About Us
History
July 10, 2000, while at Raritan Landing Golf Course, located in Piscataway New Jersey; four men thought it would be a good idea to establish a golf club. They believed if they fellowship amongst peers, played golf regularly it would stimulate their intellectual thoughts. After discussing the idea briefly, it was decided to discuss the thought at a later date.
July 20, 2000, Michael Lucky, Morris Lucky, Dennis Hopkins, Anthony Royal and Miguel Hechavarria stood on the grounds of Scotch Hills Golf Course, located in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. They established and found the Heavy Hitter’s Golf Association. They stood on the Putting Green, discussing many aspects of the Heavy Hitter’s. They decided to meet at least once a month to create competition amongst friends that were like minded. Several weeks later, the first outing was played, which consisted of the following golfers: Morris Lucky, Anthony Royal, Jason Greer, Wilfred Whitley, Miller Lucky Jr., Gill Pallarte, Derrick Vining, Dennis Hopkins, Miguel Hechavarria, Nelson Baez and Michael Lucky. Dave Walker was included shortly later.
The Logo was established after several attempts to create one. It was agreed that the logo would illustrate a golfer with meaning. A man swinging a golf club; a white ball, lying on green grass; and the sign HH would be the Heavy Hitter’s Logo. The first colors were black and white, and shortly later green was added.
The Heavy Hitters were now in motion; some were actually good golfers and others were well dressed players. Most HHs would hit the ball off the Tee with a very long drive; however on a par 4, most would finish the hole with a seven or an eight (+4). We would see golfers in the woods, in the bunkers and on private property. The famous saying became, “I got it!” The HH did not abide by too many rules, but you could hear him from several holes nearby arguing over how many strokes another golfer had. After a six hour golf round, you could find HHs eating cheeseburgers and chicken wings, still arguing.
Although the HH were like minded men, they were all individuals and had different styles. At any given outing, you could see a member in a pair of wing tip golf shoes, or a pair of stylish Knickerbockers wearing a Gucci belt and a flashy belt buckle. You may see a golfer playing with a mixed set of clubs with real woods, or a golfer playing with a set of K-Mart specials. The equipment didn’t matter as long as you where well dressed.
The Father’s Day tournament was established and played on the weekend of Father’s Day. The tournament was geared for the well-dressed golfer. The winner of the tournament would be presented a trophy and the best dressed golfer would be acknowledged and have bragging rights. The first Father’s Day Tournament was held at Frogs Hollow golf course, in Delaware. It was won by Miguel Hechavarria with a score of 102. The members agreed that the winner of this event gave celebratory toast in honor of his victory. Morris Lucky was acknowledged as the best dressed golfer, and received bragging rights until the following year.
Four Heavy Hitter’s where playing at the Ash Brook Golf Course in Scotch Plains, New Jersey; they began to argue over who was the best HH. One of the members stated: “You will get beat down!” It was established that there needed to be an end of the year competition that would determine the most skilled and tenacious golfer. The tournament would be called “The Beat Down,” and was played at the Cheesapeake Bay Golf Course. Dennis Hopkins was awarded the first trophy.
One of the members relocated to Delaware and began to golf with a group of men, expressing the same ideals of a Heavy Hitter. Subsequently, the Delaware connection was now united with the HHs; Dario Anderson, Frank Sala, and Mike Wilson all became members of the HH Golf Association. This started a relationship that continued to be honorable; Golfers from Delaware and New Jersey would take the opportunity to golf in both states. Though each golfer would put mileage on their vehicles, it would prove to be worth the trip.
In 2009, the Heavy Hitters began to challenge other golf groups. The HHs started the Tri-State Cup, which was a challenge against the Plainfield Minority Golf Association. Playing this tournament opened the doors for both clubs as membership grew on both sides; The Heavy Hitter’s grew in numbers of 35 members.
Today, we still have the same philosophy; fellowshipping amongst peers, playing regularly and stimulating one’s mind. The HHs will continue to learn the game of golf, and began to create scholarships to assist our communities. We are like minded men, who are living the dream and will continue to golf…fore!!!!!!!!!!!
MGL.