USGTF Monthly Newsletter Archives - Page 55 of 140 - United States Golf Teachers Federation

3 Oct 2019 admin

Editorial – Memories of US Cups Past

I write this a few days before the 24th edition of the United States Golf Teachers Cup will be played in Sedona, Arizona, at Oakcreek Country Club. Oakcreek is one of the most beautiful courses I’ve ever played, and I’m sure everyone there will have a fantastic time. This year we are combining the event with a pro-am, and we’ve had good participation on that level, as well.

But in reminiscing about the U.S. Cup, I go back to 1996, where it all started at Ponce de Leon Resort in St. Augustine, Florida. The course no longer exists, sold to a developer, but we had somewhere in the neighborhood of 40 players for that one-round event. Edward Lee of New Orleans, Louisiana, playing out of the Senior division shot a 74 on a cold and windy day. Faisal Qurechi nipped me in a playoff for Open division honors. The next year the tournament moved out west to San Luis Rey Downs in Bonsall, California, where 23 intrepid souls made the journey. Shawn Clement fired a 73 playing both right- and left-handed! At the time, Shawn was a disciple of Moe Norman and used his method.

The tournament really took off in 1999, when we combined it with the World Golf Teachers Cup at Ballentrae in Port St. Lucie, Florida, at the time the home city of the USGTF National Office. 130 players participated and we took over the course for the entire five days. Players from all over the world were there, and many friendships were made. Somehow, my good friend Ken Butler also won the individual World Cup that week (hey, I gotta tweak you somehow, Kenny!). But Kenny is a great player in his own right, so enough said.

Some of my best friends not only in golf but in life have been made at these events. I won’t list them because I’ll forget someone, but for anyone who has spent some time with me, you are definitely on that list. I look forward to Sedona with great anticipation and adding to that great history.

By Mark Harman, USGTF National Course Director

Huang Wins Central Region Title

A “southern invasion” intruded upon the recent USGTF Central Region Championship at Pheasant Run Golf Course in Canton, Michigan. Hunter Huang of Atlanta, Georgia, held off Mark Harman of Ridgeland, South Carolina, by two strokes to claim the title. Defending champion Matt Smith of Columbus, Ohio, finished third.

Huang opened the first round with a 72, good for a one-shot lead over Smith and Ron Cox from Nashville, Tennessee. Smith was at 73, and Harman was another stroke back at 74, along with new USGTF member Mike Chism of Farmington Hills, Michigan. Huang continued his fine play with an opening nine of 35 to start the final round, with Smith hanging in there at 36. Cox was still a factor after a 37, and Harman carded a 34 to close the gap to one. Harman birdied #10 to forge a tie, which lasted through the 15th hole. Huang then went birdie-par to Harman’s par-bogey, sealing the deal.

Region director Brent Davies hosted the event, and all competitors agreed it was a great tournament.

(Pictured: Hunter Huang and Brent Davies)