited run) motorcycle to the new owner. He recognized it immediately for what it was, and plans were made to meet up on another day after work to discuss common interests. Little did I realize at the time, but I was slipping down a perilously deep hole. Thankfully, my guide into this netherworld was well acquainted with my particular affliction, and well placed within that realm to introduce me to a group of people I recognized from my Australian youth but had not yet met here in NYC.
By now you may realize that I am speaking of The Bridge, one of the premiere automotive events of the year. That the greens are located on the original grounds of the Bridgehampton Race Circuit may well come as a surprise to some, but this historical link provides the very bedrock upon which the event is based. Founded in 2016 by the course owner, Bob Rubin, along with Shamin Abas, and my good neighbor Jeff Einhorn, the invitation-only event serves as the Reuleaux triangle in the Venn diagram for East Coaster’s with a penchant for socializing for a cause, fine food and wine, and industrial design as art. Vanity Fair dubbed it ‘the Hamptons’ most exclusive lawn party’, and Forbes name dropped the event in the same breath as Amelia Island and Monterey Car Week, both of which have a rich history and following.
To say I was confounded finding myself at such an event would be an understatement. At the time I didn’t possess anything approaching the caliber of curved steel and internal combustion required for an entry into this world. But growing up I’d had more than a passing relationship with performance motor vehicles, and the memories came flooding back.
Never had I seen such a vast collection of old and new, each with a pedigree. A back story so to speak. Every one worthy of recognition in its own right. An Aston Martin here, a Chevrolet there. An incredibly rare Ferrari would share the stage with a dune buggy rakishly placed in a sand trap. And then there’s the Porsche lawn. And the Mercedes fairway. The 200 plus cars are scattered across the course and the organizers very strategically located pit stops along the way.
This fifth iteration continues from earlier years, and that is very much by design. Without giving up any secrets, we’ve learned that a number of favored vendors will be returning from past years. The mini lobster rolls and the oysters are back this year, as are the breathtaking dumplings. D’Abruzzo, who specialize in the most amazing lamb skewers will also be representing again. And for those with a sweet tooth, apparently you cannot miss out on Bona Bona Ice Cream.
The idea has always been to take visitors on a leisurely stroll from the clubhouse down towards the driving range, later traversing the breadth of the course via the 9th and 10th Holes, before returning to the Clubhouse, all the while taking in the astonishingly photogenic scene. The well-placed refreshment stops will greet you from time to time and provide the perfect meeting place for contemplating your next move.
In what can only be described as an elite field, one car worth keeping an eye out for is the Artist Proof of the Alexander Calder BMW Art Car. It’s quite the coup to be the first to feature this in the America’s and is testament to the draw of this relatively young event. Looking for more? Each of Ferrari’s GTO’s will be represented. With a recent sale of a 1963 250 GTO hitting $70 Million, you are reasonably assured that this will be the most expensive car you will ever get close to. And it’s in good company, with the 288 GTO, the first of the modern Ferrari super cars, and not one, but two 599 GTO’s. All three GTO’s in one place? Ask anyone in the know and you’ll quickly find that’s a pretty big deal.
With support not only from many of the luxury car manufacturers, as well as Netjets, Giorgio Armani, Compass and watchmaker Richard Mille, the event draws those who appreciate artistry, excellence, and scarcity.
According to insiders there are three essential items for you to bring on the day: sunglasses, sunscreen, and your appetite. Comfortable shoes are your best friend as you traverse the course, of course! And make sure your phone is charged so you don’t miss any Kodak moments.
So pace yourself. There’s always something amazing (or tasty) just around the corner.
