‘Just wonderful’ – The 2022 Foxburg Hickory Championship

The 2022 Foxburg Hickory Championship concluded on Saturday, Aug. 13. Tournament host Tom Johnson sends us this report:

“Just wonderful…”

were the sentiments 40 participants and 20 guests expressed at the close of the 14th annual Foxburg Hickory Championship. 

Weather conditions were absolutely wonderful, the food was wonderful, the golf course was wonderful, and the play was spirited on a golf course with the history to hold such a wonderful championship. Just wonderful! 

Temperature for the commencement of Friday and Saturday’s play was in the 60s, staying moderate throughout each day’s play with a nice breeze. 

The course was in fine condition. As usual the stars of the show were the greens at Foxburg. Excellent condition, rolling well with the great influence of the Allegheny River adding nuances with each read. 

Click here to view a PDF of the scoring summary. Below we’ve noted a few key points with a review of the Division winners and Open Champion. 

Division Champions:
Braid: Mike Campailla, Dave Long, Ron Taylor
J. H. Taylor: Rob Geiger, Ron Miller, Steve Alger
Park: Jason Kronenberger, Bill Geisler, James Kaiser 

In the Open Division with the Park ball, Mr. Bill Geisler led after the opening round with a solid 79. Mr. Tom Johnson was second with an 83, Mr. James Kaiser, Mr. Scott Staudacher, and Mr. Jason Kronenberger followed closely with 85. 

The final round spectators observed a quick change in fortunes. First nine results were led by Mr. Kronenberger’s excellent 37, the low nine of the event. He closed with a strong 40 to finish with 77 for the second day, the low round of the championship, which propelled him to the Open crown. Mr. Geisler completed the championship as the runner-up, edging Mr. Kaiser in a scorecard playoff by scoring a par on the difficult finishing hole named Baseball. 

Mr. Kaiser is to be congratulated with his steady play with the Park ball during the competition, Moving up from the Braid division in previous FHCs, Mr. Kaiser made a grand showing. Mr. Staudacher completed his first FHC in fourth place, Mr. Johnson rounding out the top five in the Open Division. 

An additional comment on the play, specifically the ball options available for the participants. When it was announced that the National Hickory Championship (NHC) was to be held at Foxburg Country Club, I had this notion we would allow the old-style Oakhurst balls originally used at the NHC, thinking many would take the opportunity of bringing those balls out of the bottom of their shag bag. 

I am proud to say no one took that option. All pre-1900 play was completed with balls manufactured by the McIntyre Golf Company; a strong unwritten testimonial of Dave Brown’s fine products. 

During Friday’s opening round, the local press was represented by John Enrietta, Sports Editor for the Butler Eagle, one of the local daily delivery newspapers. There was a nice write up and several photos in Saturday morning’s edition. (Click here for a PDF version.) While the national press took a sabbatical for this year’s FHC, they will be summoned for our Crystal Anniversary. 

Special Recognition was awarded to Ross Snelling. Ross was selected as the MCJ Spirit recipient, honoring Mike Just. Ross has made many contributions to gutty golf, initiating his own event near his Augusta, Ga., home. Ross’s spirit, enthusiasm for the FHC and NHC, plus his perseverance for his 2022 campaign (he walked with a nagging foot injury) made him a worthy recipient. 

A new FHC tradition was started this year.
A close friend of the FHC suggested a novel concept requesting volunteers for light maintenance on the golf course, permitting the grounds crew to concentrate on the primary aspects of getting the course ready. Several volunteers stepped up to rake assigned traps prior to play both days, as well as placing the water stations for the contestants’ refreshment. As someone who visited several sand bunkers each day, I found it refreshing to have freshly manicured grounds to play from. I fully expect this tradition to take hold and grow to a couple of other tasks. 

Contributions to the Club
The past several years we have been fortunate to make an additional contribution to the General Fund of the club after all expenses were covered. Due to your significant contributions and generosity, 2022 is trumping any of the previous years. 

Many of you are aware we had many things swing our way for this year’s event. A few of those are noted in the opening paragraphs. Most significantly we were presented a second printing of the pertinent book Foxburg Country Club: The Stonehenge of American Golf. We offered copies of this printing with its unique cover for the handsome donation of $50, the entirety donated to the club. Folks, we did quite well. Between the book and balance from entries less expenses, we were able to contribute, wait for it, over $3,450 to Foxburg Country Club’s operating fund. 

That is significant. It is difficult to express the pride Karen and I take in making this announcement. Add in the golf and time spent with great friends and wonderful people, how does it get any better? Well, the above total does not include the greens fees for the three days, plus purchases through the pro shop and bar. 

We invite all interested parties to visit www.1887project.org to learn about a major renovation/restoration/maintenance effort on behalf of the club. From its side, the FCC is welcoming comments and follow up conversations.

Meals were catered by Ala Carte catering in Emlenton. We have used them each of our 14 years without disappointment, another part of our FHC family supporting us and Foxburg Country Club. As usual, positive comments on the selection, preparation, and amount available to each attendee was heard throughout the two days. 

I’d like to personally thank Scott Staudacher, president of the Society of Hickory Golfers, and Jim Davis for attending. In 2021 I was nominated for and selected for the Mike Brown Award. Prior to the start of the second days play, they made the official presentation. I am truly touched to be provided this award and honor. It is the epitome of recognition from the SoHG. Mike was a fine man, fully engaged in the growth of hickory golf and the nurturing of SoHG events. To be provided this honor in his name is truly humbling, we thank each of you for your part in our recognition. 

Special thanks are warranted for the amazing Dawn Welsh, Dick Leavy, and the balance of the Foxburg Country Club members and staff, our guests, and most of all my terrific wife, Karen, and her girls for a wonderful three days. The hospitality provided is so genuine it enhances the camaraderie and family culture. It is heartwarming and the essence of who we have become as a group. 

The 2023 Foxburg Hickory Championship, our 15th season and Crystal Anniversary, is scheduled for Aug. 10-12, 2023. 

It is apparent we have reached our maximum number and will need to consider limiting entries. We will have additional information regarding the 2023 Championship expected to be distributed in February. 

To everyone who attended the 2022 Foxburg Hickory Championship: 

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! 

You’re the best! 

Tom

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