BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA | The Tavistock Cup received more notoriety and TV coverage, but when it comes to unique interclub matches, it’s difficult to beat the Golf Road Cup.
Started in 1999, Quail Ridge Country Club and Delray Dunes Golf and Country Club have been playing Ryder Cup-style matches between their members and PGA professionals for two decades, alternating at each club.
What started as an idea between two friends – Dick Horne of Quail Ridge and Troy Wheat of Delray Dunes – who were members of private clubs with a large number of single-digit-handicap golfers, has blossomed into one of the most-anticipated weekends if you’re a member of Quail Ridge or Delray Dunes.
Unlike the Tavistock, which featured tour pros from Orlando’s Lake Nona and Isleworth clubs taking helicopters or planes, most participants in the Golf Road Cup ride a golf cart. That’s because the clubs are one mile apart, linked by the same street.
Hence, the name.
“I don’t know of another competition between two clubs that are so close together in distance,” said Jay Sigel. “That’s why there is so much camaraderie between the players.”
It’s not just the close proximity between the clubs that makes the Golf Road Cup special. It’s players such as Sigel, who won two U.S. Amateurs before turning professional and winning eight times on the PGA Tour Champions.
Sigel joined a Delray Dunes side already led by Bob Murphy, who won a U.S. Amateur, five titles on the PGA Tour and 11 times on the PGA Tour Champions before becoming a longtime announcer for NBC. Delray Dunes’ first PGA professional, Laurie Hammer, also won a PGA Tour event (the 1967 Haig & Haig Scotch Invitational with partner Dave Stockton) before switching careers.
Quail Ridge has countered with star amateurs such as Kevin Hammer (Laurie’s son), who was the second-ranked junior in the U.S. behind David Duval; Ronnie Grove, who won more than 10 amateur titles and while working in investment banking came up with the idea for today’s PGA Tour stars to be paid by bank transfer instead of on the first tee of the next event; and 90-year-old Bob Harris, who routinely beats his age – and his far-younger competitors in the Golf Road Cup.
Harris’ son, John, also won a U.S. Amateur. Vinny Giles, who won a U.S. Amateur and a British Amateur, played once for Quail Ridge as an honorary member. But he was told he’d have to move to Quail Ridge to keep playing.
Hey, golf has its rules.
More than 400 people watch the competition, which features live scoring posted on carts that follow each match. Everyone knows what’s going on, and everybody knows everybody.
These men make up the fabric of the Golf Road Cup. They don’t play golf for a living, but golf is a tremendous part of their lives.
“Quail Ridge has so many experienced players who really know how to play the game,” said Murphy, who at 75 stopped playing two years ago because of health reasons but still attends every match.
“I used to tell my son-in-law, the guy you’re playing (against) today has played more years of golf than you play rounds in a year.”
Players must qualify to make the team each year, with the club champion serving as captain. Twelve matches are played on Saturday and 12 singles on Sunday, with the directors of golf meeting first in singles.
More than 400 people watch the competition, which features live scoring posted on carts that follow each match. Everyone knows what’s going on, and everybody knows everybody.
“It’s really brought the clubs together, and that’s what makes these matches special,” Kevin Hammer said. “We all share love for the game of golf.”
Quail Ridge had reason to celebrate last Sunday, beating Delray Dunes, 14½-9½, on the South Course to edge ahead 10-9-1 in the series. Delray Dunes led 4-2 after Saturday morning’s doubles session, but Quail Ridge took the lead that afternoon and pulled away.
Sigel won both of his doubles matches, but had to withdraw from Sunday’s singles because of a hip injury. It wouldn’t have mattered.
“We got it handed to us,” Sigel said.
Delray Dunes will try to get even next year. But it’s golf that’s the big winner here.
“I never thought 20 years ago the Golf Road Cup would turn into what it has,” Horne said. “It’s been a wonderful thing for both clubs.”