The membership of Coharie Country Club was saddened to learn of the death of George Williams on October 28 at his home. George lived a very rich life serving his family, his church, his community, and his country. Of course, he also served Coharie Country Club in a variety of ways. George joined the Club in 1947 shortly after its incorporation, and he continued his membership up to his passing. He served on the Club’s first Handicap, Tournament and Rules Committee. This was an important committee at the time as it oversaw the opening of the original nine-hole course and the administration of golf operations. We all know of George’s golfing prowess. He won the Club championship a record twenty times, as well as many other tournaments across eastern North Carolina. George also left a legacy that is sometimes forgotten. When the Club decided to add an additional nine holes to the course, George served as a primary liaison with noted golf course architect Gene Hamm of Raleigh. Hamm came to Clinton several times to offer ideas to George and others on how to design a course on the new property. What we now know primarily as the “front side” was best described as a design by “committee.” Hamm never listed it as one of his designs; he only offered his ideas and thoughts to George. George and the course superintendent, Newell Baker, incorporated those ideas into the construction of what we see and enjoy today. George modestly claimed that it would be unfair for himself to be named as the “architect” of the new holes; but when you reach the second tee box, smile and think that you are about to play the next few holes that were arguably designed by the “master” himself. It is just another part of his legacy that we can continue to enjoy. George, thank you.

George Williams 1917-2023 No More Balls to Hit…..