(February 16, 2019)
Defending Champion Randy Newsome (left) with Neck Bone Tournament Director Tom Robinson.
BY AAGD STAFF
60 players participated in The Snow Bird Open, held at The Country Club Of Miami, Monday, February 11 through Friday, February 15. Most notable is that this year the challenge celebrated its 40th tournament anniversary. The competition was full of excitement and highlighted by a Hole-In-One made by Sam Jordan ll, nephew of the tournament director, Tom Robinson. Randy Newsome defended his championship winning again this year. The women’s champion was Marilyn Cole, also a repeat champion.
It was only the second time in 40-years of the outing did rain intervene. “Some of us, men and women, went to Top Golf and continued to have a good time, we even had a skin game there,” said Robinson. The tournament was founded 40-years ago by Tom’s best friend, Pete Ball. He passed away in 1992. The Official Name was The Pete Ball Memorial Neck Bone Golf Tour. Today the tournament is known as The Snow Bird Open.
“I honored the people who have not missed a single Neck Bone tournament in over 20 years. These are players that include Sherman (Cott) Cottingham and Alice Mitchell. But, of course, they aren’t close to myself and my brother-in-law Sam. The two of us have never missed a year of the tournament in 40 years!” Robinson also says that he believes that long-time participant John Alberstadt has not missed a year.
“We have a great year and if folks want the Neck Bone to continue, then hustle up some more golfers to join us…our contract for Tuesday at Colony West expected 50 golfers, but we had 27 who actually came out to play.” And Robinson says this is why some golf courses require
money up front to reserve rounds for golf tournaments, with no refunds.
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“Participation was down due to a number of reasons,” said Robinson. “Over the 4o-years of conducting the tournament we have lost many, many members, and there aren’t any younger golfers to replace them–the youngsters have jobs,” Robinson says, referring to the younger golfers who have work commitments and growing families and cannot commit much time to travel and playing in his outings.
THE BEGINNING OF THE END?
“Up until Trump was elected we always had over 100 golfers for the Snow Bird Open. Our largest tournament was 156 golfers. Also, when we were at the Doral (Golf Resort & Spa), that was our next largest number…until Trump put his name on it !!!” said Robinson. The Doral, an 800-acre resort complex was purchased by Donald Trump in 2012 and was renamed the Trump National Doral Miami. “Age, illness and death has taken a toll on us,” Robinson commented while mentioning that he has also noticed that the largest group (or flight of golfers) playing in his tournament are now the Super Seniors (age 70 up) with the ladies group growing more, as well.
First group of Neck Bone Pete Golf Tournament players to go to Miami 1979. 8 players were from Sharon, Pa., 4 were from Nashville, Tn area, 4 were from Erie, Pa/Ashtabula, Oh. Several have now passed including the organizer Pete Ball. (photo courtesy Tom Robinson)
“I was thinking, it’s time to end one of the nations longest and famous golf ventures, however, if we can continue to field at least 60 golfers, I will continue to conduct the Neck Bone Tour,” Robinson commented.
After 40-years, will it be a wrap for the Neck Bone? What a long history. What a long list of friends. It will be sad to see this annual tournament come to an end.
“We never advertised, our group grew because of word of mouth making everyone welcome regardless of race or sex or nationality. That’s our legacy, friends gathered together for friendly competition. Cash prizes! Very little cash, people just want their names called even if it’s for the highest score or the most 8’s, most lost balls, Rookie Of The Year, oldest player, tallest, youngest, Pain in the Butt, Cab Calloway look alike….favorite award statement for Highest score: give them a bucket of paint and told to stay home and paint the house next year…the man. For the woman, give her apaintbrushh and tell her to stay home and help him paint!! It’s all in fun!!” says Tom Robinson who provided the 1979 photo.
Tournament Champion Randy Newsome is rallying up support and shared his comments: “Tom is one of the finest gentlemen involved with golf in the African American community and he needs our support….participation needs to increase, and I am asking you to consider attending next year.” Participants have come from all over the country, AZ, NV, TX, GA, OH, PA, NY, NJ, MD, VA, just to name a few. All players are flighted commensurate to their age, gender, and skill level. “In order to keep this event one of the strongholds in the African American golf circle, we need to support Tom and increase participation. Look at your calendars, and 51 weeks from now plan on attending the 41st Annual Neckbone Golf tournament in Miami Florida,” Newsome remarked.
For now, the next Neck Bone is scheduled to be contested February 10-15, 2020.
For more information on The Neck Bone contact Tom Robinson at trerrrtr2@aol.com
