Golfers and fans alike braved Thursday's rain and gloom at Rock Barn Golf & Spa to come out and root for their favorite athletes, celebrities and family members playing in the Greater Hickory Classic Pro-Am.
The incessant drizzle kept the course cool and the crowds thin, allowing fans better access to golf's greats.
The players zipped around the course on their carts while fans jockeyed for position at the practice green and the driving range, eager to pick up some of the pros' tricks and techniques in an effort to improve their own games.
Fans hopeful about keeping the tournament alive and local discussed the fact that the tournament is looking for a new title sponsor, or a group of sponsors to fill the role of a title sponsor.
"It's not as crowded today, so that's nice.
"It would be disappointing if they lost the tour in this area."
— Andrew Kershner, 30, of Statesville
"I'd like to pick up some tips and tricks from the pros — I need all the help I can get."
— Matt Kershner, 21, of Statesville
"I've been to five tournaments that lost their sponsors and had to close up shop."
"Yeah, there's drizzle, but if you keep your shoes dry and stay on the cart path you'll be OK."
— John Heigel, 59, of Akron, Ohio
"I've been to every (Greater Hickory Classic tournament) and I'll be here Saturday and Sunday."
— Jim Ward, 65, of Hickory
"My son Randy is playing in the pro-am. ... We came last year, too. This tournament is really well-run and the golf course is beautiful."
— Laura Truitt, of Hickory
"This is my husband's seventh year playing in the tournament. We like to come out and follow them around the course."
— Dana Truitt, 54, of Hickory
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