Just a few days before Christmas, 2013, Jerry Abdalla Sr. struggled to conjure up a unique gift idea for Junior that might get the kid’s attention. Then he recollected the enthusiasm with which Jerry Jr. reported his experience in participating in a 2013 Country Club of Jackson-HGA Hickory Masters 4-Ball event. “Maybe I can get Jerry some playable hickory sticks to McComb, Miss. before Christmas,” he thought…..
On Friday, April 11, 36 members of the CCJ-HGA met under azure skies, surrounded by azaleas in bloom as full and colorful as any seen by those walking the grounds of another tourney being contested over in Georgia on that same day. The occasion was to compete in Gross and Net divisions of the Hickory Masters Four Ball on the difficult Country Club of Jackson course.
Once again, the boys from Jackson proved they can play some “hickory golf.”
In the Gross Division, Dr. Pat Scanlon and Brooks Baldwin fired a 70 and won the Julep Cups in a scorecard playoff over runners-up Terry Mobley and Keith Smith. These are the two lowest scores recorded in Hickory Masters history, evincing that the group is starting “get it” with the hickories.
In the Net Division who else but the team of Jerry Abdalla Jr. and Charlie Chandler gained the victory (66) on the strength of Jerry’s net 30 on the front nine. Only signed affidavits by members of his regular group prevented a “committee review” of Mr. Abdalla’s handicap. Jerry Sr.’s Christmas gift got not only Junior’s attention, but everyone else’s, as well. Runners-up Logan Phillips and Breck Hines (68) could only shake their heads as they watched their buddy, Jerry, play the nine of his life. All, including Jerry, agreed life got back to normal on the back nine as Charlie had to take over!
Blair Johnson, David McKinnon, Ted Lloyd and Dr. Chad Gnam garnered “Closest to the Hole” on par 3’s, while Jon Johnson bombed the “Longest Drive.” In just a bit of irony, Long Drive Competition Professional Brooks Baldwin sank “Longest Putt.”
Post round, Brooks kindly offered the group a show with his specially made XS Hickory Shafted Driver provided by club maker extraordinaire, Tad Moore. The “little guy” only managed to get one out there 307 yards!
Finally, but most importantly, the event raised $700 for the CCJ -Junior Golf Association fund. Thanks to all competitors for your generosity and participation. We look forward to our next event, the Hickory Summer Shamble in July!
