Great Golf

            Situated halfway between Elizabeth City and Edenton, Hertford does not get as much attention as its larger and wealthier neighbors. But it does have one annual event that has become the best of its kind and is actually in a class by itself. I’m referring to the Biggs Golf Classic played on Albemarle Plantation’s Sound Golf Links. This event, now in its 6^th year, has set a standard for developmental golf tours, because it is the best at what it does when it comes to community support.

            Professional golf tournaments like this one would not be possible without the operational expertise of the GPro Golf Tour and the financial support of local sponsors like Biggs Cadillac-Buick-GMC, Sound Bank, and Swimme & Sons Building Contractors.         

            The young pros also appreciate the help of Albermarle Plantation residents. Unlike baseball, professional golf does not have minor league teams supported financially by parent clubs. Unlike football and basketball, it does not provide instant security to college stars who are lucky enough to be picked in annual drafts. Talented golfers who want to make it to the PGA Tour must make a name for themselves by playing on developmental tours, and they must do this at their own expense. That’s why they love to come to Hertford for the Biggs Classic: they not only compete for purse money, they stay with Albemarle Plantation residents who provide them with a warm bed, home-cooked meals, and cheers of support on the course. Over 150 of these residents also serve as volunteers both on the course as starters, spotters, and scorers, and off the course with parking, shuttles, refreshment carts, and hospitality functions.

            Last year the Biggs Classic had a cutoff of 120 players for the tournament. This year the cutoff has been increased to 144 to accommodate even more young pros. Tournament week starts on May 21^st with the Pro-Am and continues with the three-day tournament, which starts on May 23^rd. Attendance is free and the entertainment value is priceless.

           

P.S.  How good are these young pros? On the final day of the tournament last year David Gazzolo stood on the 18th tee tied for the lead. The 18th hole is a 434-yard dogleg Par 4 that curls around the waters of the Albemarle Sound. Gazzolo decided to go for broke by taking the shorter, direct route over water. His drive carried all the way to the green, a distance estimated at 330 yards. The ball ended 18 inches from the cup, a tap-in eagle for Gazzolo. It was without a doubt the greatest shot ever made on the Sound Golf Links. It may even have been the greatest shot ever made in North Carolina tournament history. Are these guys good? Oh, yeah.