TRADITION AT HAMMER OUTING W/PICTURES
Tradition is defined in Webster's Dictionary as "any time honored set of practices" and each September these "practices" are followed to the "T" and the golf tees at the Liberty Sullivan County Golf & Country Club where the annual Hammer Outing takes place.
This tradition kept intact the late Keith Hamlin's expressed desire to hold an outing (now called the Hammer Outing) to share the many pleasant memories of past "Friends of the Links."
The September 24 Hammer Outing was held this year under difficult playing conditions following heavy rains which soaked the course and definitely took the "roll" out of the game. Following heavy rains the night before the event the day started out with a forecast of rain and thunderstorms but with the blessing of the Golf Gods turned out in mid-afternoon as a beautiful sun-filled event.
The invitation only event in its printed invitation to golfers states that "the Journey Continues...Keith "Hammer" Hamlin is in the Clubhouse at Asgard...with him are several "Past Friends of the Links" that were honored and inducted in the fabled links of Asgard in Valhalla at The Hammer Outings of 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010."
"At a recent "Ting" the Hammer decreed that the following "Past Friends of the Links" be called to the tee box, Jack Baker, Sydney Benton, Ellsworth C. "Bucky" Buck and Kathy Stoddard....with these honorees, there will be four foursomes playing together as they did in the past."
Tradition again took place following the dinner with relatives and friends giving brief history about the four "Past Friends of the Links" with tournament chairman Robert "Rat" Ratner declaring that the four will now be playing on that beautiful course in heaven with the mystical name Valhalla Course in the land of Asgard (the highest heaven obtainable and reserved for only the most noble men and women.
Family members and friends who spoke about the departed golfers included Leigh Benton and his sister Myra Morse for Sydney Benton, Bill Stoddard for his late wife Kathy Stoddard, the Hon. Anthony Kate and Ed Townsend for Ellsworth "Bucky" Buck and Bob Fix Sr.spoke for Jack Baker's wife, Helen who was in attendance.
The lore and traditions of the annual Hammer Outing brings tournament golf to what could easily be called a look at a mystical golf course in Heaven where there is reality and faith combined for past "Friends of the Links."
The Hammer Outing is the realization of the thoughts and words of the late Keith "Hammer" Hamlin and the combined efforts of his family and many friends.
Keith was a well-known and highly respected contractor doing business as the Hamlin Construction Co. and loved the game of golf where he achieved the nick name of "Hammer" for the way he drove the ball down the fairway.
Having just completed it's fifth year of competition, the Hammer Outing is truly fulfilling Keith's desire.
The Hammer Outing as described in the Lore and Traditions of the Hammer Outing is an outing that takes place on the fields of play "that so many of us have walked, talked, and played upon together," and "shall be an outing of joy, not remorse, an outing of brother and sisterhood, an outing to renew old friendships."
As to the "past" Friends of the Link's the Lore and Traditions of this event tell the story of the man who asked his priest to find out if there was a golf course in heaven and the priest came back to him with good and bad news by saying there was a course in heaven and it was beautiful but the bad news was the man was teeing off at 7 a.m. the next morning. The Lore and Traditions point out that it has been left to "The Hammer" to find that beautiful course in Heaven and that the mystical course is called the Valhalla Course.
Keith, as would be expected, has a high seat on the governing board (Ting) at Valhalla and has let it be known that he has made arrangements for his past "Friends of the Links" to be admitted, as member, at this enchanting Links course.
The use of the word "Ting" comes from the fact that leaders of the villages in ancient times in the Celtic lands, The Isles, and parts of Europe held meetings to resolve issues of the day and these meetings were called (Tings) or things.
Previous departed members of the links admitted to the Valhalla Course include Richard Benton, Bertram Eisenberg, Robert Mullen, Richard Altbach, John "Jack" Coughlin, Thomas Kelly, Andrew Rorhback, Harold Reynolds, Alice Steinberg and R.D. Yaun.
At each future Hammer Outing an additional foursome will be called to the Tee Box and honored as such and these players will be drawn from the roster of "Friends of the Links" that was established at the 1st annual Hammer Outing held October 8, 2007.
The Lore and Traditions point out that the word Asgard is described as "the highest realm in Nordic Lore, where the Gods dwell, the word Ting is the Nordic term for a council and Friends of the Links are honorable men and women who have shared the pleasure of golf together on earth. This tournament has a unique trophy called appropriately "The Hammer Trophy" which is awarded to the champions but is immediately returned to its resting place, secured and sealed and kept in the Liberty Sullivan County Golf & Country Club Pro Shop. The trophy symbolizes the powerful nature that was Keith's. He is called by all those who knew him as a true gentleman and outstanding businessman.
Again following tradition the trophy presentation follows strict guidelines with the Hammer of Thor being removed from its place of stature, by a worthy representative (Keith's widow Susan Hamlin, presently performs this honor) and the trophy is presented to the chosen captain and teammates of the victorious team. The team, as one, shall hoist the Hammer skyward together and it will be held skyward until a toast, to all that have departed to play on the field of Heaven, has been offered.
Tradition points out that the trophy is then immediately returned by the champions' captain to its resting place where it is secured and sealed, only to be removed at the next Hammer Outing.
Since the tournament is played at the nine-hole (alternating tees for the second nine) Sullivan County Golf & Country Club course, there are more players then available slots and golfers are accepted in the order their RSVP's are received.
The tournament format states that golfers submit their individual application with their current handicap and that teams are then established by the "Ting" whereby each foursome will include an A, B, C and D player based on handicaps and there are no established teams allowed to enter this tournament. The Hammer Outing is for all golfers in the Sullivan County area and is not exclusive to Sullivan County Golf & Country Club members. This tournament uses the best ball format.
The Legendary Hammer of Thor was hoisted this year by the team consisting of Larry Eisenberg, Dr.Theresa Hamlin, Tom Mungeer and Lewis Klugman.
Special event awards for closest to the pin on hole 4 for men went to Jim Peabody, longest drive for men on 17 went to Larry Eisenberg and for the women Kristen Stoddard, closest to the pin on 18 for men went to Phil Beliawsky and closest to the bush on 5 for men was won by Kelly Hamlin and for women Susan Hamlin.
There are always great minds behind outstanding events like this and several of the organizers include Keith's widow Susan Hamlin, his son David Hamlin and long time friend and Chief Coordinator of the Legend and Lore of the Ting Robert "Rat" Ratner.
Master of Ceremonies at the dinner was Glenn Smith and Friends of the Links Toastmaster was Harry Morse.
Golfing friends and families with names of departed golfers and those having memorabilia can send the information to thehammer@thehammerouting.com
Additional photos of the Hammer Outing are available at http://edtownsendphotos.clarkcolor.com/clark and insert the privacy code (photome).
Photo Identification For Above Photos
2011 Champions of the 5th Annual Hammer Outing are, from the left, Larry Eisenberg, Dr. Theresa Hamlin, Tom Mungeer and Lewis Klugman .
Hoisting the legendary Hammer of Thor trophy at the Annual Hammer Outing dinner are, from the left, Susan Hamlin, winning team captain Larry Eisenberg and winning team member Dr. Theresa Hamlin.
Chief Coordinator of the Legend and Lore of the Ting for the annual Hammer Outing Robert "Rat" Ratner.
Tradition is defined in Webster's Dictionary as "any time honored set of practices" and each September these "practices" are followed to the "T" and the golf tees at the Liberty Sullivan County Golf & Country Club where the annual Hammer Outing takes place.
This tradition kept intact the late Keith Hamlin's expressed desire to hold an outing (now called the Hammer Outing) to share the many pleasant memories of past "Friends of the Links."
The September 24 Hammer Outing was held this year under difficult playing conditions following heavy rains which soaked the course and definitely took the "roll" out of the game. Following heavy rains the night before the event the day started out with a forecast of rain and thunderstorms but with the blessing of the Golf Gods turned out in mid-afternoon as a beautiful sun-filled event.
The invitation only event in its printed invitation to golfers states that "the Journey Continues...Keith "Hammer" Hamlin is in the Clubhouse at Asgard...with him are several "Past Friends of the Links" that were honored and inducted in the fabled links of Asgard in Valhalla at The Hammer Outings of 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010."
"At a recent "Ting" the Hammer decreed that the following "Past Friends of the Links" be called to the tee box, Jack Baker, Sydney Benton, Ellsworth C. "Bucky" Buck and Kathy Stoddard....with these honorees, there will be four foursomes playing together as they did in the past."
Tradition again took place following the dinner with relatives and friends giving brief history about the four "Past Friends of the Links" with tournament chairman Robert "Rat" Ratner declaring that the four will now be playing on that beautiful course in heaven with the mystical name Valhalla Course in the land of Asgard (the highest heaven obtainable and reserved for only the most noble men and women.
Family members and friends who spoke about the departed golfers included Leigh Benton and his sister Myra Morse for Sydney Benton, Bill Stoddard for his late wife Kathy Stoddard, the Hon. Anthony Kate and Ed Townsend for Ellsworth "Bucky" Buck and Bob Fix Sr.spoke for Jack Baker's wife, Helen who was in attendance.
The lore and traditions of the annual Hammer Outing brings tournament golf to what could easily be called a look at a mystical golf course in Heaven where there is reality and faith combined for past "Friends of the Links."
The Hammer Outing is the realization of the thoughts and words of the late Keith "Hammer" Hamlin and the combined efforts of his family and many friends.
Keith was a well-known and highly respected contractor doing business as the Hamlin Construction Co. and loved the game of golf where he achieved the nick name of "Hammer" for the way he drove the ball down the fairway.
Having just completed it's fifth year of competition, the Hammer Outing is truly fulfilling Keith's desire.
The Hammer Outing as described in the Lore and Traditions of the Hammer Outing is an outing that takes place on the fields of play "that so many of us have walked, talked, and played upon together," and "shall be an outing of joy, not remorse, an outing of brother and sisterhood, an outing to renew old friendships."
As to the "past" Friends of the Link's the Lore and Traditions of this event tell the story of the man who asked his priest to find out if there was a golf course in heaven and the priest came back to him with good and bad news by saying there was a course in heaven and it was beautiful but the bad news was the man was teeing off at 7 a.m. the next morning. The Lore and Traditions point out that it has been left to "The Hammer" to find that beautiful course in Heaven and that the mystical course is called the Valhalla Course.
Keith, as would be expected, has a high seat on the governing board (Ting) at Valhalla and has let it be known that he has made arrangements for his past "Friends of the Links" to be admitted, as member, at this enchanting Links course.
The use of the word "Ting" comes from the fact that leaders of the villages in ancient times in the Celtic lands, The Isles, and parts of Europe held meetings to resolve issues of the day and these meetings were called (Tings) or things.
Previous departed members of the links admitted to the Valhalla Course include Richard Benton, Bertram Eisenberg, Robert Mullen, Richard Altbach, John "Jack" Coughlin, Thomas Kelly, Andrew Rorhback, Harold Reynolds, Alice Steinberg and R.D. Yaun.
At each future Hammer Outing an additional foursome will be called to the Tee Box and honored as such and these players will be drawn from the roster of "Friends of the Links" that was established at the 1st annual Hammer Outing held October 8, 2007.
The Lore and Traditions point out that the word Asgard is described as "the highest realm in Nordic Lore, where the Gods dwell, the word Ting is the Nordic term for a council and Friends of the Links are honorable men and women who have shared the pleasure of golf together on earth. This tournament has a unique trophy called appropriately "The Hammer Trophy" which is awarded to the champions but is immediately returned to its resting place, secured and sealed and kept in the Liberty Sullivan County Golf & Country Club Pro Shop. The trophy symbolizes the powerful nature that was Keith's. He is called by all those who knew him as a true gentleman and outstanding businessman.
Again following tradition the trophy presentation follows strict guidelines with the Hammer of Thor being removed from its place of stature, by a worthy representative (Keith's widow Susan Hamlin, presently performs this honor) and the trophy is presented to the chosen captain and teammates of the victorious team. The team, as one, shall hoist the Hammer skyward together and it will be held skyward until a toast, to all that have departed to play on the field of Heaven, has been offered.
Tradition points out that the trophy is then immediately returned by the champions' captain to its resting place where it is secured and sealed, only to be removed at the next Hammer Outing.
Since the tournament is played at the nine-hole (alternating tees for the second nine) Sullivan County Golf & Country Club course, there are more players then available slots and golfers are accepted in the order their RSVP's are received.
The tournament format states that golfers submit their individual application with their current handicap and that teams are then established by the "Ting" whereby each foursome will include an A, B, C and D player based on handicaps and there are no established teams allowed to enter this tournament. The Hammer Outing is for all golfers in the Sullivan County area and is not exclusive to Sullivan County Golf & Country Club members. This tournament uses the best ball format.
The Legendary Hammer of Thor was hoisted this year by the team consisting of Larry Eisenberg, Dr.Theresa Hamlin, Tom Mungeer and Lewis Klugman.
Special event awards for closest to the pin on hole 4 for men went to Jim Peabody, longest drive for men on 17 went to Larry Eisenberg and for the women Kristen Stoddard, closest to the pin on 18 for men went to Phil Beliawsky and closest to the bush on 5 for men was won by Kelly Hamlin and for women Susan Hamlin.
There are always great minds behind outstanding events like this and several of the organizers include Keith's widow Susan Hamlin, his son David Hamlin and long time friend and Chief Coordinator of the Legend and Lore of the Ting Robert "Rat" Ratner.
Master of Ceremonies at the dinner was Glenn Smith and Friends of the Links Toastmaster was Harry Morse.
Golfing friends and families with names of departed golfers and those having memorabilia can send the information to thehammer@thehammerouting.com
Additional photos of the Hammer Outing are available at http://edtownsendphotos.clarkcolor.com/clark and insert the privacy code (photome).
Photo Identification For Above Photos
2011 Champions of the 5th Annual Hammer Outing are, from the left, Larry Eisenberg, Dr. Theresa Hamlin, Tom Mungeer and Lewis Klugman .
Hoisting the legendary Hammer of Thor trophy at the Annual Hammer Outing dinner are, from the left, Susan Hamlin, winning team captain Larry Eisenberg and winning team member Dr. Theresa Hamlin.
Chief Coordinator of the Legend and Lore of the Ting for the annual Hammer Outing Robert "Rat" Ratner.
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