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Hermitage, he enlisted the services of vintage clubmaker Tad Moore to provide hickory sticks, mashies, niblicks and a commemorative mashie ball for participants. Throwback clubs were used on Sabot hole # 1 for long drives and several par 3s for closest-to-the-pin opportunities.
“ The weather was phenomenal and the whole experience was a smashing success, with a fantastic lunch and gathering of players following the tournament,” Evans said.
The grand finale was an evening“ filled with laughter, music and memories,” Murray said.“ Members enjoyed dancing( music by Skyline), indulged in delicious cuisine and captured the moment at a lively photo booth. A special display of memorabilia offered a walk through time,
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featuring treasured items and photographs from decades past, sparking conversation and reflection on how far we’ ve come. It was not only a look back at the legacy we’ ve built, but also a joyful reminder of the enduring spirit of our club.”
THE VALENTINE INVITATIONAL: A NONPAREIL EVENT Those with strong institutional memories tip their hats to irrepressible Hermitage club pro Tommy Galloway, who worked from 1928 to 1954 and was described by a club historian as a“ dominant but quiet leader— the heart and soul of the club.” One of Galloway’ s lasting contributions to Virginia golf was the establishment of the Valentine Invitational, which is inextricably linked to Hermitage.
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While professional play continues to dominate national golf coverage, top tier amateur competition remains alive and well— especially in Virginia.
“ In the last 20 years, the Valentine has become the best run, best managed amateur event in Virginia, beside the VSGA tournaments,” said 35-time VSGA champion Keith Decker.“ It is second to none and sets the standard for all the rest.”
Established in 1931 by Galloway and armed with a trophy courtesy of Valentine Meat Juice Company president Frederick S. Valentine, the tourney quickly gained a reputation as a prestigious Mid-Atlantic amateur event. Played in match format, competition switched to stroke in 1960, continuing to attract outstanding Seniors and Mid-Am players.
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VSGA ARCHIVES( 3); WIKIMEDIA COMMONS PUBLIC( 3) |