The Hamill Trophy

John Pottle (L) presenting The George Hammil Trophy to Bob Wallace, 1981 Champion

Since 1976 The Hamill Trophy Match Play Championship has been played every year at Linville, NC. This event is a rare combination of private club privlege, warm and personal service, and tradition.

Longtime Southern Senior and Linville President John Pottle was instrumental in establishing a tradition of personal hospitality that continues today through our hosts John Blackburn, President and Tom Dale, Director of Golf.

Both Seniors and Grand Seniors Championship Flight's are established by index and play at scratch. Seniors play 72 holes and the Grand Seniors play 54 holes. Other participants are also flighted by handicaps and play with the full difference. Winners names are engraved on the permanant trophy which resides at the Linville Golf Club.  

(L to R) Bob Ferrel, Five-Time Champion, receiving The Hamill Trophy from Tom Dale, Linville Director of Golf

All matches are played on the Linville golf course which was designed by Donald Ross in 1923. It is a risk-and reward course, one that penalizes poor play, but is eminently fair. The course was created by hand, using mule and pan grading, and has kept the small, severe greens inherent in Ross’ design. The poa annua grass, which flourishes in Linville’s climate, is cultivated along with bent, clover, blue and other indigenous grasses.  

In 2008 Golfweek Magazine ranked Linville 42nd on it’s Best Resort Courses list. Golfweek went on to say “Deep in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains rests a magnificent golf sanctuary whose beauty and charm continue to grow even greater with the passage of time. Celebrated as one of the most esteemed championship courses in the Carolinas, Linville Golf Club offers a truly remarkable challenge for both beginners and pros.”   

Director of Golf, Tom Dale, whose father Burl Dale was the pro at Linville for 25 years, has heard scores of golfers comment that if they had to choose one course to play for the rest of their lives, it would be Linville. “Linville is not the longest, nor the most difficult course,” Tom says. “It is the most enjoyable.” There is no argument on this point from Southern Seniors.

Ladies play three separate 18-hole events at three top rated clubs: Linville Ridge Country Club, Hound Ears, Grandfather Golf and Country Club. A group luncheon at each club precedes or follows play each day. 

Grandmother Creek at Linville Golf Club

In Linville's undeveloped natural setting there are no large hotel facilities. Southern Seniors instead choose from a variety of small lodgings and inns. The most sought after is The Eseeola Lodge, adjacent to the golf club and owned by Linville Resort. Esseola is the a Cherokee name, meaning “river of cliffs” referring to waterfalls in the area. The Lodge provides deluxe accommodations, American Plan dining with breakfast and dinner included in the room rate, exquisitely landscaped grounds, and a full service spa.  Two and three bedroom rental homes and condominiums within easy walking distance of Eseeola and the golf club are also available.

Our traditional date is the week immediately before Memorial Day.  It is delightful spring weather in the North Carolina mountains.  The Hamill Trophy at Linville is frequently oversuscribed.  Tournament announcement and entry information are available in March.