Jan. 6, 2019
Scott Pilgrim reports –
After rescheduling the Vietnam Veterans of America Hickory Invitational from a dismal day of weather on Dec. 8th., we were richly blessed with a perfect day last Saturday on Jan. 5. A high of 70 degrees with a slight 5 mph breeze could not have been better. We were very welcomed by PGA Pro Maulana Dotch and her staff. It was nothing short of the “Country Club” hospitality that surely buzzed through the glory days at Cedar Crest during Walter Hagen’s ’27 PGA Championship victory.
The 48 players, some hickory and some modern, played side-by-side to support and benefit the Dallas-area Vietnam veterans.
After golf, the sponsors were recognized and appreciated, veterans were honored, and all guests proudly stood to be led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Van Moore, president of the VVA Chapter No.137, followed by Ken Jackson’s warm and sincere blessing before the delicious BBQ dinner. The veterans led the dinner line, and raffle numbers were called out for prizes.
Tournament host – “brown water” combat veteran and survivor Hardy Moore, a devout hickory player – was introduced with deep emotion, and spoke with overwhelming gratitude as eyes were wiped dry. Ret. Col. Gilmore graciously and very appreciatively spoke on behalf of all area Vietnam veterans, and shared the many services provided by the VVA.
When all was tallied, with sponsorships, entries, and raffle sales, the tournament raised just over $3,000 for VVA to serve and support the many needs of Vietnam veterans in the Dallas area.
Both Hardy and Van were vital in the promotion and soliciting of hole sponsorships and raffle prizes, but it was Doug Shackelford who truly championed this event. Doug recruited many players, purchased and provided PGA Superstore goodie bags for all participants, scheduled a feature on the local Saturday morning golf radio show “Live with Pat Wheeler,” just before the tournament, provided coffee and donuts, scheduled a tournament photographer and additional volunteers, contacted local high school ROTC programs for support, and purchased/donated many of the fabulous raffle prizes.
What began as a small scale play-day to raise $500 to maybe $1,000, was launched to such a greater event by Doug’s efforts. A huge “Thank you” goes out to Doug (and his wife!), on behalf of all players and veterans, for making the day so extra special!
Afterward, the closely contested scores were posted and “Medals of Golf Honor” were awarded as follows:
1st place
Gross – Zack Miller / Dennis Barnes, 67 (playoff)
Net – Blair Philip / Gary Krupkin, 63
2nd place
Gross – Ken Jackson, Ben Goehring, 67
Net – John Kidwell / Chris Lander, 65
3rd place
Gross – Rob Ruth / John Wilbanks, 68 (playoff)
Net – Jim Conine / Mark Gorman, 66
1st pic – Hardy Moore (Vet. and host) lower left corner
2nd pic – John Wilbanks and Ken Jackson
3rd pic – Michael Sloan (Reg. IV Dir.) and Gary Krupkin (SoHG Board at large)
4th pic – Mark Gorman, Jim Conine, Frank Koonce, and Scott Bellamy
Thank you to ALL PLAYERS and SPONSORS for a wonderful day of golf, fellowship/friendship, and special much-needed support for our men and women who served and survived the Vietnam War.
With a salute of gratitude, Scott.
(And from all your fellow members in both the SoHG and the Golf Heritage Society – thanks for this wonderful event and the impact you have made on your community and on the lives of our amazing Vietnam Veterans. Well done!)
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- L to r – Mark Gorman, Jim Conine, Frank Koonce, and Scott Bellamy
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- Hardy Moore, left, was our host and a Vietnam Veteran.
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- John Wilbanks, left, and Ken Jackson.
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- Michael Sloan, left, Region 4 Director for the Golf Heritage Society, and Gary Krupkin, director-at-large for the Society of Hickory Golfers.