How Augusta inspired Rich Harvest Farms
It's often amazing in life how one small moment in one place can lead to one big moment elsewhere.
Case in point: Jerry Rich's trip to Augusta National.
Had the owner-designer-architect of Rich Harvest Farms not gone to Augusta, Ga., years ago and experienced what he did, perhaps the 2009 Solheim Cup never comes to Sugar Grove.
Taken a step further and perhaps Rich Harvest Farms' 18-hole layout itself is never built.
So, thank you Augusta National for your intriguing membership policies.
Now, how does the host course of the Masters have anything to do with RHF hosting the Solheim Cup, you ask?
First a little background.
"If you were going to ask me what my favorite golf course in the world was, I'd say Augusta National," Rich said recently. "They do everything right. I've played all the great golf courses in America; Augusta is a total experience."
In the early 1980s, shortly after purchasing some property in Sugar Grove, Rich had the chance to play Augusta.
"One of my friends from Chicago who was a member invited a few of us down there, and I loved it so much I asked him, 'Can you get me an application, I'd love to join,' " Rich recalled with a smile. "He said, 'There are no applications.'
"I said, 'How does a person become a member?' He said, 'Well, you're invited.' "
So Rich asked to be invited.
"He said, 'Nobody knows who they ask.' I said, 'Oh, that's a little unique,'" Rich said. "And then he got a little - not upset, he said, 'Jerry, I'd prefer you never ask anymore questions (about it).'"
Over the next two days, Rich obliged, and there were no more questions, just golf.
But a seed had been planted, and by the time Rich returned home, he was thinking big.
"I'll never forget telling my wife when I got back, 'I've just played the most wonderful golf course in the world. Everything about it I just absolutely love,'" Rich said, "'and I think if I build any golf holes or do anything on our farm in Sugar Grove, I'm going to build our own Augusta.'
"That's how it happened."
The 2009 Solheim Cup
If you share Jerry Rich's passion for golf, here's how you can join him and take part in the Solheim Cup:
Where: Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove
When: Aug. 17-23
Tickets: Online at solheimcup.com or by phone at (866) 848-4639. Two types of weekly tickets are available - the grounds ticket and the PING Pavilion ticket. The grounds ticket ($125) includes admittance to the grounds of Rich Harvest with access to various concession stands and bleachers. The PING Pavilion ticket ($350) allows access to the grounds and all facilities set up for spectators, as well as admittance to the PING Pavilion hospitality tent on the 17th green.
Solheim Cup schedule
Aug. 18: Player practice round; Junior clinic; Solheim after Sundown event
Aug. 19: Player practice round; Sunshine through Golf past captains exhibition and autograph session
Aug. 20: Player practice round; Pro-Junior four-hole challenge
Aug. 21: Foursome matches in morning; four-ball matches in afternoon
Aug. 22: Foursome matches in morning; four-ball matches in afternoon
Aug. 23: Singles matches all day
Source: solheimcup.com