Tournament raises $16,000 for Motlow scholarship foundation

By ROB NUNLEY / Sports Editor for the Southern Standard

Bill Harris attempts to chip in for a birdie on No. 18 Monday, while playing partners James Phifer, left, and David Harris wait their turn during the Motlow College Foundation Golf Tournament. (Dale Stubblefield photo)

The ninth annual Motlow College Foundation Golf Tournament proved to be another rousing success Monday, as 34 teams converged on the links at the McMinnville Golf and Country Club.

The tournament, proceeds from which go to benefit the Foundation’s efforts to provide extra financial assistance to Motlow students, raised $16,000. Over the past nine years, the McMinnville tournament — one of several in the area held by the Foundation — has raised approximately $106,000.

Co-sponsored by Blood Assurance, Inc., Dr Pepper Bottling, River Park Hospital and Security Federal Savings Bank, the tournament also benefited from several local businesses who sponsored teams, individual holes or donated prizes to winning teams and individuals.

The foursome of Jeff Stewart, Brent Brock, Jeff Wolaver and Ryan Rigsby came in with the low score on the day, winning the championship flight with a 17-under par 55. Austin Fairchild, Hansford Fairchild, Mark Seymour and Larry Bland took second with a 57, and Scotty Bryan, Heath Morris, Trevor Wilson and Joey Cathey finished third in the championship flight with a 58.

In the first flight, four teams tied for the low score of 66, with the Clear Channel Radio foursome of Kelly Marlowe, Bobby Newby, Jeff Edwards and Bryan Kell taking first in a scorecard playoff. Second place went to Ramsey Womack, Tommy Myers, Terry Smith and Jackie Matheny Jr., while Steve Stanger, Jim Jenkins, Jim Smith and Stan Martin were third.

Austin Fairchild won a watch donated by Tee’s Jewelry for having the longest drive on the third hole, while Jackie Matheny Jr. earned a golf bag, donated by Bridgestone, for his long drive on No. 18.

Steve Stanger took home a $100 gift certificate from Barr’s, Inc., for coming closest to the hole on No. 2, while Joey Morgan was closest on No. 14, earning $100 credit at the MCC pro shop.

While no one took home the big prize for the day, a Chevrolet S-10 pickup donated by Edd Rogers Automotive for a hole-in-one on No. 7, Whit Taylor came closest, stopping his tee shot 30.5 inches from the cup and earning a DVD player from Exchange Furniture for his effort.