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The 34th edition of the Golf Trip kicks off earlier than normal to avoid a scheduling conflict with Easter.  The change puts us in Southern Pines during Masters Week.  As a result, Hank “Coach” Fennell made the unfortunate choice to attend the Masters rather than to defend his last year’s victory.  We’ll all miss Coach and wait breathlessly to see if The Turtle appears for this year’s event.

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Accommodations are another casualty of the schedule, as the Ross Lodge, our normal digs, was unavailable.  Consequently, the cadre will be split for the first time in recent memory.  Half of the group will reside at the Pine Needles 19th Hole Lodge beginning on April 9.  The balance will be housed at the adjacent Fairway Lodge beginning April 10.  The 19th hole is familiar to some who stayed there several years ago for a night prior to the opening round.  It is a serviceable facility, though lacking the opulence of the Ross Lodge.  The reviews are pending on the Fairway Lodge. 

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After last year’s set field, the deck has been shuffled for various reasons.  In addition to the aforementioned Fennell, his partner, Matt “Marv” Thornbury opted out this year.  Joe “Baby” Huie couldn’t go as a result of injuries.  Their absences opened the door to a couple new players and the return of one of the Tour’s most popular competitors.

 

Newcomer Sam Smith was recruited to pair with “The Right Revered” Monty Walton.  As is usually the case for a first timer, Smith is an unknown quantity, though reportedly a player.  He’ll open with quota of 24 points.  Last year marked Walton’s prodigal return after an interregnum of some length.  The layoff was apparent, however, as Walton finished in 13th place.  The Reverend’s resulting point adjustment should be reason for optimism this year.  

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The re-emergence of Danny “Depot Stove” Pressley marks the return of another Prodigal Son.  One the more popular players on the tour, Pressley is widely regarded a lively raconteur, often regaling the players with tales of such things as the Sweetheart of the Golf Trip and Larry The Stove Whippin’ Barber.  Also a player a some renown, The Stove was usually in contention for the Cup and the Turtle.  For unknown reasons, Depot departed the Tour some years ago, only to find his way back this year as partner to Michael “The Chairman” Wood.  Wood comes off a respectable 4th place finish last year.  Age and infirmities have forced a move to the senior tees, however.  The resulting 4 point adjustment may take a year to reach equilibrium. 

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Though memory dims, the old-timers may recall the nascent appearance of Rob Shelor in the 2012 event, which resulted in little fanfare.  Rob’s offspring, Ben Shelor, will make his first tournament appearance this year.  Ben arrives with a hefty 32 point quota, implying a heightened skill level above that of dear old Dad’s.  Shelor will pair with Abe “The Galloping Ghost” Wood.  The Ghost was off a bit last year, finishing tied for 14th.  He also relinquished the Templeton Cup after a lengthy hold on it.  Wood hopes for a bounce back this year.  This pair will be among the favorites for the Templeton Cup. 

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Speaking of the Templeton Cup, Norm the “The Total Package” Templeton was finally able to wrest the Cup away from Wood last year.  After 15 years of chasing it, the Package finally claimed the Cup that bears his name.  Templeton will be reluctant to give it up, but will face a stern test from the Wood/Shelor team.  Templeton will pair with traditional partner Dan “The Man” Moore.  Moore comes off a second place finish last year following a positive transition to the senior tees.  He'll try to continue that trend through the headwinds of an inflated point quota.

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Returning for another run at The Turtle are the curmudgeonly duo of Mike “Hoppa” Penland and Dennis “Wilford Brimley” McClane.  Penland served notice early that he was out unless his progeny, Bryan “The Mannequin” Penland, could attend.  The return nulla bona of Mike King and Richard Matlock assured the presence of the Penland clan.  Hoppa will vie for the Turtle, but likely not the Templeton Cup.  Newly minted retiree Dennis McClane may be in position for a Turtle run if he can actually manage four consecutive rounds.  The jury is still out on that prospect.

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Bryan “The Mannequin” Penland and his partner Chuck “Diesel” Courmier return for their third try at Turtle fame.  Prior efforts have proved pedestrian at best; both finished near the middle of the pack last year.  After a couple years of quota adjustments and acquired course knowledge, however, look for one of these guys to have a breakout effort in the Turtle Hunt. 

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Greg “The Loguemeister” Logue will be teamed with his fifth different partner in a row in the person of Jeff “Sir Title Lock” McCall.  Necessitated by the absence of Joe Huie, these friends of longstanding will be paired on the Golf Trip for the first time.  Logue comes in following recent knee replacement surgery.  With little time to prepare for the Trip, it’s anyone’s guess whether the Loguemeister’s new equipment will withstand the rigors of four competitive rounds.  Always a contender, McCall had a strong third place finish last year.  He’ll hope to build on that effort to reclaim his second Turtle in four years.  

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Due to weather conditions in last year’s final round, Jonathan “Mayhem” Greer and Carlton “The Senator” Logue didn’t play, opting instead to depart early for Pennsylvania.  The resulting last place finishes are not, therefore, indicative of their true skill levels.  In prior years, both have shown promise.  Greer’s 4th place finish in 2023 bodes well for this year’s prospects.  The Senator’s 2nd place finish in 2022 indicates he may be poised to finally get over the hump for a Turtle win. 

 

Here are the usual helpful links to make your stay more enjoyable:  The Golf Trip Invitation; Room Assignments; Tournament Rules; Initial Quota Sheet; and Tee Times and Pairings.

 

Remember to have fun out there.

 

--C. D.-- 4/2/2025

 

Another trip around the sun finds us headed back to Southern Pines for the 33rd edition of the Golf Trip. 

 

For the first time in recent memory no rookie players will participate in this year’s event.  Everyone has played in at least one prior tournament, including the “Right Reverend” Monty Walton.  An originator of the Golf Trip, Walton returns after a 13-year literal sabbatical that included a sojourn in divinity school.  It’s sort of a reverse prodigal son story.  Walton will pair with Greg “The Loguemeister” Logue, another co-founder of the Trip, who has never missed one.  Walton will be Logue’s fourth partner in as many years. 

 

Returning for their second bite at the apple are the Nashville duo of Bryan “The Mannequin” Penland and Chuck “Diesel” Cormier.  This pair decided to come back after last year’s effort, despite inflated first-year quotas and withdrawal from the final round.  Their appearance was made possible by the absence of two Trip regulars, Mike “The Viceroy” King and Richard “Purple Rain” Matlock.  Both decided European travel was a classier pursuit than Turtle hunting, so they opted to pass on this year’s event.  Perhaps we will be graced again by King’s plus-fours at some future date. 

 

Changing the course line-up evidently worked its magic, as Dennis “Wilford Brimley” McClane and Mike “Hoppa” Penland will make return appearances.  And they will be happy to learn this year’s event features yet a new track in the form of the Southern Pines Golf Club, an affiliate of our usual haunts.  Southern Pines will take center stage for Friday’s round.  Traditional stop Mid Pines will be Saturday’s venue, with everyone’s favorite, Pine Needles, hosting the Thursday and Sunday rounds.

 

Norm "The Total Package” Templeton will return following an extended stint on the disabled list.  Templeton wasted no time getting back in the saddle following bypass surgery last year, so he should in top form.  He’ll compete for the both the Templeton Cup and the Turtle.  The Package resumes his traditional partnership with Dan “The Man” Moore.  Moore hopes last year’s move to the senior tees pays dividends for his Turtle hopes.

 

In years past, no one would have thought Carlton “The Senator” Logue and Jonathan “Mayhem” Greer would be steadying influences.  But with all the recent volatility in the pairings, they are a still point in a turning world.  Both have shown continued improvement over the years, alternately challenging the winners in the last two tournaments.  One or both could be ready for a breakout this year. 

 

The tandem of Jeff “Sir Title Lock” McCall and Joe “Baby” Huie provides another rock of stability as they continue their paring for the fourth consecutive year.  Huie is never off his quota by much, so he will be in the mix for the Turtle.  McCall is seeking to regain the form that won the Turtle just two short years ago.  After his disastrous campaign in 2023, his reduced quota may open the door for a successful Turtle endeavor.

 

Hank “Coach” Fennell returns after a mildly successful rookie campaign last year.  Fennell avoided the customary first-year doldrums, playing close to his home handicap and even registering an RVF.  He will be breaking in a new partner in the form of Michael Wood’s son-in-law, Matt “Marv” Thornbury.  Thornbury returns following a three-year hiatus.  Thornbury is widely regarded as proficient and will compete for both the Turtle and the Templeton Cup.

 

The pairing of Michael “The Chairman” Wood and Abe “The Ghost” Wood dominated last year’s event.  Abe completed the fabled Turtle Slam, absconding with both the Templeton Cup and the Turtle.  Michael was second in the Turtle hunt, edging out Matlock and Greer.  The return of Thornbury and a reconstructed Templeton will challenge The Ghost’s defense of the Cup.  The Chairman’s mercurial style makes it difficult to handicap his prospects of a successful Turtle pursuit.

 

The customary accoutrements are at the links:  The Golf Trip Invitation; Room Assignments; Tournament Rules; Initial Quota Sheet; and Tee Times and Pairings.

 

Here’s to another successful year in Southern Pines.

 

--C. D.-- 4/12/2024

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As our cadre continues to evolve, we see the return of a couple of old war horses from years past and four new players.  Age and infirmity continue to shuffle the deck as well.  
 

The senior dynamic duo of Dennis "Wilford Brimley" McClane and Mike "Hoppa" Penland return  after a four-year hiatus.  Evidently McClane's disdain for Mid Pines has waned in the twilight.  Perhaps switching to Pine Needles on the final day has helped in that regard.  
 

With the return of Hoppa, we welcome the fruit of his loins, Bryan "The Mannequin" Penland and his playing partner, Chuck "Diesel" Courmier.  Both players appear to possess some measure of skill on the links, reporting initial quotas of 21 and 24 respectively.  Courmier's marker puts him in the running for the coveted Templeton Cup, despite being a first-year player.  
 

The Wood contingent continues its infusion of new blood with the addition of Hank "Coach" Fennell and Jordan "J" Wall. Wall comes in sporting a quota of 20, so he should be in the mix.  Fennell's highest initial quota of 25 makes him the leader in the clubhouse for the Templeton Cup. This should be a dynamic pair.  
 

Longtime tour regular Norm "The Total Package" Templeton is on injured reserve following bypass surgery in February. The prognosis is good for a full resumption of golf activities, but not in time for this year's Trip.  Michael "The Hoser" Moser was slated to return following major back surgery in 2021.  It is a no go this year, however, as recovery has moved at its own pace.  
 

As a result, Greg "The Loguemeister" Logue and Dan "The Man" Moore have assembled a team for this year.  Despite being among the longest tenured tour players, the two have never paired for this event. Perhaps the change of scenery will improve their play.
 

As we go to press, Richard "Purple Rain" Matlock and Mike "The Viceroy" King, are scheduled to appear and resume their usual pairing.  That could change, however, as Matlock nurses a fractured metatarsal resulting from a February tumble into the Grand Canyon.  Their presence hinges on the pronouncements of Matlock's podiatrist.

 

With all the comings a goings, three groups remain solid from last year.  The team of Carlton "The Senator" Logue and Jonathan "Mayhem" Greer remain intact for another quest for the Turtle.  The Senator is reportedly striking the ball with some authority.  Mayhem is always exciting.  
 

Jeff  "Sir Title Lock" McCall returns in defense of his Turtle win a year ago.  Despite the win, his points remain low.  A defense of the title remains manageable.  McCall will continue with his playing partner Joe "Baby" Huie, whose steady game will keep him in contention.

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The final group of Michael "The Chairman" Wood and son Abe "The Ghost" Wood will continue apace. Abe's grip on the Templeton Cup was interrupted by Ken Parent last year. It appears Fennell and Courmier will be the main obstacles this year.  The Chairman's game continues its meanderings.  But with a starting quota of 14, The Chairman will be in the hunt.                            
 

Here are the usual links to the 2023 Golf Trip tip sheets:  The Golf Trip Invitation; Room Assignments; Tournament Rules; Initial Quota Sheet; and Tee Times and Pairings.
 

Let's have another good one.  Be careful out there.  

 
--C. D.-- 4/10/2023
 

 

As we enter the next thirty years of the Golf Trip, we realize that the more things change, the more they stay the same.  Players and pairings may come and go, but the traditions of the Golf Trip remain steadfast.  There may come a day when Greg “The Loguemeister” Logue is not handing out the tee times and pairings for the first round at Pine Needles.  But that day is not yet here and won’t be for the foreseeable future.  As we tread the hallowed grounds of Mid Pines and Pine Needles, we become acutely aware of the traditions that surround us.  And we soldier on, ever in pursuit of the inscrutable Turtle.

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Our thirty-first Southern Pines Invitational begins on April 21, 2022.  A couple of new faces will adorn the player page, and a couple new pairings will emerge.  For reasons yet unknown, Richard “Purple Rain” Matlock and defending Turtle champion Mike “The Viceroy” King will share their talents with new partners.  Matlock will team with The Loguemeister, forming a dynamic Mendoza-Line duo.  That opening paves the way for the entrance of Garrett “Big Bird” Lischer, who will occupy Matlock’s former spot as King’s partner. 

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Ford “Floyd” Little has traded his partner from last year for a real golfer in the person of Ken “Co” Parent.  Parent arrives sporting the highest quota on the board, so he will begin the week as the Templeton Cup favorite.  We may get a real time test of how home track handicaps translate to Southern Pines courses.

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The Wood contingent has also shuffled the deck.  Nathan “George” Forman and Matt “Marv’ Thornbury couldn’t be enticed for a return trip.  Michael “The Chairman” Wood and son Abe “The Ghost” Wood will reunite to man the ramparts together.

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And, finally, returning after a year in absentia is Jonathan “Mayhem” Greer.  He will reunite with Carlton “The Senator” Logue, who paired with his dad last year.  Both are hoping the reshuffle leads to big things. 

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The balance of the field remains intact from a year ago; the updated player page can be viewed here. 

 

And as always, we provide you with the essentials of the Golf Trip experience:  The Golf Trip Invitation; Room Assignments; Tournament Rules; Initial Quota Sheet; and Tee Times and Pairings.

 

Good luck to everyone.  Take time to smell the azaleas while you’re here.

 

--C. D.-- 4/10/2022

4/1/2021

Editor's Note:  Due to Covid-19, the 2020 Golf Trip was rescheduled to April 22, 2021.  A note regarding the postponement from the Tournament Director is available here.  
 
It is fitting, I suppose, that we have a 21st Century website for our Thirtieth Annual Golf Trip. 

Midway through the 2019 Southern Pines Invitational, the venerable old website finally breathed its last, refusing to allow the second round scores to be posted on the Real Time Leaderboard. Like a mosquito preserved in amber, the site persists in that state--viewable but not viable.  And so it shall remain--a testament to technology that has outlived its usefulness, and an archive of our past endeavors.  But out of the fulsomeness of that obsolescence, this new, and we hope improved, website has emerged.  We have tried to adhere to the basic architecture of the old site, with some new and better features.  For now, the old website is still available here for posterity and perhaps some historic perspective on our first thirty years.
 
For the Thirtieth Anniversary of our annual trek (delayed by a year), we will once again journey to the hallowed Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club in historic Southern Pines, North Carolina.  There we will celebrate our  achievement in the Pine Needles Wine Cellar, in the midst of the finest golfing adventure a man can imagine. We will be joined by newcomers Ford “Floyd” Little, Jamey Harris, Joe Huie, and Nathan "George" Foreman, who will experience for first time the wonders of the Pine Needles and Mid Pines golf courses that have lured us back lo these many years.    
 
Tour regulars  Michael "The Hoser" Moser, Clark "Goober' Lindsey, Jonathan "Mayhem" Greer, and Adam "Tormund" Hatmaker were unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts.  And the siren song of Mid Pines was not enough to entice the return of Dennis “Wilford Brimley” McClane, and Mike “Hoppa” Penland, leaving us with a fourteen man field.
 
The rest of the players remain as they were in 2019, with the new and improved profiles available here.
As usual, other links of interest are available here: Initial Quotas Chart; Tee Times and Pairings; Tournament Invitation; Tournament Rules; and Room Assignments. 
 
Here’s to remembering our next thirty years:
 
“For my next thirty years I'm gonna watch my weight.
Eat a few more salads and not stay up so late.
Drink a little lemonade and not so many beers.
Maybe I'll remember my next thirty years.”  --Tim McGraw.

--C. D.-- 4/10/2021