Tri-State Open has unique twist with fathers, sons

A first will happen Monday during Day 1 of the annual Tri-State PGA Open.

Even though Father’s Day isn’t until Sunday, three fathers will have their sons competing against them at Williams Golf and Country Club in Weirton, W.Va.

“We’ve had a father and son play before, but not three,” Tri-State PGA director David Wright said. “It’s unique.”

Teeing it up are: Allegheny Country Club pro John Aber and son John Ferree Aber, Hannastown Golf Club pro Craig Mankins and his son Jeff and Lindenwood Golf Club pro Brent Johnson and sons Parker and Tanner.

“Jeff has caddied for me, but this is first time we’ve played against each other in a big event,” Craig Mankins said. “It’s pretty neat and kind of surprising that it’s the first time ever that you have that opportunity.

“It’s pretty neat to go play and also look up at the leaderboard and root for your son. Jeff is paired up with two quality professionals. It’s pretty neat to be a player and yet be a fan.”

Craig Mankins, who coached his son in basketball at Greensburg Salem, said he must stay focused and try not to worry what’s going behind him.

This is Jeff Mankins’ first Tri-State Open. He is following in his father’s footsteps and is attending IUP to play golf.

“Obviously, you want to win a golf tournament, but you’re also rooting for your dad at the same time,” Jeff Mankins said. “We’ve caddied for each other in tournaments, but this is the first time we’re entered in the same tournament.”

During the coronavirus pandemic, the Mankins made a few trips out of state to play golf when Pennsylvania courses were shut down. One of their stops was Williams Golf and Country Club.

“The greens are real quick and have undulations like Hannastown,” Jeff Mankins said. “It’s a little bit tighter of a golf course. But if you hit it straight, hit it on the greens and putt well, you can score. It’s a little short, and if you chip well, you can score. I’m excited to play against him.”

It will be a homecoming for the Johnsons. Brent Johnson was the head pro at Williams for 19 years.

“It’s going to be exciting,” Brent Johnson said. “The boys are playing there on Sunday. It’s changed a little since I left.

“This will be the first time we’re playing against each other. We’ve played in a few parent/child tournaments prior. I’ll probably wonder how they’re doing. The Tri-State did a nice job pairing us close.”

John Aber and J.F. have played in a few tournaments together. John Aber, a past winner, is one of the favorites along with Gene Walter, who has won both Tri-State events since the season restarted. Jason Martin, the 2019 winner, is not entered in the tournament.

The players will play 18 holes Monday, and the field will be cut down to low 60 and tied for the final 18 holes Tuesday.