Sour Mash Memorial sees lots of money raised, trickshots aplenty

The following article first appeared in The Parkersburg News & Sentinel on July 12, 2022.

Parkersburg Country Club and Tiger Woods share something in common.

They have both hosted performances by trickshot artists Josh Kelley.

“I started playing golf at 11 years old and that’s when Tiger Woods came on the scene,” Kelley said. “He made this Nike commercial where he bounced the ball, turned and hit it in the air. When I saw that, I grabbed my sand wedge, went out my front yard and started bouncing the ball. I realized it was pretty hard.

“A couple of years ago I got to do a show for Tiger Woods in Las Vegas. At that point, my life kind of came full circle — him getting me into the sport and here I am be able to do a show for him. Since then, I’ve traveled around doing shows and putting smiles on people’s faces. Doing something I love, there is nothing better.”

For the second consecutive year, the United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley organized the Sour Mash Open. According to United Way executive director Stacy DiCicco, funds raised through the charity golf event will exceed well over $50,000.

“We had a really great turnout last year and huge success with it,” DiCicco said. “We put some fresh air into last year. United Way covers nine counties, have a huge base of volunteers, supporters and donors and they were excited to see us step into the oldest tournament in the community, so it was just a natural fit.

“We brought some new energy to it. Last year was a sellout and this year was a sellout in three weeks.”

The honorees for the event were Pat and Judy Minnite.

Their youngest grandson, 18-year-old Tanner Minnite, hit the ceremonial first tee shot and hitting in front a significant number of individuals in the gallery he ripped the shot straight down the middle with an extra bit of gusto.

“We have kept all the historical aspects of the Sour Mash,” DiCicco said. “We added a Sour Mash Bash (Sunday night). Old (hole 18) turned out to be a great place for an outdoor concert. The weather could not be more perfect for two days in a row. I didn’t even look at a weather forecast.”

Making his debut for the pre-tournament exhibition, Kelley a follows rich history of featured guests at the Sour Mash Open which include tour professionals Bruce Leitzke and Brittany Lincicome.

Following the half-hour presentation, Kelley joined PCC golf professional Adam Chesnut as teammates who competed against the featured foursome of Justin Papania, Brett Fluharty, Jonah Fryman and Larry Hiser.

“This was awesome today — it was a lot fun,” Kelley said. “The atmopshere here was great. I was happy to do that live trickshot show for them.”

A source within the PCC family started the ball rolling for Kelley’s visit from his home outside Atlantic City, N.J., in Northfield. The superintendent at PCC and Kelley attended the same college.

Kelley is originally from Galloway, N.J. He played collegiate golf at Northwood University (Fla.) and even though he considers himself a scratch golfer, he didn’t see himself making a career at the professional level.

Working as a train operator and welder, Kelley found his niche via social media. He became a viral sensation almost immediately with a trick using a champagne bottle.

“I made a video with my wife — she was holding a champagne bottle and I popped the cork — it went viral and got like 40 million views,” Kelley said. “I started making videos on social media and thought why don’t I make this into a show, which I did.

“I always loved golf and that’s what I wanted to do. After college I was able to make my social media presence along with doing my live shows. I also teach the game of golf with how to instructional and training golf videos. So combine those two, and I lust love what I am doing.”

The 32-year-old Kelley and his wife have two children — one boy (5-year-old Rhys) and one girl (3-year-old Rowe). Josh’s teaching ability is already paying dividends with the younger generation. His influence on his son netted three holes-in-one in the same round in miniature golf.

Today in Asheville, N.C., is Kelley’s next stop. He is constantly brainstorming new ideas for his shows while touring the country.

“When I started doing trickshot, there weren’t many people doing it,” Kelley said. “With my success, especially through social media, people see this. They see the sponsorships and the cool people I get to hang out with, so they want that and are coming up with new ideas.

“That’s the hardest part. I tell people my motor is constantly running like 24 hours a day. I’m trying to think of not only new ideas but where am I going to take my career next. It’s like I’m never off. But I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

Kelley would embrace another opportunity to return to the Sour Mash Open next season. If he does return, the featured foursome will consist of Don Dooley, Greg Essig, Larry Willis and Allen Bell.