History

The following is a letter from Bill Summerour concerning the reorganization of the Hoobies in the 1980s. Below is the letter from James Reel giving the earlier history. Alden (Doc) Hoggard has added some insight as to how a young golfer viewed and joined the Hoobies in the mid 1960. Enjoy reading the accounts of these three men.

=============================================================================================

Letter from Bill Summerour

In the 80's the Original Hoobies had become infected with many rookie "wanna-be hoobies" myself included. The level and consistancy of play, the age and gender of the new players, the lack of betting, and the failure of one young "want a be" to settle his losses caused many problems. Up to this point, it was truly a unique game and a unique place. I believe Mr. Hipps Gard was the motivator to reorganize the Hoobies. The sole purpose of which was to eliminate some of these problems. A sign-up board was placed for all interested gamblers, lock artist and golfers to sign up. All those signed up by the designated date would become official Hoobies, regardless of past history. I believe some 25-30 people signed up originally. The official beginning of a new Hoobie generation. The group quickly set forth with election of officers, rules and by-laws - yes, by-laws. (The new generation Hoobies had a set of by-laws and rules that would rival any major corporation in America.) The section regarding new members had to be amended almost immediately. To become a member of this elite organization would require 100% approval of the current membership present at the monthly meetings and diners for acceptance. Needless to say the impossible rule had been penned. Only one person ever became a member under the original rule - Mr. Heywood Spence alias "Uncle Fud". Those of us who knew and loved Mr. Spence understand completely that he is probably the only person in the present organized-unorganized group that could pass this test for membership. The by-laws were amended to say that a new membership would only require a majority of those present voting in favor. Thus, potential for an expanding membership was in place. Almost immediately, all the problems that organizing was to eliminate, were voted in. Back to square one. To my knowledge no one was ever denied membership. Only one member (name withheld) entered through the tie breaker vote. I know, I was president of this organization at the time. It was my vote. Record intact. No one has ever been denied membership or participation in our game. The "New Generation Hoobies grew to almost 50 members. Our group purchased flag poles, sod machines and generally worked to do what ever we could for the club. (Not A Bad Idea). The Hoobies have in one form or another stood the test of time. The many personalities, the game, the disagreements, the spats, the bets, the friendships all combine to make what we do an experience we must enjoy. We keep coming back.

Bill Summerour

==============================================================================================

Please view the letter I received from James Reel. James has provided much of the missing information concerning the Hoobie Goobies. Those of you who know James already know that James has been a part of Pinelakes almost all of his life and is one of the better golfers ever associated with Pinelakes. He is in a unique position to fill in a lot of missing blanks.

Some of the known charter members of the Hoobie Goobies were: J. Kenyon Wilson, Bob Brooks, Boopie Fearing, C.O. McMullen, Cader Harris, Joe Lamb, Skipper Hall, and Al Laham. Other names will be included when made available. If you know of some of the other charter members, please email the names to hoobie@stwiford.com. One of the charter members is still current members of the Hoobie Goobies : Boopie Fearing.

============================================================================================

LETTER FROM JAMES REEL:

Dear Sam:

Just to give you a brief history of the Hoobie Goobies as I can remember it from its beginnings almost 50 years ago. Hard to believe I can remember 50 years ago, but here goes.

The term Hoobie Goobie is now what we call the “Beer Round” but with a different format. The term was originated by the late C.C. Drumright, a legend in his own time and long time pro at the Elizabeth City Golf Club (Oh for the good old days). In those days there was only one place to play and it was “on the board”. There was no other game, except by your lonesome. No Capps group, no seniors, no nothing. You simply called or showed up and said, “put me on the board”.

The format was simple, after Drumright and Wilson had finished “Sacking Salters” (another story) it was time for “Hoobie Goobie". This game consisted of choosing teams to play what is now (2004) 10 as a par 4; from there to play 13 from 10 green; from there 16 from 13 green; and finally from 16 green to 18. (Editor's Note: - With the new construction of the Pines in 2005, the holes referred to in James' letter no longer exist. One would need to look at an old score card to fully understand the original layout and the extent of this original Hoobie game). This game was played for a substantial sum of money and was played almost every Wed. Sat. and Sun. Everyone who played the game back then did not necessarily play in this game but played in the regular 18-hole event (again with substantial money on the line). The group “Hoobie Goobies” was not started until after 1970. At this time the game was disorganized and no one in charge. We decided to create an organization for the betterment of Pine Lakes Country Club. It was a close knit group that, in addition to playing golf, met once a month for dinner at the club for fellowship. This group continued until the late Wilton F. “Hipps” Gard passed away. He was the glue of the “Hoobies”. When Hipps passed so did the “Hoobies” as we knew it.

Hope this helps. As I remember more and have time for, I will give you updates. Again, a great Page.

James

It has been said that almost all Club Champions are currently or were past members of the Hoobie Goobies. The level of play and competition still continues to rank among the best.

===============================================================================================

01/20/2006

Letter from WA (Alden) Hoggard III concerning Hoobie History in the mid 1960's

Gentlemen:

I'd like to add to your history of the Hoobies with a bit of history as I recall those days.

During the late 60's, I began my membership at the ECGC as a junior member ($ 30 a year while a student) and soon was taken in as a kid by oldies like Hipps Guard, Sheriff Reid, Harry Logan, Al Jenkins, Coach Brooks, Charlie Drumwright, Al Laham, Maynard "Goose" Mangum, Boopie Fearing, James Reel, Tommy Brite, Chris Weeks and many others already named in your history. I worked for Drumwright part time off and on from 1966-1968 (summers while finishing high school and early college days) in the cart shop, on the course, in the shop and cleaning lots of clubs and shoes and was thus exposed to lots of games by these guys who played on the "board". By the way, Cart fees were $ 3.00 per person for 18 holes then and Drummer kept a ledger by hand.

The "Big" Hoobie Goobies were the primary group of players until about 1966 when the likes of Heywood Houtz, Sam Twiford, Ronnie Price, Nelson White, Luther White, Fred Upton, Donnie Wood, Sam Smith, Bill Winslow, and others (whom my older mind cannot recall) began a second game on the bottom of the big board, which I joined. Soon a second board was added to the wall for the "Little Hoobie Goobies" who I often played with until 1971 when I moved permanently from E City to finish school and pursue a career. Big and Little Hoobies normally played a 7 point game, though the bigger game was the stacking and sand bagging process that preceded every day's play. Some of my finest golf memories came from that old course, the old club house, the men's locker room and its unique aroma of iron laden water, the "upstairs" bar serviced by Floyd and Ann, The Coastland Invitational Tournament, but mostly the gentlemen of the Hoobies (Big and Little).

Alden Hoggard

WA Hoggard III