April 10 is the 60th anniversary of an important event in the history of Tryon Country Club (TCC). On April 10, 1951 an exhibition match featuring Slammin’ Sammy Snead and Hendersonville Country Club’s Bill Etheridge against TCC pro Ted Fox and Country Club of Spartanburg pro Joe Davis was held. The Hendersonville Times-News said “The appearance of Snead will give golf fans of this section an opportunity to see the game’s longest hitter in action.”

Of additional interest is local high school golfer at the time (and later TCC multiple time club champion) Fred Edwards, Sr. caddied for Sam Snead and recalls Snead hitting all nine greens in regulation and making nine straight pars. No details are available on the winning team.

1951 was a busy year for Snead as he won the PGA Championship that year and also was the playing Captain of the victorious Ryder Cup Team at Pinehurst in early November.