The Club Car Championship at The Landings Club, part of the Korn Ferry Tour schedule, was held March 25-28.
Little did I know what a massive event this is! Driving to Deer Creek Clubhouse, I pass grandstands, triple-layer security, and hospitality tents to meet up with the most loquacious lady in the Landings, Jean McRae. Driving a deluxe six-seater golf cart, Jean gives me a rundown of the four-day golfing event while we cruise past a beehive of golf carts buzzing around the vibrant course.
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Next up, today’s best-dressed couple Clare and Bob Tucci tell me, “From Boston to Southern California and now Savannah, what’s not to love about golf cart traveling and southern hospitality.” Then Chatham Police Department’s Cody Jepsen admits that life is much different than eastern Oregon. “The beach in the winter, golf year-round and maybe some mountain moonshine. What’s not to love!”
Love of the South seems to be the theme today and is repeated once again when meeting the Johannesen’s. While posing with the wicked cool Club Car Tempo walk, an autonomous caddie for walking golfers, Zach and his wife Melanie tell me, “There are endless activities for the kids, we have the finest outdoor life and the emphasis on families is what we love at the Landings.”
Another family enjoying the Fun Zone are the Hussey’s. Guest of Port City Logistics, Brian tells me that his 15-year son Sean loves Australian Brett Coletta and Augusta golfer Shad Tutem while a super happy Sean reaches into his pocket to pull out golf balls given to him from his golf idols.
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After a group pic of young golfers, I interview 12-year-old Andrew Hazel who just happens to be the newest correspondent for Club Car. With interviews in his pocket of Greyson Sigg and Evan Harmeling, the Oglethorpe Charter student is just as comfortable answering questions as he is asking them.
Leaving the pint-sized interviewer, we head back to the club house where I get bombarded with some of my favorite Savannah faces. Everyone from gorgeous couples Lisa and Danny Pinyan with April and Bryan Mundy to ABR’s David and Kathryn Murph happily pose for a pic while I introduce them to Jean.
While confirming that I will definitely be at Kathryn’s legendary Kentucky Derby party in May, Jean and I head over to Georgia Power’s hospitality tent to catch up with classy ladies Audrey King, Jennifer Bell and Swann Seiler.
Sipping on a Sprite, I take a minute to admire the sweet view of tournament golfers playing at hole 18, politely decline fresh-made crab cakes, then chat with Swann about her upcoming role with Telfair Museum. Slightly shy about this fab announcement, Swann shares, “I am the incoming chair for the Telfair’s Board of Trustees.”
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Women seem to be ruling the world! Landings Club favorite Chelsey Williams gets glowing praise from Jean as we enter the Savannah Alliance tent. Agreeing with Jean is Lynda Hubbard who raves about Chelsey and life at the Landings.
Knowing a pic of Lynda with her husband Bill isn’t going to happen, I glance over at Margaret Mary Russell and giggle because she is giving me a “don’t even ask” look! I love chasing people that don’t like having their photo taken, so I give up and happily follow Bill over to snap pics of two guys he said love to be photographed.
Laughing when John Saucier introduces Gus Urzua as “one of the best aspirational golfers I have ever meet,” I learn that John hosted golfer Jimmy Stanger a few years ago and is most than happy to join Dos Equis look-alike Gus for a pic before I make my way out of the luxurious tent.
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Rolling back up to my ride, I give Jean a hug and thank the government issues specialist for escorting me around this world class tournament. Standing ovation to The Landings Club Steven Freund and his 600-plus member volunteer team for hosting this professional golf event in Savannah! Take a bow!
During these events, when people are wearing face masks, I suggest they remove the mask, I quickly take the photo, and they put the face mask back on.
Invite Bunny to your gathering, gala or other social event. Contact Bunny at 912-844-1122 or email her at bunnyware@aol.com. See more columns by Bunny Ware at SavannahNow.com/Lifestyle/.