July 09, 2004

By: Brett Comeau
Website: http://www.1st-in-golf.com

The Georgia Golf Hall of Fame inducted three new champions into its membership

The Georgia Golf Hall of Fame inducted three new champions into its membership Saturday, Jan. 10, 2004, at the Radisson Riverfront Hotel. Jerry Greenbaum, Janet Dobbins Olp, and Eileen Stulb were chosen at the 16th annual ceremony for their winning records and lifelong commitments to the advancement of the game of golf.

Playing Scottish Highland bagpipes, the Atlanta Pipe Band led the procession to the ballroom, where the nearly 500 attendees enjoyed the extraordinary tenor of Broadway darling Russell Brown - Augusta native and star of From Mozart to Motown - who opened the celebration with the national anthem.

Keynote speaker Cindy Davis, Vice President of Sponsorships and Marketing for The Golf Channel, predicted for a bright future for golf and the golf industry. No other sport inspires such passion in its players, she told the crowd.

Frankly, while Im a huge sports fan, I dont think theres any other sport that has such a - Id almost say obsessive - grip on people as this game. So much so that a game that really has small participation when you compare it to other sports has made a profound impact on the mainstream of society, Ms. Davis said

Also honored was Caddie of the Year Robert Jenkins, a 20-year veteran of the Valdosta Country Club. John Patrick of Clear Channel Communications returned as everyones favorite Master of Ceremonies, and was supported by the Creative Services Team at WJBF-News Channel 6.

Augustas own Eileen Stulb, two-time winner of the Georgia State Amateur and the first female to make the Augusta College Golf Team, is also author of the history of the Augusta Country Club and has mentored many young women golfers there. At 80-years-old, Ms. Stulb is a seasoned veteran overflowing with fascinating stories about legends of the game. One afternoon at East Lake Country Club, Ms. Stulb had the opportunity to watch Bobby Jones practice. He invited her to sit and watch him play.

When she complimented him on his swing, he told her: ?Im trying to hit it slightly left to right, like Hogan and Nelson. Here was the great emperor and king of golf trying to emulate Hogan and Nelson, two of the most famous players of that day.

Savannah native Jerry Greenbaum returned to golf after taking a 16-year hiatus for business reasons. Despite his absence, Mr. Greenbaum still finds a place among the low scorers in competitive golf after winning 19 senior competitions.

We have learned that we are so fortunate to be able to continue to compete at 55 and up in a similar manner as we did in juniors through middle age. What sport, besides golf, can you name where this is possible? Mr. Greenbaum said.

Janet Dobbins Olp, an Atlanta golf powerhouse, is best known for winning the Georgia Amateur Ladies Championship and the Georgia Womens Amateur Championship six times. And if shed entered more, she would have won more, according to husband James Olp. Ms. Olp reflected upon how lucky she was to have had the support of her home club, the Atlanta Country Club, and how she feels driven to give back.

Ive had time to reflect on the wonderful friendships that I have made. And now its time to come out of retirement and to maybe to inspire, to promote, to continue my work to promote and to preserve this great game.

The Georgia Golf Hall of Fame was established in 1982 by the Georgia General Assembly. The purpose of the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame is:

· to preserve golf history in both the state and the region

· to honor those, living or dead, who by achievement have produced lasting contributions to the sport of golf in the state or elsewhere and

· to inspire Georgia youth involved in golf to reach their highest potential. Also see: fitness for golf.

Author Notes:

Brett Comeau contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.1st-in-golf.com.  A source of information on golf equipment, golf manufacturers, supplies, tips and more.