When the president of The Greenbrier called him, Kelly Shumate had no clue what was in store.
The final putt had dropped only minutes before on Sunday at the PGA Tour's The Greenbrier Classic at The Old White TPC in White Sulphur Springs, West, Va. when Dr. Jill Justice, president of The Greenbrier and daughter of the facility's CEO/owner, Jim Justice, who also just happens to be governor of the state, had a request for Shumate.
"She called me about 10 minutes before the trophy presentation, asking me if I'd do it for her," says Shumate, director of golf course maintenance and nine-year GCSAA member. "I don't like to be noticed and would have preferred someone else doing it. But, yes, it was a great honor."
The Greenbrier Classic champion Xander Schauffele, who received the trophy from Shumate (pictured, which includes The Greenbrier Golf Pro Emeritus Lee Trevino, far left, in the sunglasses), also had some words for him. "He was very gracious and complimented us on how pristine the course was," Shumate says.
Schauffele's thoughts served as confirmation of a job well done. It, though, was anything but easy.
The trophy presentation that brought the end to a much anticipated week was icing on the cake for Shumate, The Old White TPC superintendent Josh Pope, and their crew. Shumate beamed when he learned that the club brass wanted the entire golf course management staff to be on the 18th green for the award ceremony. Perhaps it was their way of recognizing the monumental process it took to make The Old White TPC whole again. A deadly flood ravaged the region in June 2016, causing the cancellation of the tournament last year. Almost everything from bunkers to fairways had to be restored after having been decimated. The greens were rebuilt in 52 days, which was a marvel in itself.
"It was a long road to travel, but we were able to navigate it," says Pope, nine-year GCSAA member.
For Shumate, seeing The Greenbrier's comeback was pure joy. The resort, which includes five golf courses, has been in existence since 1778. "To get all these courses back in a year was a big task. Not only are they back; but, in my opinion, better than ever," he says. "We are tough and proud, and when one struggles, we all struggle. I'm grateful I was a small part of getting the old gem put back together."
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