Despite the fact that it was, after all, a very small school in a very small town, Tryon High School

managed to field a remarkably successful golf program for nearly 50 years.
From the time the school’s golf teams were formed in the forties until the consolidation of Polk County schools in the early nineties, the Tryon Tigers were consistently competitive on the links, often matching up favorably against much larger high schools through Western North Carolina.
For the better part of half a century, Tryon Country Club served as the home course for the school’s golf teams. Early Tiger golfers often worked as caddies at the club, and many Tryon High alumni went on to play college golf and work in the golf industry as professionals and course superintendents.
On Saturday, Aug. 20, former Tiger players, coaches and TCC golf pros will once again gather at the country club for the seventh annual Tryon High School Golf Team reunion tournament.
The annual reunion tournament was organized by Marc Brady, a Tiger alumni and current PGA professional at the Tryon Country Club, and Tommy Burrell, a former member of the Tryon High School golf team. According to Brady, the idea behind the formation of the tournament was twofold.
“We wanted a way to get all the guys together, and also to thank Tryon Country Club for all of their years of support,” said Brady. “It’s a great way to thank the club, as well as the golf professionals and coaches that were always there for us.”
Each year, the team members donate a portion of their tournament entry fees to the club for a special project. The four man captain’s choice tournament will begin at 2 p.m. with a shotgun start.
Several dozen golfers are expected to compete in the event, coming back home from as far away as Texas and Florida. Long time TCC and Red Fox pro Lou Hoskyns will be on hand, as will former team coaches Geoff Tennant and Franklin McKaig.
Following the tournament, players and families will gather to reminisce and enjoy a barbecue picnic. The event is open to any former Tiger team member.
For more information, contact Marc Brady at (828) 859-9561.