It’s hard to imagine how the Greater Hickory Classic at Rock Barn golf tournament could get any better, but it does. It’s the same game – golf – but there are always new and exciting wrinkles that make each event special.
This year, it was the incredible scoring turned in by the Champions Tour players and a gut-check sudden-death playoff between a tour regular and a guy who had to qualify just to get into the tournament.
Mark Wiebe and James Mason stormed into a tie during regulation and proceeded to make great shot after great shot in the playoff. Wiebe’s in the trap. He’s blown his chance at winning. No, he didn’t.
Uh-oh. Bad stroke by Mason. He’s thrown away his hopes of winning. Again, no he didn’t.
Even lightning and a steady sprinkle didn’t deter these two pros. After a storm delay and a half-dozen practice swings, off they went again.
Wiebe finally outlasted Mason, an over-60 golfer who gave many fans a new perspective on so-called age-diminished skills. The Jones Course at Rock Barn Golf & Spa is a great track. It’s a showpiece setting. But shooting 19 below par over 54 holes is incredible.
We told you these players are really good.
This year’s GHC set the Champions Tour record for most birdies in regulation play. That’s a tribute to the layout and the Rock Barn grounds crew, but more of a testament to the ability of the participants.
The Greater Hickory Classic needs a primary sponsor. While money is tight these days, we think the tournament will land the sponsorship it needs to lead a solid cadre of local and regional sponsors.
Every sponsor is connected to the biggest sporting event in the area and a highly visible bastion of charitable service. The GHC has exceeded $1 million in charitable donations in its short history. Service and sharing are the essence of the Champions Tour. The ancillary events such as the Dale Jarrett Shootout are predicated on fun for the participants and support for those in our communities who are in dire straits.
The tournament was a boost for Zahra’s Playground at Kiwanis Park in Hickory. A fundraising venture, Birdies for Zahra, was pegged to the number of birdies made during the tournament. The Kiwanis clubs of Catawba County don’t know the exact proceeds yet, but this is another example of the community spirit that shines a righteous light on the GHC and its sponsors.
An army of volunteers also help make the tournament a reality. The revenue from all tickets sold by civic clubs goes to those clubs. This is without question a community event that is not hinged on self-gratification and glory.
This priceless tournament comes at a cost, however. A happening of this magnitude cannot be put together for free.
We think it’s a great deal for sponsors and a signature sponsor. It’s a great deal for the people of the Catawba Valley. And the Champions Tour players love the GHC. The stars shine at Rock Barn.
So congratulations to Rock Barn, the Champions Tour, the sponsors and all the people who made last week a time to remember. And congrats, of course, to Mark Wiebe. We can’t wait to see what he, Mason, and all the other players have in store for us next year.
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