Interview With John Ferrebee General Manager/Director of Golf Hilton Head National Golf Club

Below is an interview with John Ferrebee, the General Manager/Director of Golf at Hilton Head National Golf Club / Scratch Golf Management. The following are a few traditional and non traditional golf centric questions that I love to ask influential people in the golf industry.

Can you provide our readers a brief biography?
I have been involved in the game for past 30 years. After being injured playing football, I took up the game of golf seriously at the age of 18 and developed a passion for it. After playing several years on the Amateur circuit, I become a Class "A" Professional in 1996. I served apprenticeships at Palmetto Dunes and the Country Club of Hilton Head and had the opportunity to work as the First Assistant at Sea Pines Country Club. Before accepting the position as General Manager/Director of Golf at Hilton Head National Golf Club, I served as the Director of Golf for the Daufuskie Island Club and Resort for ten years

When did you start golfing and who introduced you do the game?
I actually was introduced to the game by my father at the age of eleven and every Sunday he would take me to course and we would play 18 holes with some of his friends. I remember looking forward to spending some time with my Dad because his schedule was so hectic.

What is your current home course?
I currently am employed at Hilton Head National which has built a reputation as one of the finest public access courses in the region.
I was honored to be chosen to lead the National staff's as it continues to maintain it's mission statement of " Great Golf, Great Conditions, with a flair of Southern Hospitality

To date, what is your proudest golf accomplishment?
As the Director of Golf at Daufuskie Island Club and Resort, we were listed by Conde Naste travel Magazine as one the top "100 Golf Resort's in the World". It truly was an honor to be named in such prestigious company.

What is your biggest golf pet peeve on or off the course?
Slow Play. The game of golf has been losing it's appeal for the length of time it takes to play 18 holes. We take pace of play very seriously at Hilton Head National and work very work to maintain the standards set by the USGA of a 4 hour and 10 minute round

What is your favorite club in your bag and why?
My favorite club probably would be my driver. It definitely sets the tone for my round. If I am hitting it well, the day will be an enjoyable one.

What is your favorite golf destination?
I have had the opportunity to take a team to Greenbrier to play in the Sam Snead Festival and without question that would rank number one on my Golf destination list

What course is on your bucket list that you have not played yet?
Probably I have to say either Augusta or Pebble Beach.

If you woke up tomorrow and could play one course you played before, where would you play?
Being from Pennsylvania, I would say it would be a toss up between Merion and Oakmont where I had the opportunity to play in the Pennsylvania Opens

If you could change one aspect, rule or thing about golf, what would it be and why?
I would have to say that if in addressing the ball and your ball moves without intent you should not be penalized

Dream foursome (living)?
My dream foursome would be Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player

Dream foursome (living or dead)?
My dream foursome would be Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus

18 Rapid Fire, Off The Cuff Questions

1) Hitting Long Drive OR Sinking Long Putt?
Nothing better than crushing a drive.

2) Having Round of Life OR Hole in One?
A hole in one is exciting but if you rattled off 8 birdies and shot 64 it would be more rewarding.

3) Golfing at the crack of dawn OR twilight?
I love watching the sun set and the shadows it creates on the course.

4) Hit a power fade OR power draw?
Power Draw without a doubt.

5) Beverage cart OR halfway house?
I think it depends on who is driving the Beverage Cart.

6) Bathroom OR bushes?
When you got to go to got to go.

7) Hot dog OR wrap?
I am a hot dog man.

8) Around the green, being in sand OR thick rough?
I love to try and be creative around the greens, which sometimes backfires.

9) Walking OR riding?
I have the opportunity, even at my age, I would rather walk.

10) Do you carry traditional 3 iron OR hybrid?
I have a three iron which I can't hit but still haven't thrown a hybrid in my bag.

11) Do you prefer long par 3 OR long par 5?
Long Par 5's are fun because it makes you utilize your course management.

12) Pants OR Shorts?
Pants because my legs look like Out of Bounds stakes.

13) Palmer OR Nicklaus?
The King, no question.

14) Beatles OR Elvis?
The Beatles revolutionized everything

15) Play for fun OR play for money?
Play for Fun my gambling days are over.

16) Bump and run OR flop shot?
Bump and run gives more options.

17) Lay up OR gamble?
At this point in life there isn't an option, lay up.

18) 18 holes OR 36?
Whatever I have time for...