Battle on the Back Nine: Thrilling Finish Sums Up Second Annual Greater Hickory Classic at Rock Barn

Though the sun has set on another fantastic Greater Hickory Classic at Rock Barn, the enthusiasm created by the week’s events and nail-biting finish is still swirling around the second annual PGA TOUR’s Champions Tour event, held August 16-22, 2004 at Rock Barn Golf & Spa in Conover, NC.

Spectators once again came out to the Greater Hickory Classic at Rock Barn in record numbers - approximately 81,000 - almost matching that of last year’s inaugural tournament. From the Open Qualifier and first ever Greater Hickory High School Classic on Monday to the three rounds of competition on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of tournament week, crowds lined the fairways to watch the tournament’s unique events and some of the world’s most legendary players, including Bruce Fleisher, Jim Thorpe, Craig Stadler, Gary Player and Doug Tewell, play the game they know best.

With a close finish between Tewell and Fleisher, who both competed in the tournament’s final group on Sunday, August 22, 2004, Tewell managed to sink a 12-foot birdie to win the 2004 Greater Hickory Classic at Rock Barn by one shot. Tewell’s victory was his eighth career title on the Champions Tour and gave him five straight years on the circuit with at least one victory.

During the closing ceremonies on the 18th Green, Tewell was presented with a championship Waterford crystal trophy cup and other unique gifts familiar to the Greater Hickory region. After taking a load-off in his “Champions Chair,” a Carolina Porch Rocker awarded to the winner as a commemorative gift, Tewell was given a Hickory Stick Putter, a replica of a 19th century McEwan putter created by master craftsman Eddie Hamrick of Hickory, NC.

Along with outstanding championship play, the tournament once again hosted the Hickory Furniture Mart Home Furnishings Pavilion, Greater Hickory Classic Expo and the Dale Jarrett Shootout, won by the honorary chairman himself, Dale Jarrett, and his team, including Champions Tour pro Mark Lye and tournament VIP Bob Greczyn, CEO/President, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of North Carolina. A $25,000 check was presented to the Dale Jarrett Foundation, which donated the funds to area charities in honor of the winning team.

Other charities benefited from the Greater Hickory Classic at Rock Barn as well, including the Catawba County United Way, Hickory Jaycees, American Legion Baseball and Hickory Metro Sports Commission. To help staff the event and assure another successful week, the tournament was fortunate to have had approximately 1,200 dedicated volunteers give countless hours and energy to the event.

With the announcement of the tournament renewed through 2006, the Greater Hickory Classic at Rock Barn is now set to become a foundation for which the Greater Hickory Metro area is quickly becoming known. Tentatively set for October 3-9, 2005, next year’s week long tournament will certainly draw the same large crowds and familiar players to Rock Barn Golf & Spa during the season when the region’s climate and scenery is at its peak of perfection.

For tickets and information for the next Greater Hickory Classic at Rock Barn, call 1-866-ROCK-BARN or 828-459-4000 or visit www.greaterhickoryclassic.com.

by Beth Hardy