When you’re playing hickory golf at a course called the Bobby Jones Golf Course, you know you’re in for something special. So it was Nov. 13-14 for the inaugural Bobby Jones Hickory Challenge, hosted by Larry Rice in Atlanta, Ga.
Larry reports:
The week started out with Monday and Tuesday giving us a high of 40 degrees with rain and wind gusts up to 25 mph. Would have been perfect weather for a hickory tournament. But as often happens in Georgia, by the first tee time on Thursday it was in the 60s with only a slight breeze!
Fortunately, the course was able to defend itself against the perfect playing conditions with some wicked pin placements and fast, undulating greens.
The lowest gross score came from the Senior Division with Bill Geisler posting rounds of 82 and 83. Pretty impressive for first time playing the course and no practice round. Second place in the Senior Division was Jim Eike from Wisconsin with scores of 86 and 101. The Super Senior Division was won by Bert Coghill with two rounds of 85 on both the Magnolia and Azalea routes. Coming in second was Steve Cross with identical rounds of 93. The Net Division was won by Bill Hamilton with a net two day score of 166, followed by Kurtis Grant in second place with a net 174.
The Open Division, which had the most number of players at 10, was a close competition. Parker Elrod finished in second place with scores of 93 and 90, just one stroke ahead of Owen Lerman who shot identical rounds of 92. The first place and Championship winner was Joe Ransom with scores of 91 and 89.
Thanks to Tad Moore for donating the replica Calamity Jane putter that was a fitting prize for a tournament played on a course that was built to honor Bobby Jones. Maybe Joe will use it next time he plays.
As can be seen from the scores, the word “Challenge” was an appropriate one to use. The Bobby Jones Golf Course was in immaculate condition and the food provided by Boone’s restaurant was exceptional. We have great hopes that the course will host us again next year.
Net Division winner Bill Hamilton, left, with event host Larry Rice.
Senior Division winner Bill Geisler, right, with event host Larry Rice.
Joe Ransom holds a replica Calamity Jane putter, his trophy as the overall champion for the inaugural Bobby Jones Hickory Challenge. Event host Larry Rice is at right.
Parker Elrod, left, placed second in the the Open Division. Event host Larry Rice is at right.
Super Senior winner Steve Cross, right, receives his trophy from event host Larry Rice.