The whispers had started before we had embarked on our annual pilgrimage to Oakhurst, and sadly they were confirmed with the official announcement by Louis Keller that the Property will be set on the auction block at the end of July.
For those who have not tasted this unique hickory golf event, and the bonds of friendship and camaraderie it inspires, it is difficult to explain its cache – perhaps the closest analogy is that of a London Club where gentlemen of a similar ilk and experience eat, drink, smoke and discourse, and can satisfy the primeval competitive urge with a game of cards or snooker.
It is, moreover, a civilized Club where Ladies are welcome, whether to best their Sisters at hickory golf, or to win hearts with the beauty of their attire – in short, a Mecca for polite society!
The continuance of the annual hickory tournament will now depend on the outcome of the auction, and the intentions of any new Owner – it surely cannot survive removal to another site! One can only hope that Oakhurst will continue in its present form whatever the outcome.
For this Dinosaur, perhaps, the 2012 event may sadly be the last. Golfing prowess has not mattered in the greater scheme of things, as long as he was among his own. Now, however, we have been invaded by the First Tee programme – not as a worthy cause to be supported, but as a physical presence where pleasant exchanges and hip-flasks have taken on a surreptitious air.
In short, the cult of child worship has taken over the exclusive club – it is rather like Baden-Powell receiving carte blanche from the Club Committee to bring his troop to share all facilities – whether or not the end of an era, certainly the passing of an era!
Whatever befalls, the most grateful thanks are due to Pete Georgiady (the Czar) for all the years of marvelous organization and hospitality – we are all in his debt, and hope that Oakhurst will continue as a unique venue for many years to come.