Ellington snares third McNabb title in dramatic fashion

Reported by MacDuff

The great tides of human affairs wash our mortal shores with a seeming indifference; for the greater part of mankind will feel no moving hand, no guiding influence but what is ascribed to fate or the whim of deities beneficent or cruel. And yet we strive. Small creatures in a cold universe, we endeavor to govern ourselves according to such laws, customs, and traditions that provide for the general well being of all. So it is with the August & Ancient Committee of The McNabb Cup.

The original members, entrusted so many years ago with the supervision and oversight of The Cup and its championships, have been succeeded over time with new members, each carefully vetted and sworn to the secrecy that surrounds this covert cabal of clandestine gentlemen. It is a responsibility none take lightly.

In all the years of their quiet, but exact, stewardship of The McNabb Cup, none has ever directly addressed the competitors, never, until the aftermath of the 2023 McNabb Cup. An amazing development, especially for The Committee’s Secretary, Mr. JH Davis Jr., who was told to expect a call during the dinner and awards following the 12th playing of the modern championship for The McNabb Cup (records of earlier championships having been lost to time).

Twenty-two players met at the White Lake Golf Club on Saturday, Sept. 16, to contest for the honor of their name on The Cup won in 1922 by Isabel McNabb. Among them was Tad Moore, a founder of the Society of Hickory Golfers and its first president. He is no stranger to hickory golf events around the country, but it was his first visit to The McNabb Cup, a visit that would find him in the thick of competition for one of the game’s most coveted titles.

The media buzz that always surrounds The Cup was thrown into a frenzy of speculation with the rumored appearances of Howard Vogel of Traverse City, Mich., and Fred Niles, a champion from Manistee, Mich.. But both withdrew at the last minute and talk began to center around the chances of former McNabb champions Bill Ellington (2016, 2019), John Cova (2017), Tim Stroshine (2014, 2021), Scott Staudacher (2022), Todd Riker (2012), Roger Hill (2011), and Gary Trapani (2018).

Rumors that a Woods-McIlroy v. Johnson-DeChambeau side match were to be played proved tantalizing, but untrue.

The 2023 Cup would be played to Stableford scoring, with points accrued to net scores on a given hole.

Four new contestants had been approved by the August & Ancient, untested in this crucible for one of hickory golf’s legendary titles – Jim Jenkins of Terra Haute, Ind., a former sheriff and mayor; Todd Cavender, a tattooed wunderkind of shotmaking prowess; Luke Fisher, a youngster with high hopes to prove himself against the game’s best; and the aforementioned great man of hickory golf, Tad Moore.

The gathering of the McNabb field for its customary group photograph is always a favorite with the media who jockey for the best positions to capture the gentlemen, and ladies, in their snappy blue blazers adorned with the prized McNabb badges given only to players in their second or later appearances for The Cup. Earning badges in 2023 were Bruce Markwardt of Gross Ile, Mich., Max Hollon of Evansville, Ind., and Stephen Proctor of Malabar, Fla. Proctor of course, is an author of international stature, his books on Young Tom Morris and the great British golfers of the later years of the 19th century being much caressed by the game’s discerning historians.

Following the installment of Bill Tucholski as the 2023 McNabb Captain… his stirring words of encouragement to the field … his stunning first shot to “drive in” The Cup … all was set in motion and on-course reporters lined up to follow their assigned pairings as they were called to the tee.

The Golf Channel’s chief analyst prepared an emotional essay that focused on the field’s youngest player, Luke Fisher, and its elder statesman, Tad Moore. “A contrast in age and styles, but alike in their determination to gain a measure of McNabb Cup glory.” Over at the CBS booth, and after welcoming friends to the broadcast, one of golf’s finest gentlemen settled in to describe the action for a waiting nation.

It wasn’t long in coming.

The first nine was played over a Tom Bendelow design that dates to 1916. It’s lovely short, but difficult par 4 12th hole featuring a duck pond in front of a green that slopes toward the pond and toward a small, but devilish pot bunker, had been recently restored. Several pars were recorded, but only two birdies – Cova and Trapani; the first a tenacious opponent who cites “luck” for his brilliant shots, and the second a smiling assassin of uncanny, though ungainly, prowess.

While the 12th hole, only 275 yards, snared no less than seven scoreless victims, the 14th, a hole many consider unfair with an ill-placed pine tree guarding a corner that requires a tough shot over yet another pond to the green, recorded only five zeroes but a bevy of bogies, including Mr. Moore. The veteran bounced back with a net eagle on the dogleg right 16th, a 298 yard par four, on the strength of a beautifully placed drive and precise approach that left only a shortish putt for the four-point strike. It was the only such score to be recorded on that hole and one of only two net eagles on the friendly Bendelow nine. The other being recorded by Kris Ellington, the field’s only woman player, on the par three 15th, the result of a beautiful tee shot with a tap in for the birdie/net eagle.

At the end of nine, Moore had a 22, two clear of Bill Ellington, followed a point back by Staudacher, the defending champion, and Trapani at 18.

Only one other player in McNabb history had won The Cup on his first visit, this being Roger Hill at the very first playing of The Cup in 2011. Well, somebody had to be first.

The second nine is usually played as the front, but two holes, 3 and 4, were undergoing a reconstruction, and all players were instructed to give themselves pars on the scorecard, a direct ruling from the beneficent August & Ancient Committee. It is also the longer of the two nines with two 500+ yard par fives and three longish par fours. It would be the battleground of the 2022 title. Those in the broadcast booth had been waiting all year to cover the back nine at White Lake and the action did not disappoint.

Moore faltered on the long first hole, failing to score a single point. Ellington, on the other hand, saw his chance and squared himself to the task to secure three points which put him one point up on Moore after only the first hole on the back. Staudacher managed to keep pace with a two and kept up a torrid pace of pars with three birdies and one bogie on the back. He came in with a 39. Those in the broadcast booth thought it a laudable score, but would it be enough. Scores in the 40s are often the winning numbers.

Trapani, on the strength of unprovoked bold play, brought in a 21 on the final nine, also for 39. Could Moore or Ellington answer? The two were engaged in their own seesaw battle through the first six holes on the second and decisive round. Then, Ellington, a dangerous opponent when given an opening, struck.

On seven, a 168-yard par three, Moore stumbled to a bogie and Ellington capitalized with birdie to go up by two points. He gained one more point on the long par 4 eighth hole (422 yards) with a brilliant net eagle. Moore rallied for a birdie on No. 9 to Ellington’s par, but it was too late. Moore tied with Trapani and Staudacher at 39 and Ellington brought home a 41 that earned him his third McNabb title, this following a magnificent battle that left the broadcasters exhausted in their search for superlatives.

The after-round interview with America’s favorite sports analyst saw Ellington at his modest best, graciously according Moore the honors due a tough opponent. As well, the humble hero gave full due to Staudacher and Trapani whose 39s added drama to one of most hard-fought Cups in recent history. A beaming Ellington was photographed holding the trophy aloft to the satisfaction of a grateful global golfing community. (The photo at the top of this story is a facsimile of Ellington addressing the media.)

On a scorecard playoff, it was determined that Trapani would be accorded second place honors and Moore in third. Far from looking exhausted following his historic battle, Moore told the gathered world press that his first McNabb Cup was all that it was cracked up to be and that, god willing, he would again contest for the title. The press beamed on his every word then retreated to the waiting bar before hitting the bank of waiting typewriters to bang out the story of the day.

As for the low gross, players with 15 handicaps or less being allowed to record every shot, Bill Ellington’s 77 also took this title, with Scott Staudacher’s 78 in second, and John Cova’s 82 in third.

The high drama was not unnoticed by The Cup’s stewards, its August & Ancient Committee, who hastily, for them, called upon their youngest member, a Mr. H, to place a call to the assembled players at the awards dinner. An astounding event, shocking in its way, as this Committee is usually happy to remain in the background, preferring to communicate through its Secretary, Mr. JH Davis Jr. 

Calling from Whitehall in London, Mr. H. congratulated the winners, especially Mr. Ellington on his third title, which had some of the Committee beside themselves with excitement (one was actually seen to stir from his club chair). Additional claret was served all round.

Honors were not yet over for Mr. Ellington, who was also given the first ever Ed Ronco Spirit of the Cup Award for one who displays a respect for the game, for fellow competitors and who does so in a spirit of good will, camaraderie, and good cheer. This award is bestowed by the August & Ancient Committee themselves who wish it to be known that The Cup is always to be played in this spirit and by men and women of unquestionable character.

It was a climactic end to remarkable day of golf. The players were each given a trading card portraying themselves in their role as McNabb contestants. Rare McNabb cards often command exorbitant prices at auction, when they do appear.

The day wound up in happy festivities at the McNabb Cottage with good cheer, conversation and stories lasting well into the evening; the setting sun painting the sky with deep pastels over the magnificent blue waters of Lake Michigan.

2023 McNabb Cup Scoring results:

First – Bill Ellington 41
Second – Gary Trapani 39 (scorecard playoff)
Third – Tad Moore 39 (scorecard playoff)

First Low Score – Bill Ellington  77
Second Low Score – Scott Staudacher  78
Third Low Score – John Cova  82

Joe Bodnar   31
Todd Cavender   28
John Cova  34
Bill Ellington   41
Kris Ellington   33
Luke Fisher   28
Roger Hill   33
Max Hollon   36
Jim Jenkins   32
Dave Lipa   31
Bruce Markwardt   35
Jack Maynard   24
Tad Moore   39
Scott Petersen   27
Mike Pishlo   16
Stephen Proctor   31
Todd Riker   34
Scott Staudacher   39 (also tied for second, but lost on scorecard playoff)
Lloyd Slinglend   19
Tim Stroshine   27
Gary Trapani   39
Bill Tucholski   34

Click on any photo in the gallery to bring up full size images.