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University of North Carolina Athletics
Finley Golf Course Voted No. 3 By Panel
February 15, 2001 | Men's Golf
Feb. 15, 2001
RALEIGH, N.C. - University of North Carolina's Finley Golf Course, designed by Tom Fazio, was voted #3 by North Carolina's Golf Panel in the 'Best New Course' category. Finley received 1,106 points while Pinehurst #4, also designed by Fazio, received 1,598 points and was voted the Best New Course in North Carolina. The Point Lake and Golf Club, a Greg Norman design on Lake Norman in Mooresville, placed second with 1,215 points.
Panelists assessed each of five elements ' course design, condition, pace of play, service and overall rating ' on a one to five scale to arrive at a total score. Courses that began full play in 2000 and met other minimum criteria were rated. Pinehurst #4 and Finley were eligible due to the extensive renovations (including the rerouting of several holes) that made the courses look and play differently when they reopened. The Golf Panel, formed in 1995, includes 135 notable golf pros, amateurs, journalists and business executives, and is the official golf ratings panel for the state.
Johnny Cake is the Director of Golf for Finley Golf Course while Ross Fowler is the Golf Course Superintendent. Finley features a par 72 layout with five sets of tees ranging from 4,981 yards from the forward tees to 7,187 yards from the championship markers, thus presenting a stiff challenge to the best golfers while still remaining accessible to those of all skill levels.
"I'm honored that Finley finished third in the voting,' says Cake. 'Finishing that high shows the caliber of golf course we have here. It also confirms, once again, that Tom Fazio is a great designer.'
Finley Golf Course plays host to the NCAA Women's East Regional this May 10-12. Finley hosted the Franklin Street Trust/Tar Heel Women's Invitational last fall and will host The Men's Intercollegiate at Finley this April.
