Oliver Peacock
Golf Director, Elk River Club, Banner Elk, NC
By Bill F. Hensley
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Oliver Peacock
Golf Director at Elk River Club
Banner Elk, NC |
BANNER ELK—Oliver Peacock’s occupation could only be described as a labor of love. During the season he is on the job from ten to twelve hour days a day seven days a week. The rest of the year—when the club is closed—he is busy with paper work, golf shop buying, trade shows, personnel matters, and a variety of administrative chores.
Peacock is the personable Golf Director at the elegant Elk River Club in Banner Elk. Though young in years, the 35-year-old is rich in experience, having worked at some of the nation’s finest and most prestigious golf clubs.
Known as an outstanding teacher, he is also one of North Carolina’s finest players, having recently won the Carolinas PGA Section Head Professional Championship in Debordieu, an event which brings together the two state’s best players.
Two years ago he was third in the North Carolina Open and has placed in the top ten in multiple section events. He has also won top tournaments at Ocean Reef and River Oaks.
He set the course record of 64 at River Oaks.
“My game has been sharp of late,” he said, “thanks mostly to my iron play. I have been hitting a lot of greens, and managing to stay out of trouble. That has been a major factor in my winning some tournaments.”
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| The 15th par-3 at Elk River Club |
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| One of the most challenging holes in golf...the 17th at Elk River Club |
Peacock, an Arkansas native, came to the Elk River Club in 2005 after serving as the head golf professional at the River Oaks Country Club in Houston, an assistant pro at the Floridian in Palm City, Florida, and Grandfather Golf and Country Club in Linville. He was also head pro at the Chamberlyn Golf and Country Club in Arkansas.
“I have been most fortunate during my career to work with some of the game’s best people,” he offered. “And I have tried to learn from all of them. My golf apprenticeship was thorough.”
He credited his learning experience to such noted professionals as John McNeely, now with Diamond Creek in Banner Elk, Bruce Davidson, Golf Director at the River Oaks Country Club, Dick Harmon of the noted Harmon family, and Dave Cowger.
Though his playing skills are extraordinary, he is equally at home on the practice tee giving lessons to players of all skill levels.
“I thoroughly enjoy helping players improve,” he smiled. “It is a great thrill to see a beginner start to catch on and strike the ball well.”
Peacock has also assisted in the learning process with a few well-known players such as former US Open champion Curtis Strange, Steve Elkinton and Bobby Wadkins.
During his career, Peacock has played with a number of top players including Nick Price, Greg Norman, Gary Player, Matt Kuchar and J. C. Snead. “It was quite an honor to spend time with such great players. And they were all gentlemen and enjoyable partners,” he remarked.
Peacock was born in Lake Village, Arkansas, and graduated with a BS degree from Arkansas Tech in 1993 where he was an All-Conference golf star. “I knew from the outset that I wanted to make a career in the golf business,” he explained, “so my every move was in that direction.”
He has already been elected to his high school’s Sports Hall of Fame.
At Elk River his chores include teaching, conducting golf schools and clinics and overseeing a variety of member events and tournaments. “I love it here,” he remarked. “This is home.”
Peacock is captivated by the scenic Elk River course, one of golfing great Jack Nicklaus’ top designs. “This is a fantastic course,” he commented with pride,” and has everything that a great course must have. Playing it is a challenge and a delight for everyone, and I am honored to be a part of it.” Elk River is ranked eight in North Carolina’s top 100 courses.
His best score at Elk River is a six-under-par 66 from the championship tees.
Peacock is married to the former Amanda Smith of Palm City, Florida, and the couple has three daughters, Quincy, 6, Emarie, 5, and Ella, 3. “Our girls love skiing, gymnastics and spending time outdoors,” he said. “They love to ski and only time will tell if they will enjoy golf as much as I do. I have some enthusiastic pupils at home.”
Teaching, playing, conducting member events, putting on tournaments, administrative chores, family man. It’s all in a day’s work for this talented 5-foot-10, 195-pound Arkansas native. He can handle it all.
(Note: Bill Hensley of Charlotte began writing about golf in North Carolina in 1950 and has played nearly 300 courses in the Tar Heel state. He is in the Carolina's Golf Hall of Fame).