By Hank Shackelford
First of all thanks to all those who made this the most successful Stone Cup ever.
That includes all those who gave of their time and money to participate.
That includes all the parents and other spectators who came out to support the tournament.
This year we had a record of around 75 spectators watching the final hole at the JCC and around 40 who watched the 7 man playoff at Jackson National as the sun set. That was cool.
That includes the members of Jackson National, Woodland Hills and the Jackson Country Club who graciously allowed us to use their golf courses to host this Championship. We could not have the Championship without their generosity.
Thanks to Gary Gresham and Bank of Jackson for sponsoring the Tournament for all these years. This home-town bank knows the importance of community events.
That includes the people behind the scenes that are up with the sun to mow the fairways and greens and roll them and rake the sand traps so that the conditions are perfect for the players. They never get the credit they deserve.
That includes the people who work in the Pro Shop and the Cart Boys and the Food and Beverage staff who just smile and serve the players and spectators and like the ground crews, never ever get enough thanks for what they do.
That includes Tom and Dana Talkington at Jackson National and David Gremmels at Woodland Hills and Kedric Perkins and Michael Hutcheson at the Jackson Country Club, who support this tournament with their time and talents, simply because they love the game of golf and are dedicated to the development of the young people who play it. Kedric and Michael took time away from their families to watch every shot of the Finals today. Thanks guys.
Now what the heck happened on the final day of the 2020 Stone Cup?
You had to be there, to see it, to believe it.
STONE CUP
In the morning round Jeff Reuter defeated Jon Sain, 6 & 5; and. JJ Zimmer knocked off the defending Champion Aaron Ingalls, 3 & 2, setting up the match-up of the #1 and #2 seeded players from the qualifying round. As stated above, the largest crowd in the history of the Stone Cup watched an epic battle.
Jeff is 39 and a very experienced player and a member of the JCC. JJ, the defending Large Class State High School Champion whose practice regime and dedication to golf is becoming legendary. At 17, JJ is really fit and came seemingly play all day, every day.
At 39, Jeff knew he was going to have to really dig deep to play his best in the Finals, his 5th round of golf in less than 48 hours.
Both had able caddies. JJ had his friend Pearce Holsinger and Jeff had his good friend and the defending Stone Cup Champion, Aaron Ingalls who JJ knocked off in the morning. I doubt they got paid, but were there for their buddies and both did a great job.
Back and forth the match went. After 9 the match was even. After 14 Jeff was 2-up with 4 to play.
On 15 JJ hits his second shot to about 6 feet and two putts a knee knocker for a birdie to get the deficit down to one hole. They halve 16.
Both go for 17 in two and JJ prevails with a 5-foot downhill birdie putt to tie the match, taking same to 18.
With the whole crowd surrounding the 18th green, JJ nails his driver right down the middle about 300 yards, leaving himself about 75 yards to a front pin.
Jeff pulls his drive to the left and his only shot is to punch it around the trees and hope he can roll it on the green. He punches the shot, but comes up short of the green in the rough on the left apron of the green. JJ nails his second shot about 12 feet above the pin.
Advantage JJ. Big Advantage, JJ.
Everybody is watching. Jeff knows he has to hit a delicate pitch on the green of about 20 feet that will break about 4 feet to his right, a really hard shot.
He studies the shot, rehearses his swing and of course, holes it out. When the ball falls into the hole, one hears the largest roar from a crowd heard at the JCC in a very long time.
JJ settles himself, addresses the ball, strokes it, but comes up just short and right on his putt.
Jeff Reuter wins the Stone Cup. JJ Zimmer is a very worthy runner-up.
Doc Ames, a personal friend of Mr. Stone and his friend Butch Cashon is present to award the trophies to Jeff and JJ.
Jeff’s wife and daughter and JJ’s parents are present. Hugs are all around.
Senior Stone Cup
When Danny Green and Billy Walker tee it up, it is guaranteed that there will be a worthy champion. This day Danny prevailed 6 & 5 to win his second Senior Stone Cup. More importantly, they both were awarded their trophies by one of their closest friends in the whole world, Doc Ames. The stories these three could tell on each other and others, well never mind. Well done Danny.
Beverly Pearce Cup
This year there was more participation in the Ladies division than ever before. Claire Henson, a Freshman to be at the University School, outlasted Nicole Taylor of Union University, 3 & 2 in a very well-played match. The referee for the match was Ms. Lisa Hollis standing in for Beverly and her friend Mona Ward. Beverly should take great pride in establishing this award and the impact that it has on young ladies. Ms. Hollis commented that not only was she impressed by the golf skills of Claire and Nicole, but their sportsmanship and good manners demonstrated what fine young ladies they are. Well done Claire and Nicole; and, really well done to their parents. You got it right.
