University of North Carolina Athletics
Rams Club Mini-Tour Points Race Tightens
August 4, 2004 | General
Aug. 4, 2004
Pinehurst, N.C. ----- The concern over Tropical Strom Alex lingered over the Mini-Tour field at Pinehurst #8 on Monday, August 2. The skies cleared early in the round, but began to darken as the round reached the midway point. Fortunately, the storms stayed away, and a very competitive round resulted in a logjam near the top of the point standings. None of the leaders beginning the day gained any ground. Instead, there are seven players within two points of the lead to win the coveted Nantucket Cup and the 2004 Mini-Tour championship. Mike Dermatas and Jim Warren made the strongest moves, gaining three points with a second place team finish and a participation point. Sam Williams and Jay Younce had their worst team finish of the year, shooting a one under 71. Putting difficulties and back troubles for Younce left the leaders a single point ahead heading into Championship Weekend. Late substitute Bob Galloway led Bridget Jones, Roger Brooks, Martin Nassif to the first place team prize, winning in a third hole card playoff over Dermatas, Warren, Bob Hamer, and Ronny Buchanan, another team created a no-show and a late arrival. The two team's round of 60 finished two shots ahead of third place finishers Gale Brown, Bob Craven, and Brent and Greg Griggs. Jason Francois was the Rolex Bag winner, placing his shot on the difficult eight hole about a foot from the hole. Other par three winners were Joe Hinson on the thirteenth, Mike Harris on the fifth, and Galloway on the 15th. Long drive winners were Bettie Jackson for the ladies and Mike Mumford for the men. Midway through the round, Jim Warren narrowly missed his own forehead with a topped fairway wood. One of the better "screwels" witnessed in years, a shot hit over your left foot by a right-handed player, was made by staff employee Matt Terrell. In his defense, his group had already hit a ball in the fairway on the 17th hole. The course was very plush, and the softer conditions did create lower scores than the previous year. The tour is most appreciative of the effort of the staff led by Matt Massei and Wink Kinney, and of the continued outstanding support from The Pinehurst Co. The grand finale of the regular tour, Championship Weekend, takes place on Friday, August 13 at Grande Dunes in Myrtle Beach with a 2 p.m. start and on Saturday, August 14 at 1 PM at the terrific Arnold Pamer design course of Rivers Edge Golf Club in Shallotte, N.C. After the conclusion of the Saturday round, the 2004 Mini-Tour champion will be crowned and receive the coveted Nantucket Cup, plus first choice of the 20 grand prizes that will be awarded to the top finishers present at the ceremonies. Heading into Championship Weekend, there is a tight race among the top seven players. Sam Williams and Jay Younce are tied for the lead heading into the weekend.
Point Standings: 1. Sam Williams 12 1. Jay Younce 12 3. Jim Warren 11 3. Mike Dermatas 11 5. Jim Crawford, III 10 6. Charles Underwood 10 7. Bob Hamer 10 8. Sid Champion 9 8. Brent Briggs 9 10. Glen Slaughter 8 11. J.R. Brown 8 11. Brent Briggs 8 11. Don Fish 8 11. Tom Hicks 8 11. Chris Jones 8 15. Greg Briggs 8 15. Martin Nassif 8 17. Eleven tied with 7
