Golfers gather for Patriot Classic

The University’s May 18 Patriot Golf Classic attracted dozens of sports enthusiasts to Hollytree Country Club. Proceeds are used to fund student scholarships. Above, a participant tries his luck on the course.

A total of 41 teams battled for victory during the 2009 Tyler Patriot Golf Classic at Hollytree County Club, but in the end two groups emerged victorious.

The May 18 event is part of the University’s annual fundraiser that raises money for scholarships for students
attending classes at the Tyler, Longview and Palestine campuses.

The winner of the morning competition was BWR Architects & Engineers, comprised of Steve Todd, Glen Cowart, Greg Evans and Kevin Newman. Citizens 1st Bank team of Randy Grooms, Jeff King, D.R. Johnson and David Dial captured the win in the afternoon competition.    
Darrell Crall, executive director of the PGA Foundation, was the invited speaker.

He is recognized for forming the nationally recognized Help-A-Kid Play Golf and Golf in Schools Programs, which introduces golf to inner city youth through city recreational centers and schools.

The Patriot Golf Classic is built with the support of the UT Tyler Classic Society, an organization comprised of civic, business, professional and philanthropic leaders devoted to enhancing the Patriot Golf Classic and its traditions, organizers said.

Regular membership in this society is $5,000 annually. Members for this year include Brad Brookshire, Donald Chase, Dennis Darryl, Gary Howell, David Irwin, Miles Koon, Rodney H. Mabry, James I. Perkins and Tom Slack.

For the first time, a Gold Level Classic Society was offered for individuals wishing to donate $10,000 to fund a permanent endowed scholarship. Bill Barrett and Mike Clements are the first Gold Classic members.