Saturday, April 30, 2011

What's ebay? 1993 KGGO Program and Ticket



"K-MART GREATER GREENSBORO OPEN PGA GOLF TOURNAMENT - Official Tournament Magazine and Program and Final Round Ticket (1993) - This vintage 172-page magazine and program measures approximately 8-inches x 12-inches and is filled with glossy photos, statistics and advertisements for the Greater Greensboro Open, played at Forest Oaks Country club April 19-25, 1993.

The ticket stub is for the Final Round on Sunday, April 25, 1993 and measures about 2-1/2-inches x 6-1/2-inches."

Thursday, April 28, 2011

1982 GGO Zippo Lighter


This is a nice souvenir Zippo Lighter from the 1982 Greater Greensboro Open with Merit advertisement and GGO logo on face, in original box.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

What's on ebay? GGCC Sweater


"Greater Greensboro Chrysler Classic Sweater New with Tags.
Size is medium. Made by Wrangler Twenty-X from 100% cotton.
Nice logo on front. Navy Blue with red stripe."

Thursday, April 21, 2011

2010 Wyndham Championship-Anthony Kim



Anthony Kim made his first start in 2010 at the Wyndham Championship. He returned from a two months layoff after wrist surgery at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational. He was 13th in the FedExCup standings.

What's on ebay? 1968 GGO License Plate


1968 Home of the GGO Greensboro North Carolina City 32988 License Plate

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

2007 Interview with Woody Durham

Woody Durham, a Mebane native, became Channel 2 WFMY-TV Sports Director in 1963. He was appointed GGO Honorary Chairman in August of 1977 by Wade Peoples. He recently took a few moments to reflect on his year as Honorary Chairman and answer a couple of questions for the Greater Greensboro Open Blog.

ggoblogger:An article entitled, “GGO Bottle Collection”, in the 1974 Greater Greensboro Open Program states “the Jaycees in conjunction with their G.G.O again proved their effectiveness in formulating successful publicity surrounding their tournament.” It would seem that more than anything else, the decanters were seen as a way to promote the tournament. As WFMY's Sports Director, at the time, was this a successful campaign?

Woody Durham: "I think the decanters were a successful way in which to promote the GGO. There may have been other events to use a similar promotion, but I was not aware of another golf tournament—at least in the southeast—doing what the Ezra Brooks Distillery of Frankfort, Kentucky, proposed to the Greensboro Jaycees. I am not certain of the actual start date, but I still have three (3) decanters in my office. They are from 1972, 1975 and 1977, naturally."

ggoblogger: You were the 1977 Honorary Chairman for the Greater Greensboro Open. The event was held at Forest Oaks for the first time that year. Can you tell me how the local community dealt with the change in venue?

Woody Durham: "I think the change in venue back in 1977 was met with mixed reaction. Of course, the sponsoring Greensboro Jaycees were not about to limit ticket sales to the GGO, and Sedgefield had reached its capacity.

The players complained that a more modern and longer layout was needed for the tournament. In addition, Sedgefield had for years made its profit with the sale of tickets which the Jaycees provided as part of their agreement, but that agreement was about to expire and Sedgefield wanted cash instead of tickets.

I’m not sure of the amount in question, but John Hughes, the owner of Forest Oaks, was able to structure a financial arrangement which was agreeable to both sides. However, once the tournament switched, it was difficult to find any golfer who had been in favor of the move.

Certainly the atmosphere was different, and it took several years for Forest Oaks to acquire its own GGO identity. Nevertheless, the switch in venue was needed since the Jaycees were adamant about not limiting ticket sales."

ggoblogger: Can you share with me your favorite GGO moment?

Woody Durham: "I have two favorite GGO memories. The first, in 1973, came when I played in the GGO Pro-Am at Sedgefield with Chi-Chi Rodriguez—who went on to win the tournament by one shot over Lou Graham—and Foster Brooks. Between the two of them, with Forest doing a different drunk routine on every tee, I laughed my way through the entire round.

The second, in 1977, came at the end of the tournament when some of my best friends, all of whom were former GGO General Chairman, threw me in the Forest Oaks pool. It was keeping with a GGO tradition, and there was I, a local TV sportscaster who had done what I could for the tournament through the years, getting dunked just like the coporate giants and community leaders who had served as Honorary Chairman before me."

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Old Timers Fish Fry

Old Timers Fish Fry at Forbis Farm

The Board of Directors reminds you that our annual fish fry at Forbis Farm will be June 6th (first Monday in June) at 6:30 PM. Elections will be held after the meal, along with some meaningful business.

All members of the Green Coat/Founders Club are invited to attend. Food and Beverage will be $15.00 per person, ticket drawing is included.

DIRECTIONS:
Go out Wendover East to where it will go to down to 3 lanes, (Hwy 70) go to the stoplight at Knox Road, then make a right (South)…go a block down (just past the Fire Station) and look for the driveway on the left with Forbis Farm sign.

Eating? RSVP:
Please RSVP by June 3rd to the voice mailbox at 379-1570 mailbox 130 (or if the phone is answered, ask for the Old Timers mailbox). Please RSVP, as we want there to be enough food for you and your guest.

1977 GGO Honorary Chairman Woody Durham to Retire

The News & Record is reporting that Woody Durham, 1977 GGO Honorary Chairman and voice of the Tar Heels, is retiring after 40 years of calling games for UNC.

Monday, April 18, 2011

What's on ebay? Nike Greensboro Open Golf Shirt


"Nike golf polo golf shirt
White with black/light green stripes
Greensboro open Nike Tour logo on left chest
Sedgefield country club logo on right arm
great condition
100% cotton
24" armpit to armpit
27" shoulder to hem"

Sunday, April 17, 2011

What's on ebay? 1975 and 1976 GGO Decanter


"Two collectible Greater Greensboro Open Whiskey Decanters, both empty. Ezra Brooks 1975, 1976. No chips or cracks. "Golf bag" bottle has no cork."

Saturday, April 16, 2011

What's on ebay? 1972 GGO Decanter



"Minor wear. Tax seal has been broken. No alcohol. The decanter has been shrink-wrapped for protection at some point.

Description: This is a vintage alcohol decanter from the 1972 Greater Greensboro Open Golf Tournament. The decanter itself was made by Heritage China and is hand decorated with 24 karat gold. The alcohol that was in the decanter was Ezra Brooks Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. 11" tall. Very nice collectible piece!"

(The ggoblogger got a little excited when he saw this listing for a 1972 Greater Greensboro Open decanter. As you may know the ggoblogger wrote the book on GGO decanters and at this point had never seen one in plastic wrap. This is a good example of why you should always read the listings and pay attention to what you are getting. The plastic wrap was added later for "protection" the description reads.)

Thursday, April 14, 2011

What's on ebay? Palmer GGO Golf Bag


"Offered is this Palmer Vintage Greater Greensboro Open Cart Golf Club Bag. Vinyl covering. All zippers work. Marked with logo GGO for Greater Greensboro Open. In good usable shape."

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

What's on ebay? 1971 GGO Program


"This auction is on a 1971 Greater Greensboro Open golf tournament program. Played at the Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, North Carolina. Great condition with 112 pages."

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

What's on ebay? CCG Shirt


"THIS AUCTION IS FOR A NEW WITH TAG - E. MCGRATH SHORT SLEEVE GOLF SHIRT - XXL. THIS IS A VERY NICE LOOKING NEW SHIRT.THE SHIRT IS BRIGHT ORANGE AND HAS A CHRYSLER CLASSIC OF GREENSBORO EMBROIDERED PATCH ON THE CHEST ON THE LEFT SLEEVE THERE IS THE LOGO AND EMBROIDERED WORDING "BLUE CROSS OF NORTH CAROLINA 100% COTTON"

Sunday, April 10, 2011

What's on ebay? 1980 GGO Decanter


"Offering a neat little piece of history with this 1980 GGO Golf Cart Whiskey Decanter. GGO was the name of the GREATER GREENSBORO OPEN Golf Tournament from 1938 to 1987. It was called this until 1988 when the name was changed to the Kmart GGO and has changed names a few times since then and is now called the Wyndham Championship. The tournament was won in 1980 by Craig Stadler with a great score of 13 under par!

I purchased this an other GGO decanters at an estate auction, and the family that owned this one had several of the decanters from the '70's and '80's. I will be listing more from different years soon.

The decanter has been emptied and cleaned. The lid cork is in fair shape, and I chose not to replace it because it still will hold the lid on pretty good, but you might want to replace it in the future.

No chips or cracks. I have tried to show it from all angles in the photos.

I measures 9.5" long from the tip of the front wheel to the back of the glof clubs, 5.75" tall to the top of the golf clubs, and 4" wide a the widest point.

Take this opportunity to own a piee of Golf History!"

2001 GGCC Exec Committee Reunion



Saturday, April 09, 2011

2001 GGCC Exec Committee Reunion


Ben Owen and Judy Revels at the 2001 Greater Greensboro Chrysler Classic Executive Committee Reunion.

Friday, April 08, 2011

What's on ebay? 1997 GGCC Smart Card


"1997 PGA Tour Greater Greensboro Chrysler Classic
Golf Smart Card featuring Tom Kite. It is a smart card issued for the 1997 Greater Greensboro Chrysler Classic (GGCC) tour stop. It features a Chrysler from the tournament sponsor with the GGCC logo. This tournament was won by Frank Nobilo. This is a great piece of golf memorabilia and would make a great additon to any collection. There were four different smart cards issued for the tournament that year. This is a must for the golf card collector. High bidder wins it. Good luck!
Interesting fact: Smart Card are characterized by the integrated or embedded circuits and are sometimes called ICCs or Integrated Circuit Cards."

Thursday, April 07, 2011

What's on ebay? 1997 GGCC Smart Card


"1997 PGA Tour Greater Greensboro Chrysler Classic
Golf Smart Card
It is a smart card issued for the 1997 Greater Greensboro Chrysler Classic (GGCC) tour stop. It features a Chrysler from the tournament sponsor with the GGCC logo. This tournament was won by Frank Nobilo. This is a great piece of golf memorabilia and would make a great additon to any collection. There were four different smart cards issued for the tournament that year. This is a must for the golf card collector.

Smart Card are characterized by the integrated or embedded circuits and are sometimes called ICCs or Integrated Circuit Cards."

Wednesday, April 06, 2011

What's on ebay? 1988 KGGO Putter


"This is a very nice men's right handed vintage ping PAL 6 putter sold at the 1988 50th anniversery Greater Greensboroo Open with a ping putter steel shaft (complete with shaft band) and an original ping putterman grip. The club is 35 inches long. It is in excellent condition.. The head is made of stainless steel. At one time the Japanese golf collectors were paying up to 700 dollars for these commemorative logo ping putters. Buy this now at a fraction of the old price. This makes a very unique Christmas gift. This is an authentic ping golf club."

Tuesday, April 05, 2011

What's on ebay? 1986 GGO Coin


"You are bidding on a 1986 GGO greater greensboro open golf coin from Greensboro,North Carolina.This coin is 1/10 troy ounce 24 karat .999 fine gold.The front of the coin shows a man swinging a golf club and GREATER GREENSBORO OPEN 1986.The back shows the GGO symbol and GREENSBORO,NORTH CAROLINA USA under that the JS symbol for the J.Sinclair & co. and 1/10 troy ounce24 karat .999 fine gold.This coin is still in the original sealed holder.Comes with the original J.Sinclair & co. cloth bag and the GGO black box.All of these items are in mint shape."

Note from Jim Melvin

Good Morning,

I would like to thank everyone who attended the meeting yesterday concerning the Green Coat Club and its future. After some healthy discussion and some very good questions, the group came to a general concensus that the best decision for the future of the golf tournament was to create a new organization called The Founders’ Club.

I plan to call a meeting of the Executive Committee within the next few days and work out the details. We will be back in touch with you concerning some planned future events and the things we might need to assist the tournament. We will also develop a set of by-laws pertaining to this Founders’ Club which will essentially be the same as the Green Coat Club.

Thanks again for your attendance and your concern. Let’s be enthusiastic about the future of our golf tournament.

Jim Melvin

Monday, April 04, 2011

R.I.P. Green Coat Club 1957-2011

Note from Mike Haley

"I am unable to attend the meeting. However, if I did I would fully support the direction we are moving toward. The creation of a Founder's Club is the best opportunity to grow the tournament into the future. My sole goal is the preserve and grow the tournament. I support the creation of a Founders Club 100%. I suggested to Jim that the Founders Club logo be customized with the year the individual first took a leadership position in the tournament. Our history and heritage is the tournament's biggest asset. I hope the members of the Green Coat Club will embrace the Founders Club concept and let's move forward. It is time to show some leadership.

Had the Club made changes early on things may have been different. I did everything I could to get the Club to make these changes but nothing was done. It is time to move forward and the best way to do that is under this new entity. The tournament is vital to the Triad and Bobby and our sister communities leaders have done a great job saving the tournament. It is time to look to the future. I support moving forward with the Founders Club ASAP.

Mike Haley"

Letter from Gerald Joyce

"Jim,
Unfortunately, I am not going to be able to make the meeting tonight, as I am not able to leave Durham before 5:00. I appreciate that I am one of the few that live and work out of town, but it would be good to give those of us an opportunity to join in the vigorous debate that I am sure will ensue tonight. Since I am unable to join you all tonight, I am providing all with some of my thoughts.

This is a dramatic change that you and the Executive Committee are proposing. Is it the right thing to do, possibly. Is it going to honor our heritage, I am hopeful. The Jaycee organization over the years has declined in membership for many reasons and while we say we are going to help the organization that gave us so much, I for one only see a few of us paying back our chapter for what we were given. It is very evident from your quote in the paper that today’s organization is not where any of us would like it to be for membership and will not be if using the writers words “Members were culled from Greensboro's business and social elite”. Today’s young people are being challenged with different goals than we were faced with in the past and the organization all the way up the chain has not gotten that.

My point in all of this is not to bemoan the plight of the Jaycees, but to really question why you and the Executive Committee feel that taking over the organization to change it into something that does not bear any resemblance of our past? I understand that we want to get more people involved in the Golf Tournament, but to transform our group into nothing more than a booster club for one event in the Piedmont Triad? Don’t get me wrong, I support the Tournament each year working behind the scenes to ensure that sponsors and players have a great week so that they keep coming back, but if this is only to raise money to support the costs of the FOCC buyout and other debt then the intention of this change is to cull our ranks of those who are not able to help with that effort. Unless there is some other compelling reason to do this then my vote is a resounding NO. If this is another group that you want to start outside of the GCC, I wish you well and would consider to support by paying dues for that group in addition to the GCC.

Thanks for your time and sorry that I will miss the lively discussion.
Gerald Joyce

Greensboro Jaycee President, 2004"

Letter from Barbara Esquibel

"Fellow Green Coaters:

Since I no longer live in the area, I will be unable to make tonight’s meeting to discuss the proposal to change the Green Coat Club to The Founders Club. I know my “vote” or opinion might not matter, since I did not pay my dues this year (the first time in 10 years), but I wanted to voice my opinion for whatever it may be worth.

While I understand the need to try to bring in new people to ensure the success of the tournament, I am not sure why we have to change the name of the Green Coat Club as it currently stands? Do we have to bring these “movers and shakers”, as they were referred to in the Greensboro News and Record, into our organization for them to feel part of the tournament? Will they not want to serve as an official host of the tournament if they are not wearing a green coat? Can we not form a Founders Club without it being part of the Green Coat Club or removing the Green Coat name altogether?

There has been much discussion about our history. If memory serves me correctly, it was the Jaycees who started the tournament. In past years, in order to be a General Chairman of the tournament one had to be a Jaycee first. Some General Chairmen I know feel that their Jaycee time was time well spent prior to moving onto a tournament role. I know the landscape of the Jaycees has changed dramatically over the last 20 years, but I don’t think there is a person who would disagree that it was (and still potentially can still be) the best leadership opportunity for young people in the area. If the Jaycees have failed over the years, should we not try to rally around them to help them succeed much like we do the tournament?

My Green Coat means so much to me. It reminds me that I worked hard (for both the chapter and the tournament for over 10 years) to reach a level of leadership in the greatest leadership opportunity in the world for young people. It acknowledges the sacrifices I made. It represents the fact that the Jaycee membership believed in me to lead the organization. It means that I secured a place in our history (not only as a President, but as one of a handful of female Green Coaters). My green coat was never about the tournament. If we are going to allow people to become Green Coaters just because of their money or their status in the region, to me that means my coat has a little less value.

As I said, my “vote” apparently does not count, because I am not a “member in good standing.” I think that is the first time someone can say that about my membership in the Jaycees, JCI or the Green Coat Club. I will be paying my dues next year to what I hope will continue to be the Green Coat Club.
Thank you for your attention to my opinion.

Barbara Esquibel
2001 Jaycee President

Sunday, April 03, 2011

What's on ebay? 1975 GGO Decanter

EZRA BROOKS GREATER GREENSBORO OPEN GOLF DECANTER 1975
"You are bidding on a Yellow Ezra Brooks 90 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky Decanter depicting a trophy shaped decanter with a white golf ball on top and a gold base. The front lists GGO Greater Greensboro Open March 31-April 6 1975. The decanter also has a picture of a golfer in a swinging motion. The back has crossed golf clubs and GG75 round shape. The decanter is in great condition."

What's on ebay? 1938 Sedgefield Inn Postcard


This is an early postcard showing the 'Sedgefield Inn, A Superb Golf Course at its Very Door.' Divided back, postally-used in 1938, postmarked Greensboro, NC, clean condition.

Saturday, April 02, 2011

What's on ebay? Wire Photo of 1986 GGO Champion Sandy Lyle



"Wirephoto from the Historic Archives of the Chicago Tribune Photo Sandy Lyle Golfer Greensboro Open

Own a piece of history with this wire photograph from the working archives of The Chicago Tribune Newspaper in Chicago, Illinois, a Tribune Company Publication. This rare collectible photograph comes with a serialized, embossed Certificate of Authenticity signed by the Archive Administrator of The Chicago Tribune and is shipped in a beautiful presentation folder by Masterpiece Marketing Group, the exclusive dealer of the Tribune Photo Archives. Each photo is unique and once it’s sold it’s gone forever!"

What's on ebay? 1980 GGO Decanter


"Vintage GGO colectable Daviess County Wiskey decanter. Empty in great condition, no cork."

What's on ebay? K MART GREATER GREENSBORO OPEN 50TH ANNIVERSARY 1998


"K MART GREATER GREENSBORO OPEN 50TH ANNIVERSARY 1998
March 28 - April 3, 1988
Forest Oaks Country Club, Greensboro, North Carolina
This is a great item for the collector, enthusiast, and/or fan. It recaps the 1987 GGO, course layout, gallery etiquette, 50 years of GGO Memories."

Friday, April 01, 2011

What's on ebay? 1991 KGGO Ball Marker

What's on ebay? 1978 GGO Course Map



"1978 Greater Greensboro Open promotional sheet and course map...single sheet, two sides pictured on scan...corners and edges show some wear and there is a bit of light staining...measures approximately 8x12""