The end of August and September have been difficult for the Mid-Atlantic. In a 14 day span, the Mid-Atlantic area experienced the path of two hurricanes: Henri and Ida. If that was not enough, there was more rain from summer storms to add on to all the rain totals. Henri brought a punch but Ida brought a knockout. Maryland and the metro D.C. area experienced tornados and flash flooding. The rain moved north and brought more flashing flooding to Pennsylvania to New England. Philadelphia experienced terrible tornados and flooding. Major highways closed down. News from New Jersey, NYC, and New England echoed the same. The rain did not spare the local courses. Many had to close for several days to focus up on clean up. Others worked diligently to open the courses as soon as possible to their players. Their efforts were incredible and appreciated. Ida came in right before one of the biggest holiday golf events of Labor Day. In addition, Mid-Atlantic is in the yearly fall ritual of aerification. It seems appropriate that the unofficial end of summer was marked with more storms and rain.  

The Forme Tour of the PGA has been in the line of fire of all the hurricane and storms. The Forme Tour was created by the PGA for the 2021 season in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and Canadian travel restrictions. The tour will provide golfers the opportunity to gain membership for the Korn Ferry Tour. The end of the season of the Forme Tour was slated for the Mid-Atlantic region. First, the Rolling Green Championship battled storms during their opening round and Ida pushing through the area. The weather event brought severe storms through the area. However, after several delays the tournament was able to get in all rounds in. The Rolling Greens ground crew were vital to the success and the ability to get all the rounds completed. Brian Chapin and his staff helped get that course in tournament shape every day with massive obstacles.  Tournaments are always a little more difficult but adding Mother Nature to the mix makes it more interesting. 

The following week the Forme Tour was slated to end at The Ridge at Back Brooke in Ringoes, N.J. While Rolling Green was being delayed by Ida, she had other ideas for the final event. On Wednesday, September 1, The Ridge at Back Brooke received almost 9 inches of rain from Ida and left the course unplayable. Thursday left the Forme Tour planning what to do next. That's when a friend stepped in to help. That friend came in the form of Huntsville Golf Club. On Thursday, September 2, Huntsville Golf Club said yes to hosting the final round event slated to start Wednesday, September 8. The golf club said yes to hosting a professional event in less than a week! Courses typically have months to prepare.

The tournament needed to be a completed in a set time frame due to Korn Ferry Tour qualifying requirements. Huntsville Golf Club stepped in and was able to meet the needs of the Forme Tour finishing requirements. Lets talk about how incredible this feat of hosting a tournament in one week is. First, the quick turn around shows the ability and strength of Huntsville. To be tournament ready that quickly means that the course in great shape all the time. Second, it takes a village to say yes. Huntsville has that village.  General Manager Jeff Fry (GCSAA member), superintendent Mark McCormick (GCSAA member), PGA Professional Matt Occhiato and owner Dick Maslow put a strong team together and started troubleshooting. A great friend says yes and then starts to put the pieces together. That is exactly why Huntsville did, figuring out all the hurdles needed to host after agreeing to host. 

I am writing this because the superintendent and his crew need to be highlighted!  Many stories have come from last week and not many even talk about the work on the course.  Without the course, there is no tournament. In addition, the course received major storms overnight in the middle of the event. Add to that working with a crew that was down some members due to COVID-19. Mark was able to commit and provide a fantastic course for the event. Local sport teams came out to help Mark and his crew.  A local golf team and baseball team came out to help fill divots. Extremely early morning and even later nights were required to get the course ready. In addition, Mark had his course in such great shape on a daily basis that he was able to say yes to hosting event. I do not think this would have occurred either without the support of General Manager Jeff Fry, a former superintendent and a GCSAA member. Having two knowledgeable individuals on staff like Jeff and Mark is such an asset. I also want to acknowledge owner Dick Maslow who created a course and had the vision. That's quite a strong village. It's great to have a course like Huntsville in my own backyard. So proud of Huntsville and two great members of the GCSAA. 

The event ended on a Friday due to events already scheduled at Huntsville. However, the players could not have been more thankful for the opportunity. The club stepped up and allowed the Forme Tour to finish the year already made difficult by the global pandemic. Brad Miller raised the trophy on Friday afternoon. The win marks Miller's first at any PGA affiliate.  

I think the real trophy belongs to Huntsville Golf Club. When people step up and help without hesitation, you've found yourself a winner!