Hickory, NC – March 3, 2024: The Putt-Putt Fun Center in Hickory, NC, witnessed another historic moment on February 10, 2024, as Richard Miller of Hudson, NC, and teammate Bryan Deal of Valdese, NC, shattered the longstanding two-course best ball tournament record. Best ball enthusiasts have flocked to this iconic location for years, making the achievement even more noteworthy.
Best ball tournaments at the Putt-Putt Fun Center allow any pair of individuals to team up, competing against others to secure the lowest combined scores. The duo triumphed over their competitors during the two-round, 36-hole event, leaving an indelible mark on the center’s history.
Miller and Deal clinched victory with an unprecedented score of 44, surpassing the previous record of 46 set years ago by Dwight and Ann Hall of Vale, NC. Notably, the Halls still actively participate in these tournaments, having tied the record over the years with four other contenders.
The event unfolded on the very courses, course four and course one, where the original record was established. These courses are slated for significant upgrades in the upcoming season, adding an extra layer of significance to Miller and Deal’s achievement.
Entering the tournament with a goal of maintaining consistency, Miller and Deal encountered unexpected challenges during their first round on course four, finishing with a score of 24. The turning point came in the final round on course one, where the duo missed only two holes, showcasing impeccable skill and teamwork. A remarkable fifteen consecutive hole-in-ones propelled them to a round score of twenty, ultimately securing the victory with a total score of 44.
The Hickory Putt-Putt Fun Center, a local landmark open for over 50 years, continues to host these exciting tournaments, welcoming participants of all skill levels. The recent triumph follows another record-breaking performance in January 2024, where Bryan Deal and his eleven-year-old great nephew Kaiden Whaling achieved an astonishing score of 19 in a single-round tournament on course one. Whaling, incidentally, is the grandson of Richard Miller.
For those eager to join the competitive fun, information about upcoming tournaments and events can be found on the Hickory Putt-Putt Fun Center’s website: https://puttputt.com/hickory-nc
