Preparing TEE: The PGA TOUR's Champions Tour comes to Rock Barn Golf and Spa bringing "The Greats" from all around.

The PGA TOUR’s Champions Tour has seen its share of rolling greens, from the tropical paradise of Hawaii to historic Philadelphia. In a place nestled between the Appalachian Mountains and the state capitol of North Carolina, groundskeepers and staff of Rock Barn Golf and Country Club, in Conover, work day and night preparing for an event that will soon be known as one of the biggest events in the history of Catawba County. The Champions Tour is coming to town, and Rock Barn Golf and Country Club will play host to The Greater Hickory Classic at Rock Barn September 22 – 28.

This will be just one of 28 stops for the Champions Tour as it travels throughout the country. Now one man’s dream of having the Champions Tour come to his town is possible due to a twist of fate that occurred five years ago.

Building a Dream One Step at a Time

As a successful entrepreneur, Don Beaver has always been persistent in achieving his objectives and ideas. With ownership in baseball teams in North Carolina, Tennessee, and Louisiana, as well as a seat on the board of directors of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Beaver also serves as the president and CEO of Beaver Sports Properties. In a continuous pursuit in achieving his goals, he envisioned Rock Barn Golf and Country Club as the site of one of his numerous dreams: A world-class golf course suitable for play by participants of the Champions Tour. Beaver purchased the golf and country club in 1997, and soon began the renovations needed to make his dream come true.

Established in 1969 in the Rock Barn area of Conover, the development originally claimed 400 acres of rich Catawba County land. A residential community was built bearing the same name and soon accommodated more than 300 luxurious family homes, and approximately eight miles of paved streets. A 25,000-square-foot clubhouse was added along with a pro shop, tennis and pool facilities, and two separate golf courses. These commodities helped Rock Barn earn a reputation as one of the most elite communities in the foothills of North Carolina.

In 1980, the Champions Tour began with four events created from the Senior PGA Tour. In 23 years the tour has blossomed to 31 official events, making the original $475,000 purse expanded to $52 million. The participants of the Champions Tour are aged 50 years and older, allowing for noteworthy competitive and revenue opportunities for its association. These perks have assisted in growing the recognition of golf nationally as well as internationally.

The Making of a Champion’s Course

Beaver realized that in order to have first class players, Rock Barn must have a top-notch course. Acclaimed golf course architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr. made Beaver’s dream a reality. Jones, listed as one of the top five designers in his field, has designed more than 200 of the finest golf courses in the world. For Rock Barn, he designed a first-rate golf course with undulating landscapes, lush green plateaus, and manicured fairways, using the same principles as with previous courses he designed but adding unique features to Rock Barn.

In the early part of 2001, an 18-hole championship par-72 course began to take form. A year and a half later, The Robert Trent Jones golf course was opened for use. Jones felt that respect was the main drive in accomplishing this project. In a 2003 interview with Triad Golf Today, Jones said, "There were nine holes previously here; we rerouted and rebunkered the course with a resistance to scoring. We wanted to build a course that can get your respect." Mother nature’s assistance complimented Jones’ design as he carved his mark in the Carolina countryside. "The elevation changes we had to work with offered a unique challenge and utilizing this feature to its fullest gave Rock Barn its dramatic feel and character."

Making The Dream Come True

The Greater Hickory Classic at Rock Barn was born out of a dinner conversation timed during the discontinuation of the Vantage Championship in 2002. Corporations were reluctant to continue sponsorship with the Vantage Championship with increasing lawsuits in the tobacco industry. With the cancellation, came the opportunity for Rock Barn Golf and Country Club to be the new site for the Champions Tour.

"The events surrounding The Greater Hickory Classic at Rock Barn promises to be fan friendly. That is how the PGA TOUR likes to have all of their tournaments," said Jim Correll, Executive Director of the tournament staff at Rock barn. Correll explained that fans would not only be spectators, but supporters and participants during the week. Games, interactive events, food and prizes are among a few of the fan festivities planned during the week.

A $1.5 million purse, with $225,000 to the final winner, has been made through sponsorships from PepsiCo, Inc., Bank of America Corporation, Institution Food House (IFH), RBC Centura, Corning, Garbage Disposal Services, The Hickory Furniture Mart, Anheuser-Busch, Hickory Printing Group, and BB&T.

The games of the Greater Hickory Classic at Rock Barn Pro-Am will begin Wednesday, September 24, situated between professional practice rounds, open qualification on The Jackson Course, a clinic on the driving range, pairings party, an evening gala, and an awards ceremony.

A NASCAR theme will coincide with the tournament, with 1999 NASCAR Winston Cup Series Champion Dale Jarrett serving as Honorary Chairman. Jarrett, a player and lover of golf, said, "I feel this golf course will be a real challenge for all the players, and I’m anticipating a great week for Rock Barn and Catawba County."

Followers of both racing and golf will be conveniently entertained, as Jarrett will partake in the Pro-Am games on September 23 and 24. His added support throughout the week will aid in supporting this inaugural occasion, hopefully encouraging fans of both sports to attend.

Profiting Through Participation

Tournament planners and the local tourism industry anticipate 10,000 visitors coming to Catawba County during the tournament. Various eateries, hotels, and shops are all conveniently situated around the county to serve the needs of players and spectators alike. The Golf Channel will cover the events of the tournament; the recognition will bring the excitement and importance of The Greater Hickory Classic at Rock Barn to a greater number of viewers.

Beaver said the tournament, along with Rock Barn Golf and Country Club, plans to donate a minimum of $100,000 to local charities. During the official announcement of The Greater Hickory Classic in May, Beaver said, "I truly feel this is one of the greatest events to Catawba County ever."

Ronald Parrish, a life-long Catawba County citizen, is excited about the event. "The towns that make up Catawba County have been making exerted efforts in contributing to growth and recognition," he said. "With an event like the tournament coming, everyone ends up benefiting from it. More progress can continued to be made and hopefully some of the participants will decide Catawba County is the place they want to live."

by Suzanne T. Jackson