Inside U.S. Open's pop-up barbershop for the pros run by Long Island barber Anthony Montañez
Eddie Canillas, left, and Anthony Montañez of Monti’s Barbershop, in their pop-up at the U.S. Open in Southampton. Credit: Michael A. Rupolo Sr.
Over at the U.S. Open held at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, more than the grass is getting a trim. Anthony Montañez, of Monti’s Barbershop, in Yaphank and Moriches, serves as the on-site barber for the golfers. Since 2018, Montañez, 37, along with his former shop manager, Eddie Canillas, of Florida, have set up a makeshift barbershop in a trailer on the back end of the range to give golfers a touch-up or full cut before they hit the links.
"We’ve developed some good personal relationships with the guys, and obviously it’s built on a lot of trust," Montañez says. "They travel a lot, so they are not able to get their hair cut often. Knowing they are coming to the U.S. Open, they will wait it out because we are going to be here."
CONNECTING WITH THE PROS
Montañez has had several top names in his chair, like Scottie Scheffler, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose, Jason Day and Justin Thomas. He even cut the hair of World Golf Hall of Famer and winner of 15 major PGA championships Tiger Woods.
"Believe it or not, Tiger sparked a conversation with me. From there on, nerves were completely gone and everything just flowed," Montañez says. "We were listening to music and dancing. Both our fathers passed away years ago, and we got to talking about them, too."
This all began when U.S. Open organizers called his shop in 2018 to provide barber service to the competitors in between practicing and playing games.
"We typically do about 15 haircuts a day, which is pretty much what happens in the shop," Montañez says. "Each player takes between 15 to 30 minutes."
HAVE SHEARS, WILL TRAVEL
Montañez goes beyond Shinnecock. He and Canillas have worked every U.S. Open tournament since 2018, hitting various spots such as Pebble Beach Golf Links in California, Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pennsylvania, The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts, and the Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina.
They also cut hair each year at the U.S. Senior Open (this year's is at the Scioto Country Club in Columbus, Ohio, June 29 to July 5) and at the Skechers World Champions Cup (set for Dec. 3-6 at Feather Sound Country Club in Clearwater, Florida). The United States Golf Association fronts their flights and accommodations.
Once in the chair, it's not uncommon for the players to chat with Montañez about his family and theirs. They often allow him to take selfies and post on his Instagram (@monti_the_barber), which has more than 4,400 followers.
"We always ask, ‘Are you good for our annual picture?’ then take a photo together as well as having them sign our poster," Montañez says.
PAID IN GOLF GEAR
Throughout his process, Montañez and Canillas wear pro golf gear. They even have their own sponsorships from Puma and Volition.
"We are completely outfitted, from shoes to hats and everything in between," Montañez says.
Although the USGA covers the haircuts, the players provide their own gratuities.
"We get paid in a multitude of ways," Montañez says. "Sometimes, they will bring us balls, hats or gloves as well as tips."
Montañez has played golf for 20 years and typically goes to Rock Hill Golf and Country Club in Manorville, Spring Lake Golf Club in Middle Island, Mill Pond Golf Course in Medford, the Vineyards Golf and Country Club in Riverhead or Baiting Hollow Club in Baiting Hollow. He even put in a SkyTrak golf simulator in his Yaphank shop for his customers ($40 per hour).
"Throughout the winter, we will hold two-man tournaments," Montañez says. "It’s fun for us as well as our customers. We keep everybody swinging."
The association with the U.S. Open has brought a lot of business to both Monti’s Barbershops.
"People know me as the golf guy because I cut the pros," Montañez says. "It drives a lot of business."
Monti’s Barbershop, 505 Boulevard E., Yaphank, 631-448-7022; 656 Montauk Hwy., Moriches, 631-400-9060; montisbarbershopny.com.
David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.
