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Long streak ends for Iron Masters’ first champions

The streak is over.

As play begins this weekend at the Iron Masters Classic, long-time friends Kevin Feath and John Hummel will not be among the many golfers teeing it up, ending their amazing run of 44 consecutive appearances.

“It’s a shame, but I needed to take care of the issue with my hip,” Feath said. “Fortunately, the hip replacement surgery went well, but it will still take a little while to get back to swinging a golf club.”

For more than four decades, Feath and Hummel have been a fixture at this best-ball event.

In fact, their partnership has spanned the entire history of the Iron Masters Classic tournament.

In 1978, the two young men were just finishing college when they returned home and signed up for the new tourney at their home club.

In late July of that year, many of the area’s best golfers flocked to the course near Roaring Spring to vie for the classic’s inaugural championship trophy.

Feath and Hummel were able to qualify for the tournament’s championship flight, but were looked at as decided underdogs.

“I remember coming to the 18th hole all-even in our opening match,” Hummel said. “Kevin chipped in for birdie from off the green to win the match, and we were on our way.”

During the second and third rounds, the two youngsters continued to face stiff competition.

They were up to the task, however, as they knocked off the likes of Maurice and Dan Lawruk and Wes Lingenfelter and Tom Treese.

The only obstacle remaining for Feath and Hummel was their final match against the Mount Union team of Tom Prough and Denny Locke.

That match got off to a rocky start when Feath and Hummel lost the opening hole after mistakenly hitting each other’s ball on their approach shots.

The misstep, however, had the surprising effect of relaxing the young duo. They went on to play well the rest of the match, with Feath clinching the championship by holing a four-foot par putt on the 18th green.

“It was really exciting, and I still remember many of the details,” Feath said. “But John has an unbelievable memory. He remembers every shot.”

After that first year, the two friends would return to play annually and were often in contention. In time, Hummel’s career as an agent for the FBI would take him out of the area, and Feath would eventually relocate to nearby Hollidaysburg, where he works as a financial planner.

Despite numerous job responsibilities and family obligations, the two men somehow found a way to keep their schedules clear during late July for an annual return to Iron Masters and their favorite tournament.

“One year, I remember asking a prosecutor to delay a trial I was involved with at the bureau,” Hummel said with a smile. “That was the only way I was able to make it home in time that summer.” Feath also needed to dodge a few work obligations to ensure the streak’s longevity, allowing it to span over more than four decades.

Though their golfing skills may have declined over the past 44 years, their friendship and enthusiasm has remained strong. While Feath is still in recovery mode, he still plans to join his good friend at Iron Masters this weekend to see old friends and watch some of the action.

The two are already planning to play together next year after Feath is fully recovered.

“Looks like we’ll be starting a new streak next July,” Hummel said.

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