VIENNA - Steve Hussey didn't plan on participating in the inaugural Mid-Ohio Valley Amateur Golf Classic.
His preference was to stay behind the scenes and run the tournament as chairman of the event.
Instead, when he saw the low numbers in the field he decided to throw his name into the ring and help boost interest. And what a decision that turned out to be.
Article Photos
Photo by Kerry Patrick
Steve Hussey putts on the 18th green at Parkersburg Country Club during Monday’s final round of the Mid-Ohio Valley Amateur Golf Classic. Hussey captured the championship division by a three-stroke margin.
On the second and final day, Hussey separated himself from a three-way tie at the beginning of Monday's round at Parkersburg Country Club by playing even-par over the first 10 holes and claimed the title of the championship division after turning in rounds of 71 and 78 for a 149 total.
"I played OK, but not great," Hussey said.
Austin Root (74-78-152) and Bruce Wetherholt (71-81-152) tied for second place, while Mike Koreski finished for third place with a 71-85-156.
Fact Box
The Winners
- ?Steve Hussey won the Mid-Ohio Valley Amateur Golf Classic after turning in rounds of 71 and 78 for a total of 149.
- ?Austin Root (74-78-152) and Bruce Wetherholt (71-81-152) tied for second place, while Mike Koreski finished for third place with a 71-85-156.
- ?Rick Haddad (88-97-185) won the men's division and Roger Crowley (94-92-186) the super seniors
The tournament crowned a total of three champions, including Rick Haddad (88-97-185) in the men's division and Roger Crowley (94-92-186) in the super senior's division.
Hussey mentioned he was "disappointed" about the turnout in regards to the number of golfers, which when all was said and done only 13 scores were counted. But he wasn't "discouraged" 'because of the amount of money raised between the two stadium committees of Parkersburg and Parkersburg South.
Hussey estimated this joint venture raised somewhere between $15,000 and $20,000.
"You have to start somewhere and I think we made a real positive impression upon people who participated this year," Hussey said. "Hopefully, they will be back and bring three or four of their friends.
One of the board members representing Erickson All-Sports Facility was Dale Richardson, who confirmed a second MOV Amateur Golf Classic would be held with perhaps a few tweaks.
Committee members representing the two high schools are scheduled to meet later this week to review the positives and negatives from what transpired during the past two days, which included the Purple Pride Banquet at Woodridge Golf Club on Sunday night.
"(The Greenbrier owner) Jim Justice made the comment the other night at the Purple Pride Banquet that we all have visions of grandeur - that you want to be the best in everything," Richardson said, "but sometimes it's the little steps you have to take to get you a long way.
"Our intent is to make this grow and be one of the best if not the best - amateur tournaments in the state. The seed has been planted. Now it's a matter of nurturing that seed a little bit."
Richardson, along with Parkersburg High School stadium improvement committee president Earl Johnson, admitted that perhaps there was a misconception about what golfers the tournament was trying to attract.
It was not just open to elite golfers, but also to the average golfer as well. In fact, both a low net and a low gross prize was awarded in each division.
"We want to work on that so we don't exclude, but include every golfer to play and help fundraising for the two school's athletic departments," Johnson said.
