General Ohio University Discussion/Alumni Events Topic
Topic: Athens Country Club
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rpbobcat
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Posted: 4/10/2017 7:18 AM
There's an article in today's (4/10) The Post about Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus meeting at the Athens Country Club.

Never knew there was one.

I see its a bit outside of Athens.

Anyone here know anything about it ?
OhioCatFan
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Posted: 4/10/2017 11:05 AM
Yes, there's an historical marker plaque at the Country Club commemorating that event. This occurred because Athens native Dow Finsterwald, who had won the PGA tournament one year, invited these two legendary golfers to play together on his home course. Finsterwald was a big name in golf at that time, but he did not dominate over decades the way Palmer and Nicklaus did.
Last Edited: 4/10/2017 11:06:10 AM by OhioCatFan
DelBobcat
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Posted: 4/11/2017 9:56 AM
OhioCatFan wrote:expand_more
Yes, there's an historical marker plaque at the Country Club commemorating that event. This occurred because Athens native Dow Finsterwald, who had won the PGA tournament one year, invited these two legendary golfers to play together on his home course. Finsterwald was a big name in golf at that time, but he did not dominate over decades the way Palmer and Nicklaus did.
Awesome fact! Thanks to both of you for sharing. Here's a link to the article:

http://www.thepostathens.com/article/2017/04/jim-nantz-th...
OhioCatFan
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Posted: 4/11/2017 11:24 AM
How she could write that article and leave out the name of Dow Finsterwald is a little puzzling. I've sent her an email mentioning the omission; perhaps, she'll revise the online version.
OhioCatFan
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Posted: 4/11/2017 11:27 AM
Please see: https://tinyurl.com/le37ufl

This is an article about that day the marker was dedicated. It can be a little confusing, because one of the other persons mentioned in the article also has the first name of Dow. When this gentleman is quoted, he's referred to as Dow, when the golfing great is quoted he's referred to as Finsterwald.
mid70sbobcat
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Posted: 4/11/2017 11:30 AM
OhioCatFan wrote:expand_more
How she could write that article and leave out the name of Dow Finsterwald is a little puzzling. I've sent her an email mentioning the omission; perhaps, she'll revise the online version.
And 1958 was the year Dow won the PGA Championship so he was a big name that year.
Alan Swank
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Posted: 4/11/2017 2:50 PM
The scorecard from that match is still on display in a trophy case in the lobby of the club.
rpbobcat
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Posted: 4/11/2017 2:52 PM
OhioCatFan wrote:expand_more
Please see: https://tinyurl.com/le37ufl

This is an article about that day the marker was dedicated. It can be a little confusing, because one of the other persons mentioned in the article also has the first name of Dow. When this gentleman is quoted, he's referred to as Dow, when the golfing great is quoted he's referred to as Finsterwald.
There's also a video of the plaque's dedication speeches by Dow Finsterwald and Jack Nicklaus on you-tube.

Just "search" Dow Finsterwald.

Actually there are several interesting videos about Mr. Finsterwald there.
DelBobcat
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Posted: 4/11/2017 3:27 PM
This article, which was linked to in the Post article, starts out by mentioning that they were there for Dow Finsterwald Day:

http://newsinteractive.post-gazette.com/arnold-palmer/the... /
OhioCatFan
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Posted: 4/11/2017 4:56 PM
I remember Dow Finsterwald Day. They erected a wooden deck at the bottom of the steps of old Baker Center. This served as a speaker's platform. The audience was in the street below and spilling onto the main campus green. They must have let us out of school for this, because I looked it up and it was on a Thursday (Sept.25, 1958). I do remember watching all the speechifying, and I particularly remember Dow making a few remarks. It was kind of a holiday in Athens. The whole town was very proud that our local boy had won the PGA Championship and was bringing reflected glory on his old hometown. I remember being particularly interested in the festivities because we had a neighbor lady (Miss Finsterwald) who was some kind of kin to Dow. Unfortunately, I do not remember Miss Finsterwald's first name. In those days kids never, ever addressed adults by their first names! She was Miss Finsterwald to me, and I knew the woman she roomed with as "Mrs. Wilson." Have no idea her first name either.
Last Edited: 4/11/2017 4:57:14 PM by OhioCatFan
Bobcatbob
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Posted: 4/19/2017 1:19 PM
I've heard Nicklaus recount this match, too, with apparent fondness for Finsterwald (a friend) and the event. I presume the articles note that this was all arranged to get Palmer and Nicklaus together for the first time. It's a nice thing for ACC and Athens in general to have.
First Street Forever
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Posted: 4/21/2017 2:41 PM
I believe there is also a marker at the spot on the course where Tim O'Shea didn't wave at some locals and made them feel sad...
OhioCatFan
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Posted: 4/21/2017 5:08 PM
First Street Forever wrote:expand_more
I believe there is also a marker at the spot on the course where Tim O'Shea didn't wave at some locals and made them feel sad...
I thought the marker was at the spot where he actually did wave at some locals. ;-)
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