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114th Patterson Cup returns to Huntingdon ValleyPerhaps there is no Major Championship more closely associated with a Golf Association of Philadelphia Member Club than the Joseph H. Patterson Cup is to Huntingdon Valley Country Club.
Site of the 114th edition, Aug. 4-5, HVCC’s relationship with the Association’s stroke play championship is unmatched and spans more than a century. Consider this: A total of 11 Huntingdon Valley members have combined to win the Patterson Cup an astounding 28 times. Topping the list is legendary figure William Hyndman, III. Hyndman holds a record 10 wins, five clear of the nearest foe, R. Jay Sigel. Both are GAP Hall of Famers. Other HVCC Patterson victors include, fellow Hall of Famers W.B. McCollough, Jr. (4), Harold B. McFarland (3) and William P. Smith (3). McFarland was the first club representative to hoist the trophy, that in 1903. “I didn’t grow up at Huntingdon Valley but just being here for [the last six years] it’s evident that if you play well here your game can travel,” said Ben Cooley, 23, of Rydal, Pa., the two-time reigning HVCC Club Champion. “You play Huntingdon Valley with its side hill lies, it requires a lot of shot-making and thinking your way around the course.” This is the 10th time, Huntingdon Valley hosts the Patterson. The last time was in 2000, when it shared venue status with Commonwealth National Golf Club. HVCC’s own Greg O’Connor took the title that year. In the other nine editions in which Huntingdon Valley has either been the solo venue or part of a two-site rotation, an HVCC member has won five. “You really have to think your way around the course,” said Jeff Osberg, a HVCC member and the reigning William Hyndman, III Player of the Year. “I think Huntingdon Valley isn’t too punishing off the tee. But it’s usually fast and firm and you have to think how you want to hit every shot and then commit to it.” Osberg is a multi-time Major Champion, most recently taking the Philadelphia Open in a playoff a few weeks ago at The Ridge at Back Brook. He has one Patterson Cup victory, that came in 2010. “I think local knowledge especially on these greens is a big help,” said Osberg of his home course. “There is a lot of grain in the greens and the breaks are pretty subtle. Anytime a tournament comes to your course there is a bit of added pressure.” The Patterson is guaranteed to crown a new victor this year. Defending champion Chris Crawford of Spring Mill Country Club is competing in the prestigious Western Amateur Championship. The event also serves as the final two rounds of the Silver Cross. The Silver Cross is presented to the player with the lowest aggregate score in the qualifying round(s) of the BMW Philadelphia Amateur Championship and the Patterson Cup. Current leader Patrick Ross (143 score) turned professional after the BMW Philadelphia Amateur and is no longer eligible. Matt Teesdale of Commonwealth National at 145 did not enter the tournament. That puts Chris Ault of Yardley Country Club and BMW Philadelphia Amateur Champion Michael McDermott at a 146 score atop the Silver Cross standings. Osberg, 32, of Bryn Mawr, Pa., is a two-time Silver Cross winner, 2010 and 2015. He is a shot back of the leaders. “It’s a great award because you really have to play well all year,” said Osberg. As always, both the public and media are welcome to attend. Aside from offering live scoring on its Web site, the Association will provide Joseph H. Patterson Cup updates via its social media outlets. Follow @GAofPhilly on Twitter and Instagram. Use the #PatCup hashtag to join the conversation.
Golf Association of Philadelphia |
A Walk Through Time
GAP is the oldest state or regional golf association in the country. It started courtesy of a friendly competition – the Team Matches – and has grown into the preeminent golf association in the country. Along the way, golf history has been made.
