It was a full field for the 8th annual Mid Pines Hickory Open in Southern Pines, N.C. Though the practice rounds on Friday, Nov. 5 were dominated by cold, rainy weather, the clouds cleared for the Saturday and Sunday rounds. Saturday was chilly and windy. Sunday was not windy, and both days were sunny. Bob Esworthy, head golf professional for both Pine Needles and Mid Pines, said that more than 80 players were in the field, many of them international players from France, Finland, Sweden and the U.K. on hand for the Hickory Grail, a British Golf Collectors Society fixture scheduled for three days following the Mid Pines event.
Fred Muller, golf professional at Crystal Downs in Frankfort, Mich. claimed the top prize with a gross two-day total of 157 to nip Kelly Miller, owner of the resort, by one stroke in the championship or Donald Ross Division. Miller had tied with past winner Roger Andrews, but claimed second in a card playoff.
In the Julius Boros Division, or net division, the title went to Richard Schmidt with 146, followed by Jonathan Broga with 147 and Richard Grula at 149.
Over in the senior ranks, Rusty Wells prevailed in the Skip Alexander Division (gross) with a two-day 161. He was followed by Ken Holtz, 167, and Bill Turville, 170. The Old Tom Morris Division (net) title went to William Tanner with 135. He was followed by Jim Hollon and Jim Davis, both of whom shot a 137.
Bill Engelson and son, Jonathan Broga, took the Bobby Jones (father/son) Division.
As for the ladies in the Peggy Kirk Bell Division, the title went to Barbara Kopec followed by Tien Panigel (France).
Annually one of the most popular events, the Mid Pines Hickory Open is characterized by a field that enjoys both hickory play and the period look of golfing attire. Coats, ties and plus-fours were the norm and the ladies looked handsome, indeed, in their fashionable skirts and blouses. Tournament organizers recognized Phillip Truett (England) among the men and Tien Panigel (France) among the ladies for their fine sartorial efforts.
Rick Woeckner was crowned as the inaugural Championship Series winner, earning 636 points over four events to beat out runner-up Ben Hollerbach, 472, and Josh Fischer, 416. The Championship Series – the Southern Four Ball Hickory Championship, the U.S. Hickory Open, the Heart of America and the Mid Pines Hickory Open – was sponsored by Mountai Valley Spring Water.
The 2012 Mid Pines event is scheduled for Nov. 2-4.