Sixth Annual Sooner Open a Success

A total of 26 teams, with four players per squad, descended upon Jimmie Austin OU Golf Club on Friday, Oct. 17, to participate in the sixth annual Sooner Open, presented by the OU Chip in Club.

The event started with a round of golf, played in a modified scramble stableford format. Nearly half of the field was comprised of former University of Oklahoma players, a fact that meant a lot to OU head coach Ryan Hybl.

“I think it shows that the OU brand and their golf experience here means that much for them to come back,” Hybl explained. “A lot of these guys I didn't coach, but they still can buy into the program, and that's all we want to do is get buy in from everybody about what we are trying to do right here – that's to produce really good guys and go win championships. That's what all of us want to do.”

It's nice for our team to be able to get together and attempt to give back to them (alumni and supporters) for everything they provide for us and the foundation that the former players have laid for us.
Michael Gellerman

Following the completion of play, the groups moved to “A Night with the Sooners” at the Charlie Coe Center, a large tent party complete with food and live music. Additionally, a glow in the dark, closest to the hole contest was held, with the winner securing a trip to the Vickers Cup in Las Vegas, an event that pairs current OU golfers with alumni.

One former player present was Ben Blundell, who competed at OU from 2006-10. Blundell's last year on the squad marked Hybl's first in Norman. This was Blundell's third Sooner Open, and he said he participates to continue to be a part of the university and golf program and the strides it continues to make.

“Coach Hybl has done a great job of really turning the program around,” Blundell said. “I obviously had him for a year, but since I was a senior, they've made it to nationals every year, which is something that we weren't able to accomplish when I was here. He's done a great job of really turning the program around and making Oklahoma golf a top program.”

Current Sooners were a large part of the event, interacting with the alumni and supporters throughout the day, with a couple even hitting tee shots on various holes for the participants. Senior Michael Gellerman said he enjoys the annual event and the opportunity to interact with those involved with the OU golf program.

“It's nice for our team to be able to get together and attempt to give back to them (alumni and supporters) for everything they provide for us and the foundation that the former players have laid for us,” Gellerman shared. “It's just incredible, and I personally love meeting all of these people. It's a lot of fun for all of us.”

Dave Hendrix, a member of the winning team, participated in the event for the first time this year. His teammates were Alan McCalip, Brooks Freeman and Mark VanHoose. The Norman resident said he enjoyed the event and is impressed with how much the golf course has improved over the last few years.

“It's unreal,” Hendrix said of the day. “This place is just so much fun, and we laughed so hard all day. There were current OU kids out there hitting shots. You think you are a good golfer until you see them hitting shots, and you think, 'Oh my gosh, I am not very good.' It's really great to see how competitive and how good these guys are and to know that they are at Oklahoma.”

I get nervous for this event two months out, but then as we get closer, I enjoy this so much, and it's because the people here are so awesome.
Ryan Hybl

Overall, the event was a success and a great day with so many former players and supporters coming out to be a part of the program, according to Hybl.

“Ultimately, it's an opportunity for us to support our current guys, and just show how much appreciation we have for the people who were before us,” Hybl said. “The tent party is the icing on the cake for us. We play a little golf and then we come back out here. I get nervous for this event two months out, but then as we get closer, I enjoy this so much, and it's because the people here are so awesome.”

All funds raised through the Chip in Club events, including the Sooner Open, go directly to the men's golf program to fund capital projects, scholarships and other ventures. For more information about the Chip in Club or for membership information, click here.

Players Mentioned

Michael Gellerman

Sponsors

University of Oklahoma Athletics