The “Don Harradine Memorial Trophy” was specifically created to provide a yearly reminder of Don’s commitment and support for the education and recognition of the European Greenkeepers. The golf tournament rotates and is co-organized by the Greenkeeper’s associations of Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia and FEGGA (Federation of European Golf Greenkeepers Associations).
A foggy start gave way to a fantastic, clear and sunny day on the 21st of September for the 12th Don Harradine Memorial Trophy as 74 golfers played the demanding Kaiserwinkl Koessen course in Austria. The Koessen track definitely proves that a course does not have to be long to be challenging as only one player played below his handicap.
The relaxed get together on the eve of the tournament saw many familiar faces and 150 diners enjoyed the prize-giving and gala dinner after the competition.
This year’s trophy was rather special as it also commemorated the 15th anniversary of Don’s death.
Peter Harradine
12th Don Harradine Memorial Trophy at the Kaiserwinkl golf course in Kössen, Tirol
(Translated from the original German version by Hein Zopf)
Unfortunately the first attempt to play this tournament in Kössen, was abandoned in 2007 due to the extremely heavy rain.
However, Mr. Stefan Emberger the club Manager had invited the trophy to return to Kössen so that one could try to play the course again.
So, the participants headed for Kössen for the second time to play the tournament and enjoy the event which was held from the 20th to the 22nd of September. The practice rounds were held under perfect weather conditions despite rain and the threat of snow on the previous days.
The head greenkeeper Mr. Stefan Hauser and his greekeeping team managed to ensure that the course and greens were in perfect condition.
In fact, the whole course was in great shape which is more than can he said about the scores. Only one player out of 74 could actually play below his handicap.
I personally think that this is the most difficult Don Harradine layout that we have played on during the course of these tournaments (but how can a “hobby golfer” such as myself give an opinion on such a matter?).
Apart from the scores, I can remember that the main topics of conversation after the results were “the beautiful weather, perfect day” etc, etc…
As always, the atmosphere amongst the participants was grandiose, and it was difficult to notice a difference between the gala dinner and the more relaxed welcoming evening dinner. One of the reasons must have been the quality of the Hotel Seeresidenz and its event-room the Tenne. The quality of the service, food and drinks were excellent.
It seems as if there are always more participants who with their partners, take the opportunity of using this trophy as a “short holiday” in order to escape the daily stress for a little while. Many people who are not acquainted with this trophy might think that it is just another conference but it is actually a great get-together in a friendly setting coupled with a great tournament.
It is obvious that the subject of golf course maintenance does come up, but the conversations deal mostly with personal dialogue and gossip coupled with the exchange of practical experiences. The fact that the tournament is played exclusively on Don Harradine courses also means that one goes to regions that one would not visit under normal circumstances.
Unfortunately the Austrian Greenkeepers were really conspicuous due their absence. It is regrettable that only a handful of Austrian Greenkeepers and their partners attended the event, especially as the trophy was played in their own country. The people who were not there do not know what they missed. But fortunately, the next opportunity to participate will present itself again next year.
The 13th DHM will be played in Arosa (Switzerland) on the 19th – 20th of September 2012. Arosa is one of the highest golf courses in the world and is definitely worth a visit even if it is just for that simple reason. The Swiss greenkeeper’s association is responsible for the organization and the AGA will be invited again. The winner of the gross price for the 5th time in the greenkeeper’s category was Peter Shaw from the Golf Club Riedhof in Bavaria whereas the guest’s prize went to Eins Philipp of the Golf Club Chiemsee. The gross prize in the guest category went to Michael Harradine of the Golf Club Gerre Losone and the net prize went to Reitbauer Dieter of the Swarco Golf Club.
Longest drive Men: Dr. Andreas Heger
Longest drive Ladies: Elisabeth Heger
Nearest the pin: Franz Kaineder
The generous sponsors including the Kaiserwinkl golf Kössen must be thanked as it is only because of them that this splendid trophy can be played year after year. More information regarding the Don Harradine Trophy and the work of Don Harradine can be read in the magazine titled “20 years of the Austrian greekeepers Association” “20 Jahre Österreichischer Greenkeeper Verband” and on the homepage www.don-harradine-memorial.com.
Hein Zopf
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