The 17th annual Mid Pines Hickory Open was a subdued affair, partly because of the pandemic and partly because of heavy Sunday rains that produced a one-hour delay to the start. Regardless, the indomitable Rick Woeckener pulled through to claim his third Mid Pines title with a 77-75 for 152.
One participant described a low-key tournament with “a fractured, reduced field.”
In a year in which many tournaments were forced to cancel, the Mid Pines hosts managed to hold a casual club swap on the veranda on Saturday, but there was no buffet lunch or awards presentation and no public scoreboard.
The heavy rain on Sunday morning forced a one-hour delay, which in turn caused many participants to withdraw, no doubt to manage travel plans. In lieu of the awards buffet, the Mid Pines staff sought medalists among those gathered post-round in either the pro shop or Pop’s Lounge. An unfamiliar turn to a strange and disappointing year.
Still, those who played gamely endured the conditions and the Mid Pines staff are to be congratulated for their efforts under tough circumstances.
The Senior and Super Senior Divisions both had first time winners in come-from-behind fashion. Tim Anderson fought to a 83-81 –164 score to win the Senior Division. Deal Hudson shot an equally impressive 82-85 –167 to claim the Super Senior title. Barbara Kopec, a familiar name among women hickory golf champions, repeated as Ladies Champion with 93-99 –192.
All prizes include shop credit and a medal. Mid Pines Head Professional Brett Harless said medals will be mailed to those who could not be found following Sunday’s round.
Click here for a detailed list of all scores, gross and net.
Harless said the entire staff appreciated seeing the hickory golfers and hopes all will return next year.
Rick Woeckener, the 2020 Mid Pines Hickory Open champion, poses on the 18th hole.