Tuesday, June 28, 2011

1981 Greater Greensboro Open

Great Moments in GGO History: The Greensboro Jaycees announced a profit of $168,125.61 from the 1981 Greater Greensboro Open. The profit was used to support over eighty projects including the Soap Box Derby, Special Olympics, N.C. Junior Miss, High I.Q. Bowl, Empty Stocking Fund, Holiday Parade and Safety Town.

Saturday, June 25, 2011

What's on ebay? 1969 GGO Program


"This vintage 1969 Greater Greensboro Open golf tournament Official Program is in very good condition with light wear. The cover pictures Billy Casper the defending Champion."

Thursday, June 23, 2011

2004 Chrysler Classic of Greensboro


John Daly on the 18th green at Forest Oaks Country Club during the 2004 Chrysler Classic of Greensboro.

2002 GGCC Golf Rock


(The following article is from the 2002 Greensboro Jaycee Projector magazine.)

"The 2002 Greater Greensboro Chrysler Classic is rapidly approaching. That means that the 2002 Golf Rock is just around the corner. The 2002 Golf Rock will be held on Friday, April 19, 2002 from 6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. at the Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center.

This year’s band line up will kick off with performances by Joe Washrag, Benj-o-matic, Cookie, and Bankwalkers (formally Cravin’ Melon). The headliners for the evening will include Athenaeum, Vanessa Carlton, and Cowboy Mouth. This year’s event promises to be a evening that no Jaycee will want to miss. Tickets are $15.00 in advance and $20.00 at the gate.

Tickets are available at the Greensboro Coliseum Box Office, Tickets.com, and at the Jaycee office. We are also currently looking for volunteers to help with this year’s event. Volunteers will be admitted free for the evening. Please see Darren Coke if you are interested in working a shift at the biggest Golf Rock party yet. Mark your calendars now for an evening filled with food, fun, and great entertainment at the 2002 Golf Rock."

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

1972 National Blind Open Golf Championship

The Greensboro Jaycees have run many golf tournaments over the years. They are known for starting the Greater Greensboro Open in 1938, but did you know that the Greensboro Jaycees also ran a national tournament for blind golfers?

The event was held on August 18,19, 20 1972 at the Starmount Forest Country Club with the proceeds going to Camp Dogwood-a camp for the visually handicapped. The event'schairman that year was Al Lineberry, Jr. Mr. Lineberry is no stranger to golf tournaments having served as the 1975 President for the Greensboro Jaycees and again as the 2003 Chrysler Classic of Greensboro Honorary Chairman.

ggoblogger: How did you get involved with the Blind Open?

Lineberry:The Greensboro Jaycees had hosted a National Blind Open several years before this and we were asked if we would like to do it again. Charlie Boswell the founder and president of the National Blind Open and the treasurer of the state of Alabama and I had met in Mobile at the Outstanding Young Men of America conference the year before and he shared with me how much they all appreciated Greensboro and would like to return. I contacted the Jaycee Board to see if there was an interest and then presented the project for approval.

ggoblogger:What can you tell me about the event itself? Was it like a mini-GGO?

Lineberry: We approached the tournament like it was the GGO but we did know the community’s interest was not as strong as the GGO but was an appreciated event. Through Carson Bain, Billy Black, II, and my father-in-law Paul Schenck, Jr. we were able to talk Sam Sneed into being our honorary chairman which was a nice plus. We did have a sponsors pro am which included Lee Petty with his son Richard as his caddy and then a two day event. We had to raise enough money to pay for the golfer, his coach and their room and board to have the tournament.

ggoblogger:Where is Camp Dogwood located?

Lineberry:Camp Dogwood is located in Rockingham County off of 220 N just after it becomes 4 lanes and is a summer camp for children with different kinds of mental and physical special needs.

ggoblogger:I've always been amazed by the generosity of the Petty family. What was it like having Lee Petty playing in the Blind Open Pro Am?

Lineberry:Lee Petty was always a fan of the GGO and was a very humble gentleman. The GGO recognized early on that he was good for the tournament and the tournament was good for him in the early years of auto racing. It was a great honor to be with him and Richard at this special event.

ggoblogger:The PGA TOUR uses the slogan "These guys are good". Could you say the same for the blind golfers?

Lineberry:As for golf they are good. Often they would shoot in the 80’s and 90’s but it was not so surprising to watch them play in the 70’s. The winner usually did. The key to a blind golfer is their absolute confidence they must have in their coach who positions them and tells the how far the hole is when putting.

ggoblogger:What surprised you the most about their level of play?

Lineberry:The golfers are very competitive yet they understand the concept of not trying to "kill" the ball but be smooth; they did that expertly. Although they had what we called a handicap they took it as a positive and often invited others to play with them at any time (especially beginning at 9 PM).

ggoblogger:Do you have a favorite story to tell about the event?

Lineberry:A couple come to mind. Charlie Boswell had a 35 foot put with a severe curve and down hill. His caddy lined him up and told him to hit it 6 feet. He hit it but Charlie thought he missed it terribly because he did not hear a cheer for what seemed to be a long time for a 6 foot put, but his ball finally went in the cup and the fans went crazy.

Most of the blind golfers at one time had sight but I remember this one young golfer who was born blind and was asked about what a tree was like. He said it was similar to an elephant’s trunk and that a golf club was the same as his leg but thinner.

This event was just special and Greensboro being the host city it is caused the National Blind Open to come back for an unprecedented 3rd time and was chaired by Rick Snead two years later.

Charlie Harvel (on right) moments afer conducting a TV interview with 1972 NBO General Chairman Al Lineberry, Jr. and Blind Golfer Charlie Boswell (middle). Photos by Chip Athey

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

2004 Chysler Classic of Greensboro Gala





Greensboro Jaycees Building Update






If you have been looking for a metaphor for the current state of the Greensboro Jaycees, look no further. Ben Owen is seen here on Tuesday, June 21, 2011 removing the Greensboro Jaycee shield from the building located a 401 North Greene street.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

1974 GGO Festival Days

Great Moments in GGO History:
1974 GGO Festival Days This three day event took place in uptown Greensboro and featured the Grandfather Mountain Cloggers, amusement booths, wheels of fortune, free balloons and putting greens. Woody Durham of WFMY was the master of ceremonies with music by Earl Lynn and the Wonders.

Friday, June 17, 2011

Owen Covington reports on Jaycee Archives

'Finding space for 75 years of Jaycees history
The Business Journal - by Owen Covington
June 10, 2011

There are priceless and significant bits of Jaycees history like minutes from some of the first meetings more than seven decades ago and thousands of photographs and slides of popular players like Arnold Palmer on the links. But there are also the more disposable bits of equipment like walkie talkies, projectors, lawn care equipment, hoes and shovels.

Last year, the club moved to auction off some of the memorabilia with numerous duplicates, such as old tournament posters, scorecards and tickets, but dispensing with those memories wasn't well received.

"People have so many memories with the Jaycees. Going through that (memorabilia), you get a sense of how huge this group and tournament has been in this community," Suggs said. "There was a big outcry in the community with that (auction)."

So the club is faced with finding a way to preserve these memories and historic items integral to the club's history without needlessly hanging onto unnecessary items. It's the challenge anyone faces when moving from a larger home to a smaller one. Sounds like the group's storage space might soon outsize their administrative offices."
This excerpt was taken from the following link. To read the entire article go to:
http://www.bizjournals.com/triad/blog/2011/06/where-to-story-75-years-of-jaycees.html?page=all

Two things worth pointing out in this article: Convington mentioned "Jaycees history like minutes from some of the first meetings more than seven decades ago" in this article. Those minutes were tossed into the trash the last time the Greensboro Jaycees moved and were pulled out and save by Frank Harris. (No relation to the ggoblogger.)

Another fun line was: "It's the challenge anyone faces when moving from a larger home to a smaller one." When you move from a large house to a small one, isn't the photo album the first thing you move?

What's on ebay? 1938 GGO Button Now Only $1,500.00


A PLAYERS PIN FROM THE FIRST
GREENSBORO OPEN!!!
BIN PRICED UNDER APPRAISAL!!
RARE AS CAN BE!!!
Get Your Attention?
I Will Take Offers..
This May be the Only Pin surviving
From The First Years Tournament.

Make Offer!!
You May Get
A GREAT DEAL!!

What Do you Think It is Worth?
Buy Now Prices Dropped to BELOW Appraisal
I need to Move These Pins For My Summer Fun!!

Yes! This is what you think it is!!!
A Player Pin From the VERY FIRST

GREATER GREENSBORO OPEN!
(Wyndham Championship !!)
MARCH 26,27,28 1938

This is a Rare as it gets!!
The Pin is in Wonderful Condition..
Slight Discolor From the Players Name.. Sadly Missing
Small Dot Stain at top on Front.. can be seen in Picture.
Slight Tarnish on Reverse
Over all a GREAT PIN!! In GREAT CONDITION!
You Do Not See an Item this Rare very Often!
This is the ONLY one of these I have ever Seen!

Sam Snead wins! This was the First of Eight Wins And
The First Year Of This Historical Event!
1938, 1946, 1949, 1950, 1955, 1956, 1960, 1965
Eight Wins Is a Record That Still Stands Today!!!

Sunday, June 12, 2011

What's on ebay? 1979 GGO Decanter


"Collectable 1979 Greater Greensboro Open, Daviess County Decanter. Shaped like a caddy waiting for rain, excellent condition, no chips or cracks. Bottom says Daviess County Liquor Bottle, 1979."

2010 Last Green Coat Club Breakfast





What's on ebay? 1978 GGO Decanter


"Collectable 1978 Greater Greensboro Open, Old Mr. Boston Decanter. Shaped like a golf cleat, says "Where Spring is Great, Forest Oaks Country Club, Mar. 27-Apr. 2, 41st GGO, $240,000 Purse." Bottom says "MB Liquor Bottle, 1978, NO-81, Royal Haliburton China." Excellent condition, no chips or cracks."

Wednesday, June 08, 2011

What's on ebay? 1974 GGO Decanter


"Collectable 1974 Greater Greensboro Open, Ezra Brooks decanter. Shaped like the state of N.C. with a golf ball topped cork. Bottom says "Heritage China, 1974,Ezra Brooks Liquor Bottle, 185." Excellent condition, no chips or cracks."

Sunday, June 05, 2011

What's on ebay? GGO The First Forty-Four Years


"GGO The First Forty-Four Years' written and edited by Smith Barrier. History of the Greater Greensboro Open Golf Tournament from 1938 to 1982. Green hardcover book published in 1982 by the Greensboro Jaycees and Chamber of Commerce. 135 pages and measures approx 9" x 12". Solid book in nice very good condition with some minor wear."

Fox 8 Reports on Greensboro Jaycees

"The Greensboro Jaycees announced Thursday the sale of their building in downtown Greensboro, but said it will not affect their ability to continue servicing the community.

The Jaycees, an organization that works through fundraisers and service projects to benefit the local community, sold their 12,600-square-feet building, located at 401 North Greene St., for $1.8 million to Carr-Powell Properties LLC.

The transaction includes about 1.4 acres of property surrounding the building itself.

"This is an incredible opportunity for the Jaycees to solidify themselves as the preeminent organization for young professionals in the Piedmont Triad. This sale will guarantee the future of the Jaycees for at least the next 75 years," former Greensboro mayor and Jaycees member Jim Melvin said in the release."

This excerpt came from the following link. To read more go to:
http://www.myfox8.com/news/wghp-story-greensboro-jaycees-sell-building-110602,0,5628282.story?track=rss

Quote of the Day

"Still a bit vague, honestly. Does secure, climate controlled environment = a storage unit out off I-85?" Karen Wilson

2002 Greater Greensboro Chrysler Classic



Bart and Judy Revels with John O'Hurley at the 2002 Greater Greensboro Chrysler Classic Gala. (Sometime between Seinfeld and Family Feud.)

Official Jaycee Statement

"Despite rumors that "Jaycees will not be able to store all the awards currently on display at the Greensboro Jaycee office", ALL of the Jaycees information, awards, collectibles etc will be stored securely in a secure, climate controlled environment. That being the case, for those past members who are interested, a list is being comprised for the pupose of allowing individuals to claim thier awards."

Two things: Does anyone else see the irony of the Jaycees using the website that Dan Eldreth and the ggoblogger created to say that I'm spreading rumors and do they not have a spell check? ("pupose" and "thier")

Correction from Kyle Suggs

The ggoblogger has been getting a lot of questions about the current Greensboro Jaycees and the recent sale of the building located at 401 N. Greene Street. I know what has appeared in the papers and I have not made any comments about this sale. (I may have responded to a friend on fb, but that's it.)This weekend, in an attempt to redirect some of the questions that I have been receiving I posted the following statement.

Attention Past Greensboro Jaycee Presidents and Tournament Chairmen. It is the ggoblogger's understanding that the Jaycees will not be able to store all the awards currently on display at the Greensboro Jaycee office. If you would like to claim awards from your year please contact Kyle Suggs President, Greensboro Jaycees
president@jaycee.org (336) 505-9832


Last night I received a comment on the Greater Greensboro Open Blog that reads,

This is incorrect. The author here, for the second, time failed to contact the source for this information.

The fact is, ALL of the Jaycees information, awards, collectibles etc will be stored securely in a secure, climate controlled environment. However, a list is being comprised to contact those individuals who who like their awards back.

I'm not sure why "If you would like to claim awards from your year please contact Kyle Suggs President, Greensboro Jaycees president@jaycee.org (336) 505-9832" is "incorrect" and "However, a list is being comprised to contact those individuals who who like their awards back" is different, but the ggoblogger stands corrected.

Friday, June 03, 2011

Greensboro Jaycee's Office Update-Awards

Attention Past Greensboro Jaycee Presidents and Tournament Chairmen. It is the ggoblogger's understanding that the Jaycees will not be able to store all the awards currently on display at the Greensboro Jaycee office. If you would like to claim awards from your year please contact Kyle Suggs President, Greensboro Jaycees
president@jaycee.org (336) 505-9832

Thursday, June 02, 2011

What's on ebay? 1938 GGO Button Revisited


This 1938 Greater Greensboro Open button showed up on ebay a couple of weeks ago and the seller was asking $19,500.00 for it. I offered him $4.00, which is what it's worth. Keep in mind that I once got a 1938 ticket for free.

The button went off ebay, only to return this week for $7,500.00. So I was prepared to offer $5.00 this time only to be told "Unfortunately, this seller has decided that you are not permitted to place best offer on their listings. You may contact the seller via the Ask Seller Questions feature if you want additional details."

Someone needs to let this seller know that the Jaycees don't even care about this stuff anymore and that the ggoblogger will let his entire GGO collection go for half that amount.

Wednesday, June 01, 2011

What's on ebay? 1984 GGO Program


"This auction is for a program from the 1984 Greater Greensboro Open golf tournament with Sam Snead and Lanny Wadkins on the cover. This program is in excellent condition.+

2003 Chrysler Classic of Greensboro




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:
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:Jimmy Maness jcmanphoto@aol.com
OR Please RSVP by June 3rd to the voice mailbox at 379-0147 mailbox 17167(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.