University of North Carolina Athletics
First Rams Club Mini-Tour Event Concludes as Dermatas Magic Works Again
May 26, 2004 | General
May 26, 2004
On a perfect ocean-side day in Myrtle Beach, the 2004 Rams Club Mini-Tour finally got underway. After the rainout at Henderson Country Club on May 3rd (now rescheduled for June 21st), the first event was played at the scenic and challenging Dunes Golf and Beach Club. Site of many professional tour events, the course had a makeover last year, including the rebuilding of all 18 greens.
The slick greens and afternoon wind pushed the scores to an all-time high, as the team of Alex and Mike Dermatas, both consistent winners in past events, Bob Harvey, and Richard Hamer took the team prize with a 66, winning on a fourth hole card playoff. Losing in the playoff was Gregg and Brent Briggs, Trent Slate, and Ron Durbin. The family ties continued in the third place spot, as Charles and Chuck Underwood joined Sid Champion and Jim McCombs to shoot a 67. The team of Scott and Jim Whitaker, Billy "Wildcat" Cole and Kyle Clements shot 63 as the only Super Team participant. Whitaker also won the proximity prize on the 17th hole, and "Wildcat" won the men's long-drive contest.
Tom Hicks overcame a gopher hole opening tee shot and several weeks of intense wedding planning to win the Rolex Gift Bag provided by Carlyle and Co. Using a five iron, Hicks laser beamed his shot to within six feet on the difficult ninth hole to become the initial entry in the drawing for the Rolex watch that will be awarded after the Tournament Players Championship in September. Other proximity winners were Mark Jones on No. 12 and Charles Underwood on No. 5. The ladies long drive prize was not claimed as Ann Paul and Linda Gugliemi missed the fairway.
Head Pro and big UNC fan Brian Vest, and assistant Doug Brown ran a flawless tournament, while Carrie Beck, Food & Beverage Director, kept the field nourished and hydrated on the course. A special thanks is also extended to General Jim Hackler for his dedicated efforts to help bring the tournament to the Dunes Club.
The tour moves next to Heritage Wake Forest on June 8 at 2 PM. In 2002, the tour played one of the earliest events held at Heritage, and was highly impressed with the creative design and superb staff support. Space is still available in all of the remaining tournaments, although the Old North State Club event on July 12th will likely be filled soon. Visit www.ramsclub.org for course information and entry form.
The four team winners head the point standings after the first event, but Charles Underwood is lurking just behind after his proximity winner and third place team finish. Players receive one point for participation (maximum of five points), one point for an individual prize, and 3-2-1 points for first through third place team finish.
1. Alex Dermatas 4
1. Mike Dermatas 4
1. Richard Hamer 4
1. Bob Harvey 4
5. Charles Underwood 3
5. Brent Briggs 3
5. Gregg Briggs 3
5. Ron Durbin 3
5. Trent Slate 3
10. Seven tied with 2
