by Zach Hamilton, Hidden Creek Head Golf Professional

The 2022 Fall Member-Guest at Hidden Creek began with most participants arriving late in the morning on Thursday, October 6. Prior to the practice round, for their tournament gift, all participants were fit for the brand new Titleist TSR driver powered by a UST Mamiya shaft with the help of Adam Lash, Dormie Network Master Clubfitter, as well as representatives from both Titleist and UST Mamiya. The majority of teams played in the optional practice round that included a net better ball format as well as net skins. After the practice round, players enjoyed a spread of whole roasted pig, Calabrian parmesan Orgenata shrimp, charred peppers, and truffle parmesan whipped potatoes. Following dinner, the players made their way to the range to play cornhole, hit golf balls at targets, and enjoy regional draught beverages as well as a Mr. Softee ice cream truck.

Friday morning marked the beginning of the official tournament with three 9-hole matches being played throughout the day. Lunch was served on the course during round two and consisted of mini short rib mac & cheese, buffalo chicken sliders, chilled Asian noodle salad, and Asian pork belly sliders. After round three, golfers went up to their respective houses, freshened up, and returned for a spectacular dinner on the driving range tee that included: bone-in veal parmesan, pasta cheese wheel station, clams and cockles in white broth, and was finished off with fresh cannoli. Following dinner, players made their way to the illuminated putting green to play a 9-hole team aggregate putting contest that awarded the winners with a bottle of Colonel E.H. Taylor bourbon each.

Saturday marked the final day of the event with two rounds being played followed by the Championship Shootout. The four flight winning teams in addition to two wild card teams qualified to participate in the shootout.

The alternate-shot Championship Shootout took place on holes 1, 8, and 9 with two teams being eliminated on Hole 1 (and included an impressive snap-fade from 1 fairway by Yaskowski that ultimately led to him and his partners’ elimination), two teams eliminated on Hole 8 (determined by a chip-off after a three-way tie), and left two final teams to play for the championship on Hole 9. The two final teams consisted of last year’s champions, Pollack & Schroeder, as well as League & Smith. After tying Hole 9 the first time being played, League & Smith went on to win with a par on the second playing of Hole 9.

After the awards ceremony in the clubhouse, players were treated to their final dinner which consisted of a massive lobster bake, twice baked loaded potatoes, and chocolate domes for dessert.

Congratulations again to all our flight winners and overall champions, thanks to all who participated, and we look forward to seeing you all back at Hidden Creek in 2023!