The National Convention Itinerary
Credit goes to Bill Robertson and everyone on the GHS future venue committee, for envisioning a compelling itinerary, with the USGA Experience anchoring our group. Starting with a very well-attended VIP tour/reception in the museum and World Golf Hall of Fame on the evening of October 16th, to the days when we attended several educational sessions, we were welcomed very warmly and it was a perfect setting for all of our speakers.
The first session on October 17th began with Jan Ludwig, a longtime Pinehurst resident historian and member of the Donald Ross Society, who discussed The Tin Whistle Society. It claims to be the oldest continuous men’s golfing society in the U.S.
On Friday, October 18th, our agenda started with our General Membership Meeting, which included having GHS Vice President, George Petro, reveal our new soon-to-be-live GHS website. It is extraordinary and I can’t wait for it to be visible to the whole world.
The educational sessions that followed started with Jerry Austry, Past President of the Ben Hogan Company. The astonishing stories he told us are captured in his book: My Time with Mr. Hogan.
Next was an enlightening presentation by Richard Mandell, Golf Architect and Pinehurst resident, who is a specialist in restoring Donald Ross courses. You can find so much fascinating detail in his book: Life and Times of Donald Ross.
Our final session was about Art and Golf by Bob Hansen, a GHS member and collector. Bob brought just a few items from his classy shop in the Village — he collects and sells only the best of the best.
Staging the Trade Show in the Fair Barn, a few miles from our hotel, created some challenges for longtime collectors who often drive to the event and indulge in room trading in the hotel. One must remember the organization started as The Golf Collectors Society 53 years ago! It meant a lot of extra work for everyone involved, but there was a great buzz in the Barn which did draw a big crowd.