Rick Hartmann

Hartmann was born in Bridgehampton, New York, and grew up in Huntington, New York, on Long Island.{{Cite web |title=Tampa Bay Times 07 Jun 1978, page 15 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/318988969/ |access-date=2022-10-09 |website=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite web |title=Rick Hartmann |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/golf/pga/players/424/ |access-date=2022-10-17 |website=sports.yahoo.com}}{{Cite web |title=Daily News 30 May 2006, page 62 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/409520841/ |access-date=2022-10-08 |website=Newspapers.com}} His parents were Larry and Dorothy and he has two brothers.{{Cite web |title=Tampa Bay Times 28 Jul 1984, page 47 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/320612649/ |access-date=2022-10-17 |website=Newspapers.com}} In the late 1960s, when Hartmann was still a kid, his family moved from New York to Florida.

Hartmann started playing golf at the age of 14. Hartmann immediately caught "golf fever" and played nearly every day for the next two years. Hartmann attended Hudson High School in Hudson, Florida. However, he eventually stopped attending school during the day, practicing golf exclusively during the mornings and afternoons while taking night classes in an effort to earn his diploma. Hartmann played out of Beacon Woods Golf Club in Bayonet Point, Florida.{{Cite web |title=Tampa Bay Times 04 Jun 1978, page 54 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/318982182/ |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=Newspapers.com}} Early in his career, Hartmann broke the Beacon Woods course record with a 65.{{Cite web |title=Tampa Bay Times 01 Jun 1978, page 61 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/318973918/ |access-date=2022-10-18 |website=Newspapers.com}} In 1976, he won the club championship.

In 1976, while still an amateur, Hartmann won his first professional tournaments, the Jimmy Mann County Golf Tournament and the Continental Invitational. During this period, Hartmann started attending Brevard Community College. He attended the school for one year, during the 1977–78 academic year, and "played sparingly" on the golf team.{{Cite web |title=Florida Today 06 Nov 1983, page Page 11D |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/125425031/ |access-date=2022-10-18 |website=Newspapers.com}} During this era, he was considered one of the "North Suncoast's top amateurs." In June, he played the three-round Pasco Times Men's Amateur Golf Tournament. The event was at his home course and he was considered "the local favorite."{{Cite web |title=Tampa Bay Times 13 Jun 1978, page 35 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/319040704/ |access-date=2022-10-12 |website=Newspapers.com}} In the final round, Hartmann shot a three-under-par 69, the "tournament's low round," to finish solo second, three behind champion Rick Powers. "I think I played about as well as I could today," he said after the round.{{Cite web |title=Tampa Bay Times 13 Jun 1978, page 17 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/319040367/ |access-date=2022-10-18 |website=Newspapers.com}}

As of 1980, Hartmann had turned professional.{{Cite web |title=Tampa Bay Times 22 May 1980, page 23 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/319498261/ |access-date=2022-10-09 |website=Newspapers.com}} In May, he tried out for the U.S. Open at Bent Tree at Gator Creek. Hartmann shot round of 71 and 75 and qualified by three shots.{{Cite web |title=The Tampa Tribune 20 May 1980, page 13 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/335097165/ |access-date=2022-10-18 |website=Newspapers.com}} He was scheduled to compete in sectional qualifying at the Atlanta Athletic Club in June. Hartmann, however, failed to make it through sectional qualifying.{{Cite web |title=Tampa Bay Times 05 Jun 1980, page 27 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/319513533/ |access-date=2022-10-18 |website=Newspapers.com}} During this era, Hartmann was thinking about playing on the European Tour. "I enjoy playing, whether it's on the tour here or in Europe," he told the Tampa Bay Times. "In fact, I would enjoy going to Europe to play. The travel would be great, and the competition there might not be as tough."

In the early 1980s, Hartmann played a number of state opens across the country in an effort to prepare himself for PGA Tour tryouts. In 1982, Hartmann recorded a top ten at the Florida Open.{{Cite web |title=Fort Lauderdale News 12 Jul 1982, page Page 22 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/234081088/ |access-date=2022-10-18 |website=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite web |title=The Palm Beach Post 12 Jul 1982, page Page 28 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/135000588/ |access-date=2022-10-18 |website=Newspapers.com}} The following year, he again recorded a top ten at the event.{{Cite web |title=The Palm Beach Post 11 Jul 1983, page Page 26 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/135046825/ |access-date=2022-10-18 |website=Newspapers.com}} In July 1983, he played the New Hampshire Open. Hartmann shot rounds of 69 and 71 to finish joint second, one back of champion Frank Fuhrer.{{Cite web |title=Valley News 27 Jul 1983, page 12 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/833449456/ |access-date=2022-11-07 |website=Newspapers.com}} A few months later, in September, Hartmann played the three-round North Dakota Open. Hartmann finished in tie for third, five back of champion Barney Thompson.{{Cite web |title=Argus-Leader 13 Sep 1983, page Page 20 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/244130774/ |access-date=2022-10-18 |website=Newspapers.com}}

In 1983, Hartmann began attempts to qualify for the PGA Tour. In October, he played the Indiana Regional qualifier at the Golf Club of Indiana in Lebanon, Indiana.{{Cite web |title=The Indianapolis Star 12 Oct 1983, page Page 54 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/106189297/ |access-date=2022-10-18 |website=Newspapers.com}} In his words, he "missed by a bunch." In November, Hartmann decided to play another regional qualifier, the PGA North Florida qualifier, in attempts to make it onto the PGA Tour. In the third round he shot a 66 (−6), the "best round of the day," to move within one of leader Steve Hart.{{Cite web |title=Florida Today 04 Nov 1983, page Page 2C |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/125420665/ |access-date=2022-10-18 |website=Newspapers.com}} He finished with a 67 to finish at 271 (−17) and earned medalist honors by six shots.{{Cite web |title=Florida Today 05 Nov 1983, page Page 2C |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/125423258/ |access-date=2022-10-18 |website=Newspapers.com}} He earned the rights to the play the final qualifying school at TPC at Sawgrass later in the month. However, Hartmann was unsuccessful at final qualifying. It was the second time he was unsuccessful at qualifying.{{Cite web |title=The Daily Telegraph 15 Jul 1985, page 22 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/751070010/ |access-date=2022-10-17 |website=Newspapers.com}}

In 1984, Hartmann started playing overseas. Early in the year, he played the six-event South African Tour. During the first five weeks of the season, Hartmann won roughly $10,000.{{Cite web |title=Rick Hartmann, a 25-year-old golf pro who had some... |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/08/31/Rick-Hartmann-a-25-year-old-golf-pro-who-had-some/8990462772800/ |access-date=2022-10-17 |website=UPI}} At his final event, he played the Swazi Sun Pro-Am. Hartmann opened with three rounds in the 60s to put him near the lead.{{Cite news |date=1984-03-05 |title=Clipped From The Daily Telegraph |pages=22 |work=The Daily Telegraph |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/113514044/the-daily-telegraph/ |access-date=2022-11-23}} In the final round, due to an "excellent final nine" he defeated Teddy Webber by a shot. Shortly thereafter, Hartmann began playing on the European Tour. His first event was at the Timex Open at Biarritz Golf Club in Spain. Hartmann played well, shooting in the 60s every day to finish in a tie for sixth.{{Cite web |title=The Glasgow Herald – Google News Archive Search |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Z_49AAAAIBAJ&pg=3754,3827202 |access-date=2022-10-17 |website=news.google.com}} Later in the season he played the 1984 Open Championship at the Saint Andrew's. Hartmann opened with a 70 to put him in the top ten, tied with Lee Trevino and Lanny Wadkins. He followed with a 73 to make the cut. However, he "had problems the last two days," shooting rounds of 76 and 77, and finished well back. Overall, in his first tour of Europe, Hartmann made the cut in five of seven events with one top ten.{{Cite web |title=Career Records – Rick HARTMANN – Players – European Tour |url=https://www.europeantour.com/players/rick-hartmann-75/career-record |access-date=2022-10-28 |website=www.europeantour.com}} Later in the year, Hartmann returned to the United States to play on the Tournament Players' Series, an offshoot tour of the PGA Tour. In August, he played the three-round Provident Classic. In the final round, Hartmann shot a 66 to finish in a tie for sixth place.{{Cite web |title=The Tennessean 13 Aug 1984, page Page 18 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/112375339/ |access-date=2022-10-18 |website=Newspapers.com}} Later in the month he began play at the Everett Open in Everett, Washington. Hartmann opened with a 65 (−6) to take a one shot lead.{{Cite web |title=The News Tribune 01 Sep 1984, page 31 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/736471077/ |access-date=2022-10-18 |website=Newspapers.com}} Hartmann, however, failed to break par for the remainder of the tournament and finished outside the top 25.{{Cite web |title=Statesman Journal 04 Sep 1984, page Page 11 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/199900779/ |access-date=2022-11-07 |website=Newspapers.com}} Hartmann played in a few more TPS tournaments for the remainder of the year.{{Cite web |title=Times Colonist 09 Sep 1984, page 10 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/508049594/ |access-date=2022-10-28 |website=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite web |title=The Sacramento Bee 17 Sep 1984, page 18 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/622559794/ |access-date=2022-10-18 |website=Newspapers.com}} He ultimately finished in 31st place on the TPS' money list.{{Cite web |title=The Miami Herald 01 Nov 1984, page 612 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/631442957/ |access-date=2022-10-18 |website=Newspapers.com}} According to the Miami Herald, though content with his play Hartmann wanted to improve and, in his words, move on to the "big time." During this era, Hartmann began working with David Leadbetter, the famed swing instructor.{{Cite web |title=Evening Standard 31 Jul 1987, page 59 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/722394271/ |access-date=2022-10-19 |website=Newspapers.com}}

In 1985, Hartmann played his first full season in Europe. He made the cut in five of his first seven events but did not record any high finishes, failing to record any top-25s. He was at 92nd place on the Order of Merit at this point.{{Cite web |title=The Guardian 13 Jul 1985, page 13 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/260213258/ |access-date=2022-12-03 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}} In July, he played the Lawrence Batley International at The Belfry Golf Club. He had much more success at this event. In the third round he shot a three-under-par 69 to move into solo second place, two back of Graham Marsh.{{Cite web |title=The Daily Telegraph 13 Jul 1985, page 29 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/751069876/ |access-date=2022-12-03 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}} He was the only player in the field without a bogey. It was reported by The Guardian he "played the best golf of his career" during the round. In the final round, he continued to play well, birdieing three holes in the middle of the front nine to take a three shot lead over Marsh.{{Cite web |title=Sports Argus 13 Jul 1985, page 24 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/847798431/ |access-date=2022-12-03 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}} In the middle of the round, however, Hartmann became "anxious around the greens," failing to get up and down several times. He fell into a tie for the lead.{{Cite web |title=Birmingham Evening Mail 15 Jul 1985, page 43 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/858743711/ |access-date=2022-12-03 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}} Hartmann then bogeyed the par-5 17th hole and par-4 18th hole to lose to Marsh by two.{{Cite web |title=Sunday Telegraph 14 Jul 1985, page 39 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/751070524/ |access-date=2022-12-03 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}} Despite the loss, Hartmann earned automatic entry into next week's British Open.{{Cite web |title=The Daily Telegraph 15 Jul 1985, page 22 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/751070010/ |access-date=2022-12-03 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}} In August, Hartmann played the Scandinavian Enterprise Open. Hartmann shot under-par every day to finish joint third with, among others, Johnny Miller, three back.{{Cite web |title=Democrat and Chronicle 05 Aug 1985, page Page 26 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/137213548/ |access-date=2022-12-03 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=The Age 06 Aug 1985, page Page 46 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/122183077/ |access-date=2022-12-03 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}} In September, shortly after the tour's season ended, Hartmann played the Stiab Grand Prix, a match play tournament on the Swedish Golf Tour. Though a wild-card entry, Hartmann reached the finals of the tournament. In the finals, playing Mats Lanner, he scored six consecutive birdies in the middle of the match for an "easy" 5 & 4 win. Hartmann won $12,000.{{Cite web |title=The Des Moines Register 16 Sep 1985, page Page 11 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/132003115/ |access-date=2022-10-17 |website=Newspapers.com}}{{cite web |title=Results 1985 Stiab Grand Prix |url=https://golfdata.se/tournytt/resultatlista.asp?TID=D510XXX |access-date=6 February 2021 |publisher=Golfdata}} During this era, Hartmann still lived permanently in United States, residing in Venice, Florida.{{Cite web |title=The Miami Herald 15 Jul 1985, page 24 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/631428100/ |access-date=2022-12-03 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=The Miami Herald 14 Jul 1985, page 612 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/631417150/ |access-date=2022-12-03 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}}

In the mid-1980s, Hartmann continued to have success in Europe. In June 1986, he played the British Masters at Woburn Golf Club. In the first round he "upstaged his more illustrious rivals," recording seven birdies, on his way to a course record-tying 66 (−6) and a one shot lead over Seve Ballesteros.{{Cite web |title=The Sydney Morning Herald 07 Jun 1986, page Page 72 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/121376928/ |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=The Orlando Sentinel 06 Jun 1986, page Page 25 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/229367670/ |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}} In the middle of the tournament, Hartmann shot rounds of 72 and 70 "to remain in contention," three back of Ballesteros, now the leader, in a tie for third with Bernhard Langer.{{Cite web |title=Hartford Courant 07 Jun 1986, page Page 104 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/245705099/ |access-date=2022-12-05 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=The Lompoc Record 08 Jun 1986, page 15 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/540688407/ |access-date=2022-12-05 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}} Hartmann remained near the lead during most of the final round and was still "in contention after he birdied the 14th" hole. However, he shot four-over-par over the course of the next three holes to end his hopes.{{Cite web |title=The York Dispatch 09 Jun 1986, page 17 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/614907410/ |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}} With a final round 73 (+1), he finished in a tie for fifth, six back.{{Cite web |title=The Boston Globe 09 Jun 1986, page 44 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/437722739/ |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}} Two weeks later, Hartmann played the French Open. Hartmann closed with rounds of 68 and 67, including birdies on four of his last eight holes, to record a joint fifth place finish.{{Cite web |title=Tyler Morning Telegraph 07 Jul 1986, page 13 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/589217068/ |access-date=2022-12-05 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}} In 1987, he continued to have success. In May, he played the British PGA Championship. Hartmann opened with a 68 to put him two back of Langer, in a tie for second.{{Cite web |title=Richmond Times-Dispatch 23 May 1987, page 28 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/831118799/ |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}} In the second round, he followed with a 69 to remain in second, still two behind leader Langer, in a tie with José María Cañizares and Ballesteros.{{Cite web |title=The Kansas City Star 24 May 1987, page 82 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/680301945/ |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}} He failed to break 70 in the final two rounds but finished in the top five.{{Cite web |title=Wins & Results - Rick HARTMANN - Players - European Tour |url=https://www.europeantour.com/players/rick-hartmann-75/results |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=www.europeantour.com |language=en-us}} Later in the season, Hartmann told The Guardian, "I am playing better now than at any time since I first came here in 1984."{{Cite web |title=The Guardian 01 Aug 1987, page 15 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/260312052/ |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}} In both 1986 and 1987, Hartmann finished in the top 50 of the Order of Merit and recorded two top tens each season.

However, Hartmann did not play well for the remainder of the decade. At the end of 1987, like he had in previous years,{{Cite web |title=Tyler Morning Telegraph 06 Jun 1986, page 25 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/589221003/ |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}} Hartmann returned to the United States in an attempt to earn his PGA Tour card.{{Cite web |title=Auburn Journal 06 Jun 1986, page 8 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/379456455/ |access-date=2022-10-28 |website=Newspapers.com}} However, he was unsuccessful at PGA Tour Qualifying School. He ultimately never made it onto the PGA Tour. In 1988, Hartmann returned to Europe. He played poorly, earning rights to play the weekend in only 5 of 23 tournaments, failing to make the cut in his final 14 events. In 1989, Hartmann continued to struggled; he missed the majority of his cuts again and never threatened to win. Late in the year, Hartmann played the South African Tour where he had a little more success. At the Twee Jonge Gezellen Masters, Hartmann finished joint second with Ernie Els and Tertius Claassens, one back of champion Hugh Baiocchi.{{Cite news |date=1989-12-18 |title=Clipped From The Daily Telegraph |pages=33 |work=The Daily Telegraph |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/114340483/the-daily-telegraph/ |access-date=2022-12-13}}

In 1990, Hartmann had much more success in Europe, recording a number of top tens throughout the year. In June, he played the Wang Four Stars. Hartmann opened with rounds of 66 (−6) to tie for the lead at the end of each round.{{Cite web |title=Results – Wang Four Stars 1990 – DP World Tour |url=https://www.europeantour.com/dpworld-tour/wang-four-stars-1990/results |access-date=2022-10-29 |website=www.europeantour.com}} He failed to break 70 on the weekend though still finished in the top ten.{{Cite web |title=NewspaperSG – Terms and Conditions |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19900619-1.2.55.5?ST=1&AT=filter&DF=&DT=&AO=true&NPT=&L=&CTA=&NID=&CT=&WC=&YR=&K=rick+hartmann&KA=rick+hartmann&P=2&Display=0&filterS=0&QT=rick,hartmann&oref=article |access-date=2022-10-27 |website=eresources.nlb.gov.sg}} The following week, Hartmann played the Irish Open at Portmarnock Golf Club. Hartmann failed to break par the first two days but closed well, with rounds of 71 and 69, to finish in solo fourth place.{{Cite news |date=1990-06-25 |title=Clipped From The Daily Telegraph |pages=34 |work=The Daily Telegraph |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/111160786/the-daily-telegraph/ |access-date=2022-11-10}} At the end of the month, Hartmann began play at the French Open. He fired a second round 65 (−5) to take a two-shot lead.{{Cite web |title=The Burlington Free Press 30 Jun 1990, page Page 10 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/203390802/ |access-date=2022-11-10 |website=Newspapers.com}} In the final two rounds, however, he shot over-par each day to finish two back, two out of a playoff.{{Cite news |date=1990-07-02 |title=Clipped From The Daily Telegraph |pages=42 |work=The Daily Telegraph |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/111160816/the-daily-telegraph/ |access-date=2022-10-17}} Much later in the year, in October, he recorded a couple more top tens. At the Austrian Open, Hartmann fired a third round 66 to put him in solo third place, only behind leaders Bernhard Langer and Lanny Wadkins.{{Cite web |title=NewspaperSG – Terms and Conditions |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19901015-1.2.48.13?ST=1&AT=filter&DF=&DT=&AO=true&NPT=&L=&CTA=&NID=&CT=&WC=&YR=&K=rick+hartmann&KA=rick+hartmann&P=2&Display=0&filterS=0&QT=rick,hartmann&oref=article |access-date=2022-10-27 |website=eresources.nlb.gov.sg}} He shot over-par the final day though still tied for 8th place.{{Cite web |title=NewspaperSG – Terms and Conditions |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19901016-1.2.67.5?ST=1&AT=filter&DF=&DT=&AO=true&NPT=&L=&CTA=&NID=&CT=&WC=&YR=&K=rick+hartmann&KA=rick+hartmann&P=2&Display=0&filterS=0&QT=rick,hartmann&oref=article |access-date=2022-10-27 |website=eresources.nlb.gov.sg}} Two weeks later, at the Portuguese Open, Hartmann opened with rounds of 68 (−4) to position himself in fourth place.{{Cite web |title=NewspaperSG – Terms and Conditions |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19901021-1.2.45.11?ST=1&AT=filter&DF=&DT=&AO=true&NPT=&L=&CTA=&NID=&CT=&WC=&YR=&K=rick+hartmann&KA=rick+hartmann&P=2&Display=0&filterS=0&QT=rick,hartmann&oref=article |access-date=2022-10-27 |website=eresources.nlb.gov.sg}} He shot over-par in the third round to fall well back but recorded another 68 in the final round to finish in the top ten. Overall, for the year Hartmann made the cut in 16 of 25 events with five top tens, his most ever for a single season, and finished 39th on the Order of Merit.

For the remainder of his experience in Europe, however, he did not have much success. In 1991, he made the cut in 12 of 17 events but never threatened to win, finishing 91st on the Order of Merit. The following two years he played worse, missing the cut in the majority of his events between the two seasons. He failed to finish inside the top 100 of the Order of Merit each year and ceased playing on the European Tour after the 1993 season. In general, the consensus from the media was that Hartmann had "mixed success" in Europe.{{Cite web |title=The Record 18 Aug 1994, page 72 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/497117634/ |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite web |title=Newsday 19 Aug 1994, page 100 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/706887020/ |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=Newspapers.com}} Hartmann later said, "I had a couple of OK years, a few mediocre years and two really bad years."

Hartmann "finally tired of the lifestyle" as a touring professional and "took the suggestion of an old friend Darrell Kestner to move to Long Island and seek a job as a club pro." Hartmann became an assistant club pro at Fresh Meadow Country Club in Great Neck, New York.{{Cite web |title=The Courier-News 18 Aug 1994, page Page 28 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/223680011/ |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=Newspapers.com}} In June 1994, Hartmann played the Long Island Open. He opened with a three-under-par 67 to tie for the lead. However, "It was the second round that ultimately won the Open for Hartmann," according to Newsday. He shot a 66 (−4) to take a three shot lead over John Gentile and Kestner. In the final round, Kestner briefly got within two but that was it. Hartmann shot a final round 69 to defeat runner-up Kestner by four. It was Hartmann's first win since his victory in Sweden in 1985. He won $6,000.{{Cite web |title=Newsday (Nassau Edition) 11 Jun 1994, page 33 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/711981663/ |access-date=2022-11-23 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}} After the tournament, he said it was "his most enjoyable win ever."{{Cite web |title=The Daily Item 18 Aug 1994, page 49 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/717203325/ |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=Newspapers.com}} Later in the summer, Hartmann recorded runner-up finishes at the New York State Open, Metropolitan Open, and Met PGA Assistants Championship.{{Cite web |title=The Buffalo News 22 Jul 1994, page 20 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/876017985/ |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite web |title=The Herald Statesman 25 Aug 1994, page 44 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/680562564/ |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=Newspapers.com}} After the Met PGA season ended, Hartmann intended to play tournament golf in South America in the fall. In the winter, he would work as a golf instructor in Florida and play the local minitours.{{Cite web |title=The Palm Beach Post 22 Dec 1994, page Page 33 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/133937920/ |access-date=2024-03-05 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}}

In 1996, Hartmann started working at Atlantic Golf Club.{{Cite web |title=The Journal News 28 May 1997, page Page 34 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/163449145/ |access-date=2022-11-17 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}} He continued to play on the Met PGA during this era. In July 1996, Hartmann played the New York State Open at Bethpage Black Course. In the second round, Hartmann birdied the first hole on the way to shooting a 66 (−5), one off the course record, to take a three-stroke lead.{{Cite web |title=The Daily Item 18 Jul 1996, page 36 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/717480187/ |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=Newspapers.com}} In the final round, Hartmann shot even-par to win by two strokes.{{Cite web |title=Newsday 19 Jul 1996, page 60 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/706025873/ |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=Newspapers.com}} Hartmann finished in second place on the Met PGA Player of the Year standing, only behind Bruce Zabriski.{{Cite web |title=The Record 13 Aug 1996, page 52 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/497763393/ |access-date=2022-10-21 |website=Newspapers.com}} In May 1997, he played the Tommy Hilfger Met PGA Head Pro Championship. Hartmann opened with a "near-flawless" round of 67 to take a two-shot lead. In the final round, however, "his lead evaporated" when he made three straight bogeys late on the front nine. Fellow club pro Peter Serafimoff took a two-shot lead. Hartmann, however, "fought back" on the back nine with even-par golf to remain close. On the final hole, meanwhile, Serafimoff hit his drive out of bounds leading to a double bogey. Hartmann defeated him by one.{{Cite web |title=The Journal News 29 May 1997, page Page 39 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/163453692/ |access-date=2022-11-17 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}} In June, he played the Long Island Open at Bethpage Black Course. He opened with a 69 (−2) to put him in a tie for second place, four back of leader Jimmy Weiss.{{Cite web |title=Newsday (Nassau Edition) 06 Jun 1997, page 77 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/712990061/ |access-date=2022-11-17 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}} In the second round, Hartmann shot a one-under-par 70 to get closer. In the final round, Hartmann played "steady, relentless golf" early to overtake Weiss who struggled. Mark Mielke briefly challenged in the middle of the back nine but Hartmann birdied the 16th and "cruised in" from there. He won by three strokes. It was his third win at Bethpage State Park's courses in recent years. "Looks like I kind of like it, doesn't it," he said after the round. He earned $6,000.{{Cite web |title=Newsday (Nassau Edition) 07 Jun 1997, page 35 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/712991337/ |access-date=2022-11-17 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}} At the end of the year, he finished in second place in the PaineWebber Metropolitan PGA Section Player of the Year standings, again only behind Zabriski.{{Cite web |title=The Journal News 02 Nov 1997, page Page 65 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/163407470/ |access-date=2022-11-17 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}}

Hartmann "dominated area golf in 1998," winning nearly every major tournament on the Met PGA.{{Cite web |title=The Daily Times 13 Sep 1998, page 53 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/723771596/ |access-date=2022-11-11 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}} In May, he played the TaylorMade Long Island PGA Championship. Hartmann reached the quarterfinals where he played Mark Mielke. Hartmann birdied the 18th hole to win 1 up.{{Cite web |title=Newsday (Suffolk Edition) 16 May 1998, page 37 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/726315189/ |access-date=2022-11-11 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}} In the semifinals, he defeated John Gentile 4 & 3. In the finals, Hartmann played Dave Gosiewski. Hartmann took a 3 up lead after five holes and never trailed. He won 2 & 1. After the round, Gosiewski said, "Not only is Rick one of the best players in the Met area, he's one of the best club pros in the country. He's an awful tough guy to beat."{{Cite web |title=Newsday (Suffolk Edition) 20 May 1998, page 70 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/726325474/ |access-date=2022-11-11 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}} Later in the month, he played the two-round Met PGA Head Pro Championship as defending champion. In the final round, Hartmann was three-under-par over the first 16 holes to tie first round leader Mike Caporole. On the 17th hole, both missed the green but Hartmann went up and down while Caporole bogeyed. "Seventeen ended up being the key hole," Hartmann said after the round. "Without it, we would have gone to a playoff." Hartmann won by one and earned $3,600."{{Cite web |title=The Journal News 28 May 1998, page Page 32 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/165264167/ |access-date=2022-11-11 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}} In June, Hartmann played the three-round Long Island Open at Bethpage's Red Course. During the final round, on a "blustery day," Hartmann shot a "brilliant" 66 (−4) to win by three.{{Cite web |title=Newsday (Nassau Edition) 05 Jun 1998, page 92 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/713444521/ |access-date=2022-11-11 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}} In August, he played the three-round Metropolitan Open. Hartmann started the final round five strokes back but "got off to a great start" with four birdies on the front nine. He then closed with consecutive birdies on the 17th and 18th holes.{{Cite web |title=Newsday (Nassau Edition) 21 Aug 1998, page 76 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/713660102/ |access-date=2022-11-11 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}} He took a two-shot lead over Kestner. On the final hole, Kestner had an eagle putt to tie. However, he missed. Hartmann defeated him by one. His 63 (−7) was one off the course record. It was also the lowest round of his career.{{Cite web |title=The Daily Times 21 Aug 1998, page 33 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/723758132/ |access-date=2022-11-11 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}} He earned $20,000. It was his fourth win of the year.{{Cite web |title=The Journal News 18 Oct 1998, page Page 33 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/164519334/ |access-date=2022-11-11 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}} Hartmann ultimately finished in second place at the Met PGA Order of Merit, only narrowly behind Ron McDougal. Newsday considered it his "finest year in the section" so far.{{Cite web |title=Newsday (Nassau Edition) 21 Aug 1998, page 76 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/713660102/ |access-date=2022-11-01 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}}

In 2000, Hartmann received a great deal of media coverage for his play at the major championships. In the spring, Hartmann qualified for the 2000 U.S. Open which was held at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Hartmann played well early in the tournament and was well within the cut line near the end of the second round. However, he started "leaking some oil" with bogeys on the 16th and 17th holes during Friday's play. However, he went up and down on the 18th to make the cut by a shot.{{Cite web |title=Newsday (Nassau Edition) 18 Jun 2000, page 131 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/714220787/ |access-date=2022-10-09 |website=Newspapers.com}} Hartman ultimately finished in a tie for 46th place.{{Cite web |title=Rick Hartmann Profile – News, Stats, and Videos |url=https://www.pgatour.com/players/player.01491.rick-hartmann.html |access-date=2022-11-01 |website=PGATour}} Hartmann said after the tournament, "This was definitely a highlight of my career."{{Cite web |title=The Journal News 19 Jun 2000, page Page 20 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/164737241/ |access-date=2022-10-09 |website=Newspapers.com}} A few days later, Hartmann was scheduled to play the PGA of America Club Pro Championship at Oak Tree Golf Club in Edmond, Oklahoma.{{Cite web |title=The Daily Oklahoman 15 Jun 2000, page 57 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/454783307/ |access-date=2022-10-12 |website=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite web |title=The Daily Oklahoman 16 Jun 2000, page 30 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/454783858/ |access-date=2022-10-08 |website=Newspapers.com}} Hartmann finished in the top 25 and qualified for the 2000 PGA Championship.{{Cite web |title=The Courier-Journal 24 Jun 2002, page 16 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/364562062/ |access-date=2022-10-14 |website=Newspapers.com}} However, on August 5, shortly before the tournament, his father died. He pulled out of the event.{{Cite web |title=The Record 17 Aug 2000, page 93 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/499653930/ |access-date=2022-10-09 |website=Newspapers.com}}

In 2001, Hartmann had one of his best seasons on the Met PGA. In May, he played the two-round Met PGA Head Pro Championship at Woodmere Golf Club. Hartmann opened with a 62 (−8), breaking the course record by two shots to take the lead.{{Cite web |title=Newsday (Suffolk Edition) 30 May 2001, page 67 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/727951525/ |access-date=2022-10-21 |website=Newspapers.com}} He shot a final round 74 (+4) but his main competitor, Mark Mielke, also struggled with a 73 (+3). Hartmann's total was enough to defeat him by one.{{Cite web |title=The Journal News 31 May 2001, page Page 26 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/165541420/ |access-date=2022-10-21 |website=Newspapers.com}} In June, he played the Long Island Open at Bethpage's par-70 Red course. Hartmann opened with rounds of 68 and 66 to tie Mark Mielke, once again his main competitor, for the lead. Mielke, however, struggled once more in the final round allowing Hartmann to pull way. Hartmann finished with a 67 to win by five. "That's as good as I can play," Hartmann told Newsday after the round.{{Cite web |title=Newsday (Suffolk Edition) 08 Jun 2001, page 82 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/727911001/ |access-date=2022-10-21 |website=Newspapers.com}} In July, he played the New York State Open. Hartmann finished in a tie for second place, five back of champion John Nieporte.{{Cite web |title=Newsday 20 Jul 2001, page 70 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/708514224/ |access-date=2022-10-21 |website=Newspapers.com}} In August, Hartmann played the Metropolitan Open. He was considered one of the favorites.{{Cite web |title=The Journal News 19 Aug 2001, page Page 58 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/166105571/ |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=Newspapers.com}} The event was again at Bethpage State Park, this time on the Black course. In the second round, Hartmann fired six birdies on the way to a 65 (−5) and a four-shot lead. He tied the course record, nearly 30 years old.{{Cite web |title=The Journal News 23 Aug 2001, page Page 44 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/166164829/ |access-date=2022-10-21 |website=Newspapers.com}} In the final round, however, Hartmann had an "off day," with imprecise iron play and mediocre putting. This allowed amateur Johnson Wagner, who was four-under-par through the first 12 holes, to take control. Hartmann lost to Wagner by three shots.{{Cite web |title=Newsday 24 Aug 2001, page 71 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/708530208/ |access-date=2022-10-21 |website=Newspapers.com}} Though he did not win Hartmann earned the $23,000 first place cheque because Wagner was an amateur.{{Cite web |title=The Central New Jersey Home News 24 Aug 2001, page 31 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/319566913/ |access-date=2022-10-21 |website=Newspapers.com}} Due to his good play over the course of the year, Hartmann won Met PGA's Player of the Year Award for the second straight year.{{Cite web |title=Metropolitan Section PGA – Player of the Year Award |url=https://www.met.pga.com/2014-met-pga-award-winners/ |access-date=2022-10-17 |website=www.met.pga.com}}

In 2002, Hartmann received some attention for his play in PGA Tour events. In May, he qualified for the tour's Buick Classic which was held at Westchester Country Club.{{Cite web |title=The Journal News 29 May 2002, page Page 24 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/166869416/ |access-date=2022-10-23 |website=Newspapers.com}} However, Hartmann opened with a 79 (+8) to put him in third to last place.{{Cite web |title=The Journal News 07 Jun 2002, page Page 39 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/166694628/ |access-date=2022-10-08 |website=Newspapers.com}} Though he shot a 72 (+1) in the second round, he still missed the cut by a wide margin. In June, he attempted to qualify for the PGA Championship at the PGA Club Professional Championship. Hartmann failed to break par the first three rounds and was outside of the top-25 cut-off.{{Cite web |title=News-Press 23 Jun 2002, page Page 35 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/218134579/ |access-date=2022-10-23 |website=Newspapers.com}} In the final round, however, Hartmann shot a 68 (−4), the second best round of the day, to easily make the cut-off and qualify for the tournament.{{Cite web |title=The Courier-Journal 24 Jun 2002, page 33 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/364561813/ |access-date=2022-10-22 |website=Newspapers.com}} It would be first appearance at the event.{{Cite web |title=Star Tribune 14 Aug 2002, page Page SC10 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/250194630/ |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=Newspapers.com}} At the 2002 PGA Championship, Hartmann shot rounds of 79 and 73 and missed the cut.

Over the next few years, Hartmann continued to win local events in the northeast. In September 2002, Hartmann played the Eastern PGA Club Professional at Shenandoah Golf Club at Turning Stone Resort Casino in upstate New York. Hartmann opened with rounds of 69 and 68 to take the lead.{{Cite web |title=The Philadelphia Inquirer 29 Sep 2002, page Page D17 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/199346650/ |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=Newspapers.com}} He closed with an even-par 72 to win by one.{{Cite web |title=The Philadelphia Inquirer 30 Sep 2002, page Page F05 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/199355206/ |access-date=2022-11-01 |website=Newspapers.com}} Hartmann repeated as champion the following year.{{Cite web |title=Hartford Courant 30 Sep 2003, page 216 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/257107138/ |access-date=2022-10-24 |website=Newspapers.com}} In 2004, Hartmann played the three-round Metropolitan Open at Hudson National Golf Course. In the second round he shot a 67 (−4), the round of the day at the "confounding" course.{{Cite web |title=Asbury Park Press 26 Aug 2004, page Page 39 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/145269934/ |access-date=2022-10-09 |website=Newspapers.com}} He took a "commanding" four-shot lead.{{Cite web |title=The Record 26 Aug 2004, page 27 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/499823235/ |access-date=2022-10-09 |website=Newspapers.com}} In the final round, though, Brian Lamberti shot with a "dramatic" 64 (−7) to take the clubhouse lead.{{Cite web |title=The Record 27 Aug 2004, page 31 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/499823458/ |access-date=2022-10-09 |website=Newspapers.com}} Hartmann recorded sand saves on the final two holes, however, to win by one. At this point in his career Hartmann was considered one of the top club pros in the country. Ann Miller of The Honolulu Advertiser referred to him as, "One of the finest club pros in the finest section of club pros in the country."{{Cite web |title=The Honolulu Advertiser 06 Jun 2006, page 26 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/267461117/ |access-date=2022-11-04 |website=Newspapers.com}}

In the mid-2000s, Hartmann received national media attention. In May 2005, Hartmann played the Big Stakes Match Play competition. The tournament was for club pros and mini-tour players. It was a pairs match play event which lasted six rounds. Each player had to put up $50,000 to enter the event which guaranteed $3 million in prize money to the winning team. Members at Hartmann's club, Atlantic Golf Club, put up money for him. Hartmann's partner was Mark Mielke.{{Cite web |title=Newsday (Suffolk Edition) 16 May 2005, page 1 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/729240134/ |access-date=2022-10-09 |website=Newspapers.com}} The event was at Casa Bianca Resort in Mesquite, Nevada.{{Cite web |title=The Atlanta Constitution 16 May 2005, page B1 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/424488037/ |access-date=2022-10-09 |website=Newspapers.com}} Their team won their first four matches. In the semi-finals, they played the team of Jimmy Blair and Steve Schneiter. Hartmann's team were "slow starters" and were 2 down after 5 holes. However, Mielke made a number of birdies around the turn and the pair took the lead.{{Cite web |title=The Daily Spectrum 16 May 2005, page 13 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/286680822/ |access-date=2022-10-25 |website=Newspapers.com}} The pair eventually won it, 4 & 2. The pair were now guaranteed to win at least several hundred thousands dollars each. "This is life changing," Hartmann said shortly after the win. "This is paying off the car, paying off the mortgage."{{Cite web |last=Murphy |first=Austin |title=AVARICE OPEN |url=https://vault.si.com/vault/2005/05/23/avarice-open |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=Sports Illustrated Vault {{!}} SI.com}} They were scheduled to play David Ping and Garth Mulroy in the finals. The champions would earn $1.5 million each while the runners-up would split the $675,000 runner-up total. In the finals, Mielke birdied two holes early to give Hartmann's team an early 2 up lead. However, the team of Ping and Mulroy won a number of holes around the turn to take the lead.{{Cite web |title=The Daily Spectrum 17 May 2005, page 13 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/286681375/ |access-date=2022-10-09 |website=Newspapers.com}} Two down with two to play, Hartmann birdied the 17th to force an 18th hole. However, Hartmann's team conceded after they failed to birdie the final hole.{{Cite web |title=Newsday (Suffolk Edition) 17 May 2005, page 49 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/729241635/ |access-date=2022-10-09 |website=Newspapers.com}} Despite the loss, Hartmann and Mielke shared the $675,000-second place prize.{{Cite web |title=The Journal News 17 May 2005, page Page 19 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/165317160/ |access-date=2022-10-09 |website=Newspapers.com}} The event received nation-wide media coverage and was reported by Sports Illustrated. A year later, Hartmann was again in the "national spotlight."{{Cite web |title=The Honolulu Advertiser 27 May 2006, page 25 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/267175864/ |access-date=2022-10-09 |website=Newspapers.com}} He earned the rights to play a sectional qualifier for the 2006 U.S. Open and was paired with David Gossett and Michelle Wie. The two-round event was held at two different courses on Canoe Brook Country Club in Summit, New Jersey. The pairing received much media attention because Wie was trying to become the first female to qualify for the U.S. Open. David Fay, executive director of the USGA, chose Gossett, a former PGA Tour pro, and Hartmann, a former European Tour pro, because of their experiences as touring professionals playing events in front of large galleries. Marty Parkes, spokesman for the organization, stated, "We didn't want someone who would not be able to deal with the situation."{{Cite web |title=The Missoulian 28 May 2006, page 27 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/352161707/ |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=Newspapers.com}} According to The Boston Globe, Hartmann was "besieged with attention" due to the pairing.{{Cite web |title=The Boston Globe 05 Jun 2006, page 41 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/444403365/ |access-date=2022-10-09 |website=Newspapers.com}} Sports Illustrated commissioned him to write an article about the pairing.{{Cite web |last=Hartmann |first=Rick |title=Why Me? |url=https://vault.si.com/vault/2006/06/05/why-me |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=Sports Illustrated Vault {{!}} SI.com}} Mike Lupica ran a full-length profile of Hartmann before the event in the New York Daily News. At the two-round qualifier, Hartmann opened well, birdieing the first hole and remained near the prospective cut-off for most of the first round. However, he "[blew] up" on the 16th hole, making a double-bogey and ultimately scored a two-over-par 72.{{Cite web |title=Newsday 06 Jun 2006, page 55 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/710373518/ |access-date=2022-11-04 |website=Newspapers.com}} Hartmann closed with a 74 (+2) at the North Course to miss the cut-off by six shots.{{Cite web |title=The Tribune 06 Jun 2006, page 31 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/810251448/ |access-date=2022-11-04 |website=Newspapers.com}}

For the remainder of his career on the Met PGA, Hartmann continued to place high, recording a number of runner-up finishes. In July 2006, Hartmann played the three-round North Fork Bank New York State Open. Hartmann opened with rounds of 69 and 71 to put him two back, in solo third, and earned rights to play in the final group.{{Cite web |title=Newsday 19 Jul 2006, page 48 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/710341432/ |access-date=2022-10-25 |website=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite web |title=Newsday (Nassau Edition) 20 Jul 2006, page 64 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/713643728/ |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=Newspapers.com}} However, Hartmann opened with a double-bogey on the first hole that, in his words, "kind of put me behind the eight-ball." He was never in contention though still finished in a tie for second, three back.{{Cite web |title=Newsday (Nassau Edition) 21 Jul 2006, page 65 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/713620094/ |access-date=2022-10-17 |website=Newspapers.com}} In August, he played the three-round Metropolitan Open at Canoe Brook Golf Club, his first event there since the U.S. Open qualifier with Michelle Wie. Hartmann opened with rounds of 70 and 69 to tie for the lead. He would be in the final round's final group once more.{{Cite web |title=Newsday (Nassau Edition) 23 Aug 2006, page 51 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/713808013/ |access-date=2022-10-25 |website=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite web |title=The Journal News 24 Aug 2006, page Page 26 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/166151292/ |access-date=2022-10-17 |website=Newspapers.com}} Hartmann came to the par-5 18th hole tied for the lead with a chance to win. However, he was forced "to scramble for par." He entered a three-hole playoff with John Guyton. At the final playoff hole, played at the par-5 12th hole, Hartmann three-putted for par giving Guyton the win. After the round, Hartmann stated, "This one is a little more difficult because I thought I was more in control today."{{Cite web |title=Newsday 25 Aug 2006, page 60 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/710380821/ |access-date=2022-10-25 |website=Newspapers.com}} In May 2007, Hartmann played the MasterCard Long Island PGA Championship. Hartmann won all of his early matches to reach the finals.{{Cite web |title=Newsday (Suffolk Edition) 02 May 2007, page 42 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/730489289/ |access-date=2022-10-25 |website=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite web |title=Newsday (Nassau Edition) 03 May 2007, page 65 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/713967333/ |access-date=2022-10-25 |website=Newspapers.com}} However, in the finals he lost to Ron Faria, his assistant at Atlantic Golf Club, 4 & 3.{{Cite web |title=Newsday (Nassau Edition) 10 May 2007, page 68 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/713979457/ |access-date=2022-10-25 |website=Newspapers.com}} In August, he played the three-round Metropolitan Open once more. Hartmann finished the tournament birdie-birdie for a 68 (−3) to tie for the clubhouse lead. However, competitor Frank Bensel also closed birdie-birdie to defeat Hartmann by one.{{Cite web |title=Newsday 25 Aug 2007, page 26 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/711043060/ |access-date=2022-10-25 |website=Newspapers.com}} In September, Hartmann played the three-round Metropolitan PGA Championship. Hartmann opened with a 79 was ultimately 11 strokes behind entering the final round.{{Cite web |title=The Journal News 27 Sep 2007, page Page 27 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/162445303/ |access-date=2022-10-25 |website=Newspapers.com}} However, he had a "torrid" final round, shooting five-under-par through the first 17 holes. Meanwhile, the leader Tony DeMaria struggled and was five-over-par by the middle of the back nine. Hartmann had a 15-foot putt on the final hole to temporarily tie. However, he missed and finished with a 67 (−5). DeMaria closed with four pars to defeat Hartmann by one.{{Cite web |title=The Journal News 28 Sep 2007, page Page 21 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/162454257/ |access-date=2022-10-25 |website=Newspapers.com}} In 2008, he recorded another runner-up, this time at the Met PGA Head Pro Championship.{{Cite web |title=The Journal News 29 May 2008, page Page 23 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/164483774/ |access-date=2022-10-25 |website=Newspapers.com}} In 2009, he won the Long Island PGA Championship, his first win on the Met PGA in several years.

During this era, Hartmann still worked at Atlantic. He was in charge of preparing the club for the 2010 U.S. Mid-Amateur.{{Cite web |title=Newsday 14 May 2009, page A65 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/757409202/ |access-date=2022-10-25 |website=Newspapers.com}} "The next two years will be a grind but it's good for the game of golf," Hartmann said in early 2009. "It certainly helps amateur golf." Hartmann, did not play much during the year of 2010, according to Newsday, but focused on preparing the club for the event.{{Cite web |title=Newsday 23 Sep 2010, page A55 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/778248613/ |access-date=2022-10-25 |website=Newspapers.com}} Shortly thereafter, Hartmann started playing on the senior Met PGA.{{Cite web |title=Rick Hartmann – Tournament Results {{!}} Metropolitan PGA |url=https://metpga.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/metpga21/profile/rhartmann4/tresults.htm |access-date=2022-10-17 |website=metpga.bluegolf.com}} He had recently turned 50. In 2011, he played the Bacardi Met PGA Senior Championship. The event was held at the par-71 Pine Hollow Club in East Norwich, New York. Hartmann shot rounds of 70 and 69 to win by one.{{Cite web |title=The Journal News 16 Sep 2011, page Page 25 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/166266489/ |access-date=2022-10-25 |website=Newspapers.com}} The following year he again had some success, winning the MasterCard Senior Match Play Championship and finishing runner-up at Met PGA Senior Championship.{{Cite web |title=The Journal News 20 Sep 2012, page Page C6 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/117652774/ |access-date=2022-10-26 |website=Newspapers.com}} Since 2012, Hartmann has played some Met Senior events but has not had many high results.

In 1983, while playing in South Africa, he met Claudette. Hartmann and Claudette eventually got married.{{Cite web |title=The Daily Item 18 Aug 1994, page 49 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/717203325/ |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=Newspapers.com}}

Hartmann was friends with the tennis legend Vitas Gerulaitis. They traded golf and tennis lessons with each other.{{Cite web |title=The Daily Times 24 Jul 1994, page 34 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/724365179/ |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=Newspapers.com}} Hartmann served as a pallbearer at Gerulatis' funeral after he abruptly died of carbon monoxide poisoning in September 1994.{{Cite web |title=The Herald Statesman 25 Sep 1994, page 40 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/680396157/ |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=Newspapers.com}}

Sources:

• 1994 Long Island Open
• 1996 New York State Open
• 1997 Tommy Hilfiger Met PGA Head Pro Championship,{{Cite web |title=The Daily Item 28 May 1998, page 34 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/717766615/ |access-date=2022-10-12 |website=Newspapers.com}} Long Island Open
• 1998 TaylorMade Long Island PGA Championship, Met PGA Head Pro Championship, Long Island Open, Metropolitan Open
• 1999 MasterCard Long Island PGA Championship,{{Cite web |title=Newsday (Suffolk Edition) 07 May 1999, page 94 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/727308012/ |access-date=2022-10-21 |website=Newspapers.com}} Hoffhine Memorial Golf Championship{{Cite web |title=The Journal News 13 Aug 1999, page Page 34 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/163453211/ |access-date=2022-10-21 |website=Newspapers.com}}
• 2000 MasterCard Long Island PGA Championship,{{Cite news |date=2000-05-05 |title=PLUS: GOLF – P.G.A. CHAMPIONSHIPS; Three in a Row For Hartmann |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/05/05/sports/plus-golf-pga-championships-three-in-a-row-for-hartmann.html |access-date=2022-10-17 |issn=0362-4331}} Metropolitan PGA Championship{{Cite web |title=The Journal News 21 Sep 2000, page Page 32 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/163609091/ |access-date=2022-10-09 |website=Newspapers.com}}
• 2001 Met PGA Head Pro Championship, Long Island Open
• 2004 Metropolitan Open
• 2009 Long Island PGA Championship{{Cite web |title=Newsday (Nassau Edition) 08 May 2009, page 71 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/711257649/ |access-date=2022-10-25 |website=Newspapers.com}}

• 2011 Bacardi Met PGA Senior Championship
• 2012 MasterCard Senior Match Play Championship

• 1976 Jimmy Mann County Golf Tournament (as an amateur), Continental Invitational (as an amateur)
• 1999 PGA Tournament Series event{{Cite web |title=The Palm Beach Post 29 Jan 2000, page Page 55 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/130332978/ |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=Newspapers.com}}
• 2002 Eastern Club Pro Professional Championship{{Cite web |title=The Philadelphia Inquirer 30 Sep 2002, page Page F05 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/199355206/ |access-date=2022-11-01 |website=Newspapers.com}}
• 2003 Eastern Club Pro Professional Championship
• 2007 TaylorMade Long Island ProAssistants Championship{{Cite web |title=Newsday (Nassau Edition) 24 May 2007, page 76 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/714138287/ |access-date=2022-10-25 |website=Newspapers.com}}

Note: Hartmann never played in the Masters Tournament

Source:

{{reflist}}

• {{EuroTour player|rick-hartmann-75}}
• {{PGATour player|01491}}
• {{OWGR|95}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Hartmann, Rick}}

Category:American male golfers

Category:European Tour golfers

Category:Golfers from New York (state)

Category:People from Suffolk County, New York

Category:1959 births

Category:Living people

Category:20th-century American sportsmen