Three in a row for Kronenberger at Foxburg

Tournament host Tom Johnson reports:

After some time for reflection, and to recover from an emotional weekend, here are some thoughts and a summary of the 2023 tournament, Aug. 10-13.

What a grand four days we had at Foxburg!  Weather was terrific, the course was in great condition, food was classic, the camaraderie in full bloom.

We are thankful for a keen group of followers with an appreciation of the camaraderie of a fine group of people, spending time together at a site of historical significance. Though gutty golf can be played darn near anywhere, Foxburg is special and you bring reverence to our meeting.

Congratulations to the 2023 Champion, Jason Kronenberger, who has now twice defended his title, winning in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Jason posted 154 with two rounds of 77… that is some golf, gutty or otherwise.

The other Division winners are noted on the Final Standings. There were several terrific rounds recorded by Mr. Geiger, Mr. Bernacki, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Long, Mr. Mirt, Mr. Reed, Mr. Smith, and Foxburg member Mr. John Brosnahan.

The Perseverance Award was presented to Billy Hamilton and Mark Brown of Augusta, Ga. Ross Snellings escorted them on a 10-day odyssey from Georgia, with stops in West Virginia (Oakhurst) and Pennsylvania to visit a few of the King’s favorite places, eventually arriving on time to Foxburg.

Dalliance is not in Rossie’s nature. It is both feet first. I especially noted his reverence for Arnie’s and Deacon’s privy. To their credit, Billy and Mark hung with Rossie, earning them each a share of this award for 2023.

The staff at the Club was available at every turn. Olivia and Logan stepped up every chance. Matt made sure the course was in shape. Dick Leavy gets a special mention for ensuring the cut-stone tee boxes had fresh sand with ample water, so important to us.

Karen and I would like to particularly mention Dawn Welch. It is difficult to describe the service she provides with the most gracious hospitality.  Dawn has a special gift; each guest has the sense she is available strictly for their convenience. No effort is too large, no detail too small.

As usual we had a little press. Articles include the Oil City Derrick, and a photo array in the Clarion News. The Derrick’s article was written by Randy Bartley, a well-known local reporter. Mr. Bartley does a nice job in his description. He was recording our conversation and a couple of things are taken out of context, but not a big thing.  An example is a reference to “modern” clubs, well, of course those are my 1914 irons.

I was particularly excited about his interview with Jeff Texter, our retired greens keeper. You can sense Tex’s reverence for Foxburg Country Club and his position. I’m betting he received nice comments from his many friends in the area.

Thankfully, Jeff sent us a copy of the Oil City Derrick, along with a copy of the Clarion News. To be honest, I have not had newsprint in my hand for a couple of years, I read the entire content of both papers. Have not had a leisurely stroll through the newspaper in some time.

Tex also sent me the Monday, Aug. 14 edition of the Clarion News. The news did not have a written article, although their Sports Editor Ryan Pugh published six photographs of the action. Mr. Pugh has been a loyal supporter of the FHC, publishing several articles over the years.  More importantly, he has referred other reporters, including the Butler Eagle and Derrick.

Karen and I received a very nice letter from the FCC Board. From the get-go, the Club has been everything we could ask. They helped us control costs and ensure successful events in our early years. It is rewarding to make the financial contributions to them, and heartwarming to accomplish it with such a fine group of people.

I believe the autumn version of the Wee Nip (the SoHG bi-annual publication) will carry an article about Eagle Springs in Wisconsin.  Eagle Springs, dating to 1893, is a real beauty. Each July it is host to a gutty event managed by Greg Smith. This is a terrific tournament if you can find the time.  It appears the 2024 dates for this one are planned for July 18-20.

If you are not a member of the SoHG, please consider it. For those of us who play hickory golf, the SoHG is the fabric that keeps the competitive and social side together. Dues and participation are important, I urge you to help us grow.

Next year we are scheduled for Aug. 8-10, if you want to get a jump on reservations.

Thank you to everyone.