For many clubs, building a brand that resonates with members is an ongoing challenge. At Manasquan River Golf Club (Brielle, N.J.), that challenge led to the creation of an unexpected mascot—an osprey.
Debuted in 2025, Ozzy The Osprey is a symbol of joy, camaraderie, and the welcoming spirit that makes Manasquan River GC feel like home for its members.
From logo to living symbol
The idea for a mascot came when Jessica Mascali, Director of Marketing & Communications, and her team began looking for a way to enhance the member experience by strengthening emotional connection, community spirit, and engagement.
Because the club’s logo already included an osprey, it was a natural fit for the bird to become the mascot.
“Being located on the Manasquan River, ospreys are common,” notes Mascali. “We even have an elevated perch on the course where the birds build their nests.”
A key goal for Ozzy is to bring joy to both everyday moments and major club events.
“On a rainy Thursday, you can find Ozzy cheering on the 9-Holer ladies golf group, or you can see him swinging a club during a junior golf lesson,” says Mascali.
Rather than making a formal announcement, the club introduced Ozzy through memorable experiences, including a dramatic zipline entrance at the club’s Fourth of July party.
The organic rollout allowed members to discover Ozzy through those moments, Mascali says.
“We officially introduced him at our 2025 Season Kick-Off Party,” she adds. “Memorial Day Weekend is a staple at the Jersey Shore, and we wanted to start the summer off with a bang. Ozzy was on the dance floor and shooting pool with members. It was a fun surprise at such a premier event.”
Everyone plays a role
Mascali describes Ozzy as “a concept with such little overhead that has brought so much energy to the daily lives of our membership.”
Ultimately, it’s the team at Manasquan River GC that brings Ozzy the Osprey to life.
“We are lucky enough to have an incredible staff that is willing to go above and beyond for the membership, so anybody could embody the role of Ozzy,” she says.
Employees were trained on how Ozzy would be used at events and celebrations, ensuring appearances felt coordinated and purposeful.
“We have a program we call ‘All the Little Things,’ where we encourage staff to celebrate life’s small milestones and create lasting memories every day—Ozzy encapsulates that,” says Mascali.
Ozzy has added a fresh and personal dimension to the club experience. Members of all ages enjoy spotting him around the property, stopping for photos and interacting with the character during events and everyday club activities.
