The “Legend” of Starter Grizz
- May 5th 2024
Everything starts somewhere, and The Clovernook Open starts with, The “Legend” of Starter Grizz. We must highlight the term “Legend”; defined as a traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical, but not verifiable. For example, it cannot be verified where the name Grizz originated. Or if Grizz was asked to be The Clovernook Open Starter, or if he volungave himself the job. With this disclaimer in place, let's continue.
2024 marks the 6th playing of The Clovernook Open. This year 120 players will compete for a $100,000 purse, $20,000 first prize. Each day players arrive on site, warm up, and prepare themselves physically and mentally for their competitive round. These players have competed in dozens, likely hundreds, and maybe thousands of golf tournaments during their careers. This tournament, this week, this year, and every Clovernook Open since inception in 2019 is a bit unique. It starts each day on the 1st Tee with Starter Grizz.
Walk around on tournament week, or any week at Clovernook Country Club, and ask about Alan.. or Mr. Jacobs.. good luck finding anyone that knows who you're referring to. Ask around about a guy named Grizz?? Ohhhhhhh, they know Grizz. Go ahead, give it a try. The mystique around Starter Grizz is part of the legend that makes him the perfect Clovernook Open Starter.
Typical responsibilities for tournament starters often include ensuring players start on time, distributing scorecards and special notices, reviewing local rules and scoring information, and typically announcing the players name prior to their tee shot. Common introductions may include the player's city, state, or home club. Past victories or other golfing accomplishments are also common accolades that may be announced. Some historic tournaments have their own traditions, such as “Fore Please, Bobby Jones, Now Driving”.
How would one describe the introductions from Starter Grizz? Warm and welcoming would be a soft and subtle description. We’d encourage you to experience it for yourself. Opportunities are abundant during the 7 hours of “showtime” each day. New playing participants may receive attention for their shirt color, or special hometown remarks. For those returning players, getting past the 1st tee might involve a little more “love”. After each group tees off, we wonder, are they smiling because they are happy, or because they are walking off the tee?
Starter Grizz is an anchor for The Clovernook Open, and for Clovernook Country Club. After all, he has been a member for 47 years! (minus a few minor club suspensions) Where did the name Grizz truly come from? That’s still up for debate. Some say the Clovernook Caddies called him Grizzly Adams after watching him feed racoons from his bare hands. Don’t forget the non verifiable part of what defines a legend. Regardless of historical accuracy one should remember the words of Shooter McGavin, and Lee Travino, “Grizzly Adams had a beard” “Grizzly Adams did have a beard”.
Thank you Grizz! Our committee and our club thank you for your commitment and dedication over the last 6 years. May the legend continue.
