Management firm says amenities will bring players back next year
FARMINGTON – When the golfers return to their homes or their next tournament, they’ll be talking about more than the golf course and the $4 million purse with their family and fellow golfers that did not participate in the 84 Lumber Classic of Pennsylvania. They’ll also talk about the food.
Yes, they like the Mystic Rock golf course and the $4 million purse, but it’s the sumptuous feasts, both on and off the field of play, that have the participants talking before and after the golf rounds, according to Bud Martin, SFX Sports Management Inc.’s executive director of the tournament.
SFX is in a position to hear the players’ opinions as it manages 30 percent of the 144 professional golfers taking part in the 84 Lumber Classic, in addition to overseeing the tournament itself.
“First impressions count when an event is being held for the first time,” said Martin. “The (non-Classic participants) are going to want to know what the resort is like and how the course played, but there are other things that keep the guys coming back.”
A milkshake specialty spurs some golfers to attend an international tour event, said Martin. At Nemacolin, the buzz is about the gravy that is being served.
“They are also raving about the player marquee areas, where they are able to get something to eat before or after a round,” he said.
Another feature that has been the talk of the players is the on-site fishing area.
“One golfer said he took his wife fishing and she caught one when she has difficulty even catching a cold,” said Martin.
No one doubts the commitment of the Hardy family to the continuation of the tournament.
“That is the most important factor to the players,” said Martin. “They have to feel that the primary support mechanism, which is the Hardy family, is committed to the success of the tournament.
“That has already been answered with an overwhelming yes.”
84 Lumber Co. owner and founder Joseph Hardy Sr. has signed a four-year title sponsorship agreement with the PGA Tour.
Martin said golfers have had some minor complaints. The rainy weather that followed the players on Monday as they took their practice rounds and the heavy rain and winds that halted play altogether on Friday raised some unfavorable remarks, as did criticism by others that the greens are “too undulating.”
But if Saturday’s comments are any indication, Mystic Rock will be high on the golfers’ leaderboard.
“You can’t please everyone, but you do try to please the majority,” he said. “When this tournament is assessed down the road, it is going to be said that it was a good experience.”