June 21, 2021
Rich Schmidt reports:
The inaugural Carolinas Hickory Open went off without a hitch and included two perfect days of weather on a superb Donald Ross 9-holer in the mountains in Tryon, N.C. Twenty-eight contestants made the trek, and I have yet to hear a complaint about the venue, the value and the quality of the camaraderie!
We had equal numbers in the Open and Senior Divisions and as we grow the event we can add a super senior division. We played real golf – stroke play – and played the ball down; conditions were such that there was no need to play preferred lies.
Founded in 1916, TCC and its clubhouse are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and it is steeped in history and is pure old school golf and amenities. We have already committed to going back next year. Date to be determined.
Day 1 saw the field struggle as we all were trying to figure out angles and the greens which Mr. Ross so ably designed into the routing. Day 2 saw almost all players improve on their day 1 scores.
Results:
Open Division – Mark Hollingsworth and eventual champion Gordon Preddy tied at 156. Preddy won on first hole playoff with a par.
Gordon Preddy (overall champion and low gross – 156); Mark Hollingsworth (runner up – 156)
Graham Stevens nipped Peter Bliudzius by 2 to take low net honors with 145 (+1).
Senior Divison – Deal Hudson came roaring back with a 79 on day two to capture low gross honors with 164.
Richard Schmidt and Russell Eaves tied three strokes back with 167. Schmidt was able to lay his third shot on the first playoff hole to a foot, and beat Russell with a birdie to take runner up honors.
David Kubly, following up his win at the Broken Jigger at Benvenue, captured low net honors with 138 (-6), while the wily veteran Charles Mitchell took second with 141 (-3).
We invite all interested players to consider joining us for the second Carolinas Hickory Open to be held again at Tryon Country Club next summer.
