“Yes,” said Pete Georgiady, “the rough was deep this year. Mowing got a bit behind schedule.”
To which the Oakhurst devotees collectively responded “So what?”
Contested this year on June 7-9, the National Hickory Championship was every bit the test of early golf that the Czar had hoped it would be. Friends came from throughout the country to enjoy that challenge, and one another’s company, on this, the ancient golfing ground of the United States. What did they think? Here are a few comments:
Mike Stevens, one of the country’s finest hickory golfers, and this year’s NHC champ, said that Oakhurst always plays tough and this year was no different. “It’s extremely important to stay out of the rough,” he says. “Even the first cut will generally cost you a stroke, but in the tall stuff most often it is unplayable and that is a two stroke penalty under 1890 rules. I managed to avoid it while my worthy opponents unfortunately did not. I also made some key putts at the right times.”
Indeed he did. Here’s a photo of Mike’s winning putt disappearing into the hole. Playing partner
Hugh Cameron looks on with his caddy.
There’s something about Oakhurst and Pete’s stewardship that has generated fierce loyalty. It’s certainly not the rough, not the hazards of No. 3 or the swamps of No. 2, or even the quake-inducing opening drive.
“I am continually impressed with the quality of contestants and guests at any gutty event, but especially the NHC and Oakhurst,” said fellow gutty-event director Tom Johnson, whose Foxburg Hickory Championship is scheduled for Aug. 10-11. “What did I like about the Championship? Run flawlessly, hosted by the most charming and respectful person you could meet, and time spent with the best friends you could ever hope to have, even if you only get to see them once a year. While I treasure every year, this one more than most.”
Lang Willie Engelson of Pinehurst was nostalgic about this year’s NHC. “This was my 10th NHC and probably my last,” he says, “so the experience was bittersweet for me. It’s always been one of my favorite tournaments, but the pending sale of Oakhurst Links does not bode well for continuing the NHC at this venue. Even if we find another course it will never be the same as it has been in the past. My Oakhurst memories will live with me until my dying day…there is no other tournament quite like the NHC at Oakhurst and I’m proud to have been with all of you over the past 10 years. Thanks also for recognizing my humble contributions to hickory golf with the Lynah Sherrill award…I feel truly blessed.” Far and Sure, he says.
Now, with Oakhurst and its surrounding land up for sale, we are all waiting to see what will happen to this most beloved of hickory contests. Check the document below for a list of results and awards from the 2012 NHC.
Well done, Pete. And well done to all visitors and players.