The 2009 AmateursMedia Guide

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Welcome to the

Amateurs

Dear 2009 Amateurs Participants,

The date is quickly approaching for the annual competition between two teams of eight men each with varying degrees of skill levels.  This year's trip is set to be the best so far.  For the first time in Amateurs history, we had a waiting list of people wanting to participate.  While the Amateurs has always welcomed any willing competitors, we simply could not take on all of the demand this year.  We are all fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in what is quickly becoming one of the finest golf tournaments in the country.

There could simply not be a better venue for the 2009 Amateurs than the place that has become known as the fastest growing city in northwest Alabama. One theory of how Muscle Shoals got its name is that at one time there were piles of mussel shells found along the shoals in the Tennessee River.  Another theory is that the shape of the river looks like the muscle in a man’s arm, therefore, Muscle Shoals.  The last theory argues that the original settlers of the area always foresaw Muscle Shoals as a golf haven and future home of the Amateurs tournament.  Rather than naming it "The Battleground of the Amateurs," they decided that Muscle Shoals had a better ring to it.

As you all know, the Shoals area is known worldwide as the home of the International Fertilizer Development Center, but it is so much more than that.   Its also known for its music recording industry, as the birthplace of W.C. Handy, the birthplace of Helen Keller, and the home of the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.  Muscle Shoals is also the birthplace of the Tennessee Valley Authority and the location of the Wilson Dam.  While there are no scheduled visits to any of these locations, although some free time is scheduled on Saturday afternoon for relaxation and sightseeing...unless we have to squeeze in a make-up round. 

The courses in Muscle Shoals are known for their beauty and level of difficulty.  The RTJ staff have promised to have both the Fighting Joe and the Schoolmaster courses in top condition for this year's event.  It has been said that "The sun never sets on a Robert Trent Jones golf course."  For those of you who participated in the 2008 Amateurs, we will be searching for the person who made that statement so we can beat him/her mercilessly.  For those rookies among us, suffice it to say we expect better weather conditions than ever before.  Let's face it, the weather couldn't be any worse than last year.

Now in its sixth year of existence and its second consecutive year at the RTJ facility in Muscle Shoals, The Amateurs has become a tradition like no other.  Let us enjoy the competition with each other and continue to uphold the sportsmanlike spirit on which this event was founded by arguing, fighting and competing fiercely for the only thing that matters - winning.

Your humble servants,

The Founding Fathers

Rules & Format

Rules:• All USGA rules, unless otherwise noted, are in effect.• If a player hits a ball into the woods, then the play must be treated as a lateral

hazard & a player must take a drop closest to the point of entry into the hazard. A player must notify his opponent of such a drop & have approval of the where the drop must be made. Player incurs a one stroke penalty.

• Unless conditions prove to the contrary, any ball that lands in the fairway may slightly be improved (i.e. “rolling” in the fairway only is allowed)

• Unless a putt is conceded by your opponent, all putts must drop (players are encouraged to putt-out).

• Any player must take a penalty drop, he must confer with his opponent & come to agreement that the drop location is adequate.

• In the event of a tie following the final round, the match will be decided by a Captains sudden death hole-by-hole playoff. Other fair solutions may be necessary and will be decided upon by Founding Fathers and team captains.

• The low handicap of each foursome will be responsible for the pace of play.• Strict “No dogs allowed” rule (View 2008 Recap notes)

Selection of Teams:• Captains will be voted on prior to annual pre-tournament dinner.• Live draft of teams at annual pre-tournament dinner• Captain with highest handicap will receive the honors of first player selection.

Friday’s Matches:• Match-ups are predetermined before Amateur’s weekend. At the pre-tournament

dinner, there will be a coin flip to determine who names their team first & who responds with a match up. The team that goes first on the 4 man match goes 2nd for the 2 man selection.

• Friday’s first match each match is worth 3 points. This 1st match will be a 4-on-4 stroke play. 2 scores will count for 14 holes, 3 scores for 3 holes & 4 for hole 18. Score has to be texted to other team after hole 9 & after hole 17.

• Friday’s 2nd match is a 2 vs 2, best ball match play. Each match is worth 2 points.

Saturday Match:• Match-ups are determined by captains alternating naming a team with opposing

captain responding with his matchup choice. The team behind in the competition has the choice of choosing first or second.

• Saturday’s match is a 2 vs 2, best ball match play• Each match is worth 2 pointsSunday Match:• Match-ups are determined by captains alternating naming a player with

opposing captain responding with his matchup choice.• Sunday’s match is individual match play• Each match is worth 2 points• When choosing match-ups, each team will rank their players by handicap.

When a captain responds with a player, he must select an opponent within one ranking spot of the opponent. In a case where there is not a player ranked higher/lower then the captain can select within two spots in one direction.

• Team uniforms are in effect on Sunday.

Prizes: $40 Entry Fee• Winning team members $60; Low net $30• Most Valuable Player $30; Low net round $20• Winning Sunday Match $10• Hole in One – Everyone pays $20 (not included in Entry Fee)

Trip Logistics

Lodging• Double Head Resort located at 145 County Road 314 Town Creek, AL 35672• Thursday, May 14th - Sunday, May 17th• Contact: Alicia Bates, 800.685.9267 (press 1, then 4)

Reservation• This reservation includes three, three bedroom villas (2 Queens beds + 2 twins /

2 full baths), side-by-side locations for three nights. Price includes a fish fry dinner and banana pudding on Saturday night at 8 PM. Check in is at 3 PM, as of April 6th, cabins will be available for early checkin.

Directions• Google directions from Memphis to Resort - 3 hour estimated driving time from

Memphis• Take U.S. Highway 78 South to U.S. Highway 72 and turn East. Stay on Hwy. 72

until you reach Muscle Shoals, AL. Highway 72 will turn North towards Florence but the most direct route is to continue straight on U.S. Highway 20/Alternate U.S. Highway 72 for about 20 miles to Alabama Highway 101. Turn North on Hwy. 101 until you reach County Road 314, turn left. Doublehead Resort entrance is one-half mile on the right.

Golf• Robert Trent Jones, The Shoals located at 990 SunBelt Parkway Muscle Shoals,

Alabama 35661• Contact: Libby Watts 256.446.4482; Pro-shop 256.446.5111

Directions• Google directions from Doublehead to The Shoals - 15 minutes estimated

driving time• Head southeast (0.1 mi). Turn right toward County Rd-314/Fosters Mill Rd (go

400 ft). Turn right at County Rd-314/Fosters Mill Rd, Continue to follow Fosters Mill Rd (go 1.4 mi). Turn right at River Rd (go 5.5 mi). Turn right at County Line Rd/County Rd-48/Lime Kiln Rd. Continue to follow County Rd-48/Lime Kiln Rd (go 1.0 mi). Turn left at Hunter Rd (go 1.3 mi). Turn right at Hunter Point Cove (go 0.2 mi). Continue on Three Point Rd (go 0.7 mi)

Tee Times• Friday, May 15th: 7 AM Fighting Joe & 12:30 PM Fighting Joe• Saturday, May 16th: 8 AM Schoolmaster• Sunday, May 17th: 8 AM Schoolmaster

Built-in Costs• Friendly Competition $40

Total Cost of 2009 Amateurs Per Person: $425• This price includes all golf, lodging, dinner on Saturday night and entry fees.  

This price does not include travel expenses, drinks/beer (remember to stock-up in Memphis if possible), money for side bets, food for the lodges and all other meals besides the fish fry on Saturday.

• Player are encouraged to bring snacks, drinks, games, etc. for the lodges and/or possible rain delays.

• We play rain or shine, please prepare accordingly.

History & Past Results

Players Match Winning %

Match Record

Individual Match Play

Team Winning %

Kennon Vaughan 83.3% 10-1-1 3-0-1 67%

Dallas Geer 76.5% 13-3-1 3-1-0 80%

Tom Marino 75.0% 6-1-1 1-1-0 100%

Scott Walker 75.0% 3-1-0 1-0-0 100%

Matt Weathersby 55.6% 5-3-2 3-0-0 67%

John Bryson 50.0% 4-4-0 0-2-0 50%

Peter Pettit 50.0% 1-1-0 1-0-0 0%

Briton Williston 50.0% 2-2-0 NA 100%

A Thompson 50.0% 4-4-0 1-1-0 100%

Nathan Molica 50.0% 1-1-0 NA 0%

Preston Carpenter 50.0% 4-3-1 0-1-1 0%

Jack Pierett 50.0% 2-2-0 1-0-0 0%

Tony Wade 37.5% 3-3-2 1-0-1 50%

Blake Bourland 35.3% 6-6-5 1-1-2 40%

Chris Hill 29.4% 5-8-4 1-2-1 40%

Jason Holbrook 25.0% 4-7-1 1-1-1 67%

Peter Mathews 25.0% 3-7-2 0-2-1 33%

Josh Vick 25.0% 1-3-0 0-1-0 100%

Andy Beckman 25.0% 1-3-0 0-1-0 0%

William Martin 18.8% 3-10-3 1-3-0 25%

Jim Dorman 17.6% 3-10-4 2-2-0 20%

Jeff Jones 0.0% 0-3-1 0-1-0 0%

History & Past Results

2004 Amateurs - The Founding FathersDates: May 7-9, 2004Location: Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Capitol Hill in Prattville, AL" The Legislator Course, The Senator Course, The Judge CourseParticipants: Blake Bourland, Dallas Geer, Jim Dorman, Chris HillResults: Total score competition won by Dallas (Prize – all you can eat Krystal’s – " still at large) Dallas has yet to collect although he brings up the bet often. " There are thoughts by some that he will never collect so he can continually " bring up the fact he won.Notes: No handicaps used

2005 Amateurs - A Soldier’s Sendoff(Named for Nathan Molica who we thought was about to go overseas)Dates: April 14-17, 2005Location: Callaway Gardens in Callaway Gardens, GA" The Mountain View & Lake View Golf CoursesParticipants: Black Knights - Captain: Chris Hill, William Martin, Peter Petitt, " Nathan Molica, Blake Bourland" Rangers - Captain: Jim Dorman, Kennon Vaughan, Briton Williston, Dallas " Geer, Matt WeathersbyResults: Rangers win 6-5Notes: Kennon wins MVP & low net total; Peter P wins low net round. Buddy " quits match on hole 15 due to fatigue.Round 1 " Buddy/Matt over Woody/Nathan" Blake/Chris over Jim/Kennon" Peter over Dallas 3 & 2Round 2" Dallas/Kennon over Chris/Peter" Matt over Woody" Blake/Nathan over Jim/Buddy Round 3" Dallas/Jim halves with Blake/Chris" Buddy/Kennon over Chris/Woody Round 4" Kennon halves with Blake" Chris over Jim 2 & 1" Dallas/Buddy over Woody/Nathan

2006 Amateurs - Blame it on Vaughan(Named due to Kennon’s wedding causing several people to miss the trip)Dates: April 6-9, 2006Location: Dancing Rabbit Golf Club in Philadelphia, MS" The Azaleas & the Oaks Golf CoursesParticipants: Woodies - Captain: William Martin, Dallas Geer, Peter " Mathews, Chris Hill" Bones - Captain: Matt Weathersby, Blake Bourland, Jason Holbrook, Jim " DormanResults: Woodies Win 5 & 4Notes: Dallas wins MVP, low net round on Azalea & low net total. Matt wins low " net round on Oaks. Woody says “Folk’s Folly steak takes like dirt.”Round 1" Dallas/Woody/Peter/Chris over Blake/Jason/Matt/JimRound 2" Dallas/Chris over Matt/Jason" Blake/Jim halves with Peter/Woody

History & Past Results

Round 3" Dallas/Peter over Jason/Blake" Matt/Jim halves with Woody/ChrisRound 4" Dallas over Blake 9 & 8" Jason over Peter" Jim over Chris 2 & 1" Matt over Woody

2007 Amateurs - Arkansas Derby (see pg. 7)(named due to attendance of the famous Arkansas horse race of the same name)Dates: April 12-15, 2007Location: Hot Springs Village, AR" Ponce De Leon, Isabella, Balboa, & Grenada Golf CoursesParticipants: Men ‘O War: Captain: Blake Bourland, John Bryson, Jason " Holbrook, Chris Hill, Josh Vick, A Thompson, Matt Weathersby, Tom Marino" The Curse: Captain: Kennon Vaughan, Peter Mathews, Dallas Geer, Tony " Wade, Jim Dorman, Jeff Jones, William MartinResults: Men ‘O War Win 9-7Notes: Tom wins MVP; Dallas wins low net total & low net round.Round 1 (2 ball for 12 holes, 3 ball for 4 holes, 4 ball for 2 holes)" JB/Blake/Matt/Tom over Peter/Tony/Woody/Jeff 4 & 3" Dallas/Preston/Kennon/Jim over Jason/Chris/Josh/A 6 & 5Round 2 (Emotional match; lightening causes participants to run for cover)" JB/Tom over Peter/Woody 5 & 3" Blake/Matt halves with Tony/Jeff" Preston/Kennon over Josh/Chris 1 up" A/Jason over Jim/Dallas 2 upRound 3" JB/Josh over Dallas/Preston 2 & 1" Tony/Kennon over Matt/Jason 2 up" Chris/Tom halves with Woody/Jim" Blake/A over Jeff/Peter 6 & 5Round 4" Dallas over JB 7 & 6" Chris halves with Tony" Kennon over A 3 & 2" Matt over Woody 4 & 3" Jason halves with Peter (Jason comes back after being 4 holes down)" Blake halves with Preston (Blake comes back after being 4 holes down)" Jim over Josh 2 & 1" Tom over Jeff 5 & 4

2008 Amateurs - The Muscle on the ShoalsDates: April 3-6, 2008Location: Muscle Shoals, AL" Robert Trent Jones The Shoals: Schoolmaster, Fighting JoeParticipants: Sons of Thunder - John Byron (captain), Jack Pieratt, Peter " Matthews, "Preston Carpenter, Chris Hill, Andy Beckman, Jim Dorman, William " Martin! House of Mojo - Jason Holbrook (captain), Dallas Geer, Blake Bourland, " Kennon Vaughan, Tony Wade, A Thompson, Scott Walker, Tom MarinoResults: House of Mojo 26-12

History & Past Results

Notes: Co-MVP’s - Dallas & Kennon both 4-0; Low Net Total - Dallas 296; Low Net Round - Blake 67; High Net Total - Jim 331.Round 1 (2 ball for 12 holes, 3 ball for 4 holes, 4 ball for 2 holes)" Jason/Kennon/A/Scott (+23) over Peter/Preston/Andy Jim (+34)" Dallas/Blake/Tony/Tom (+3) over Jack/JB/Chris/Woody (+10)Round 2 (Emotional match; lightening causes participants to run for cover)" JB/Chris over Blake/Tony 1 UP" Peter/Preston over Jason/A 3 & 2" Scott/Kennon over Jim/Andy 4 & 3" Dallas/Tom over Jack/Woody 5 & 4Round 3" Dallas/Kennon over Peter/Chris 3 & 1" Jack/Preston over Blake/A 2 & 1" Jason/Tom over Jim/JB 5 and 4" Andy/Woody over Scott/Tony 5 & 4Round 4" Dallas over JB 3 & 2" A over Peter 4 & 3" Kennon over Preston 4 & 3" Tony over Jim 3 & 2" Woody over Tom 2 & 1 (Handing Marino his first loss in Amateurs history)" Blake over Andy 6 & 5" Scott over Chris 2 & 1" Jack over Jason 1 Up (Jack shoots a 32 on the closing 9 to win)

2009 Amateurs - Showdown on the ShoalsDates: April 3-6, 2008Location: Muscle Shoals, AL" Robert Trent Jones The Shoals: Schoolmaster, Fighting JoeParticipants: Sons of Thunder - John Byron (captain), Jack Pieratt, Peter " Matthews, "Preston Carpenter, Chris Hill, Andy Beckman, Jim Dorman, William " Martin! House of Mojo - Jason Holbrook (captain), Dallas Geer, Blake Bourland, " Kennon Vaughan, Tony Wade, A Thompson, Scott Walker, Tom MarinoResults: House of Mojo 26-12

Well, the 2008 Amateurs was as historic as any. The House of Mojo, lead by Captain Jason Holbrook, held on to defeat the Sons of Thunder & Captain John Bryson in a match that went down to the wire. In a format designed for absolute parity, the final scorecard showed that Mojo finished with 26 points out of 38, revised downward from 28 out of 40 in the middle of the weekend so that certain Mojoans could argue that they did not stack the teams in order to win money from their friends.

Many improvements were made to the format this year, most notably the addition of several prizes & parting gifts from random retailers & ministries around Memphis that support any group of 16 men coming together to play goldf for a weekend. Many thanks to Founding Father Chris Hill for leading the charges in getting free stuff & Founding Father Blake Bourland & participant Kennon Vaughan who contributed. Another marked improvement from previous years was the catered dinner on Friday night, which eliminated the 3 hour wait for an overcooked steak & cold baked potato. While the steakhouse may be reinstated in the future, catfish night proved to be a big hit. Not improved from last year was the weather, which could not have been worse. However, weather has never hindered an Amateurs competition before, & it could not prevent this from being the best Amateurs to date. Muscle Shoals turned out to be a great venue due to its proximity to Memphis, affordability & durability under exorbitantly high numbers of strokes taken in 3 days.

Tournament Recap:Friday was a typical first day at the Amateurs as everyone woke up early & excited & headed to the course around 7am despite the fact that RTJ Muscle Shoals was dead center in the path of a terrible thunderstorm that promised a day of rain. After an extended check-in time at the clubhouse, the Amateurs got underway around 11am on Fighting Joe. The first round & a half were played in standard Friday weather of torrential rain, wind & temperatures below 60. But Amateurs don’t back down from a monsoon, especially one with only intermittent lightening. Mojo was clearly better prepared for the rain & won both round 1 match-ups by a total of 17 strokes. These victories gave Mojo an 8 point lead that would ultimately prove insurmountable.

In an effort to take advantage of their advantage in inclement weather, Mojo pushed to play the front 9 of round 2 in among continuing scattered storms that resulted in minor flooding on the course. Round 2 was ultimately suspended due to darkness after squeezing in 9 holes, but Thunder had already gotten its revenge as Asa, the team mascot, had squeezed out a mess on Kennon’s pants. Both teams retreated to Doublehead Resort to dry out & enjoy a catfish supper at Butler Cabin while Kennon looked for some stain remover.

Recap of 2008

C0-MVPs: Kennon (4-0) &! ! Dallas (4-0)Low Net Total: Dallas (296)Low Net Round: Blake (67) High Net Total: Jim (331)

After a good night’s rest, the rain moved out & everyone felt revitalized for Saturday’s rounds. The morning round was back on Fighting Joe for the second round of 2 man best ball. It came down to the wire, but ultimately all four matches were split evenly. With the Tiger game starting in just a few hours, everyone hustled out to finish round 2 from Friday. Although the first 9 were played on the front 9 of Schoolmaster, scheduling conflicts forced the second 9 to be moved to the front 9 of Fighting Joe. Thunder was able to shut out the distraction & come back to split the round 2 matches despite being down after Friday’s first 9 holes. This left Thunder down 8 points with one round to go that was worth a total of 16 points.

Everyone put the competition aside on Saturday night to root for the Tigers except for Holbrook & Beckman, who went head-to-head on the grill. After celebrating the Tigers victory over UCLA together, a heated debate broke out about whether Memphis could have handled Davidson in the tournament. Needless to say, the stage was set for an epic battle on Sunday.

Thunder knew that they had to leave it all on the course if they had any chance of overcoming the 6-point deficit (revised downward from 8 on Saturday in an unprecedented move by Amateurs captains) in one round of golf. But then again, comebacks & clutch performances are what the Amateurs is all about. In typical fashion, the course dried out the weather was perfect for the final round of 8 individual match play matches. Both teams played with heart & passion, creating golf shots that defied physics & often destroyed beautiful patches of fairway. But when it was all said & done, Thunder came up short winning only 2 matches on the final day.

The big winners on the weekend were Dallas who won Co-MVP honors, Dallas who won Low Net Total on the weekend & Dallas whose team took home the grand prize. Kennon also won Co-MVP with Blake taking the Low Net Round of the weekend. Jim won the dubious honor of High Net Total.

All great Amateurs involve controversy & this year was no different. Rookie Andy Beckman, veteran William Martin, Tony Wade & A Thompson were among those in the heat of it. Firsthand details were not available at press time of this summary, but are of course welcome to be submitted in the comments.

Thanks to everyone who made this year the most successful in Amateurs history - we were able to raise more money from charities && ministries than ever before.

2008 Amateurs Summary of Scores2008 Amateurs Photo Album

[Article submitted anonymously by 2008 Amateurs staff writer]

Player Biographies

 

Blake BourlandResides: Memphis, TNCollege: Auburn/UT LawTeam Record 2-3Match Record 6-6-5Individual Match PlayRecord 1-1-2

Notes: Attorney; emotional; visor backwards means trouble for opponent; keeps ball in play; not a risk taker. Rivals: Dallas, Kennon

Jim DormanResides: Memphis, TNCollege: Auburn/UT MBATeam Record 1-4Match Record 3-10-4Individual Match Play Record 2-2-0

Notes: CPA; CFA; Not a Bad A, steady hand; long driver; mental game has been questioned; questionable short game; Super Bowl XLII MVP; 2009 expected to “be his year.”Rivals: Chris, Vick, Tom

Chris HillResides: Memphis, TNCollege: AuburnTeam Record 2-3Match Record 5-8-4Individual Match Play Record 1-2-1

Notes: Recently left ministry job to work for the Man; Lefty; Never gives up; Don’t count him out after a bad drive; How will kid #2 affect him?Rivals: Jim, Tony

Dallas GeerResides: Memphis, TNCollege: UT/UT MBATeam Record 4-1Match Record 13-3-1Individual Match Play Record 3-1-0

Notes: Target on his back with such a high level of success in past events; Ironically has never been captain. New dad stress will influence his game & pre-trip practice; Once rumored to play more than a 100 rounds a year.Rivals: Blake, JB, A

Kennon VaughanResides: Memphis, TNCollege: Auburn/Vandy/Dallas Theological SeminaryTeam Record 2-1Match Record 10-1-1Individual Match Play Record 3-0-1

Notes: Staunch anti-handicap views only recently allowed his participation in a formal handicap system that could affect his play; Winner at heart & comes ready to play. Hates Jack’s dog.Rivals: Blake, Hill, Andy, Jack’s dog

Player BiographiesPreston CarpenterResides: Memphis, TNCollege: Ole MissTeam Record 1-1Match Record 4-3-1Individual Match Play Record 0-1-1

Notes: Steady, optimistic & great playing partner; Quietly gets the job done; Beat cancer 10 & 8, you’re next. Captainship should bring out a new Preston.Rivals: Josh, Blake, Tony

Tom MarinoResides: Memphis, TNCollege: Mississippi StateTeam Record 3-1Match Record 6-1-1Individual Match Play Record 1-1-0

Notes: MVP in his first year; Low handicappers fear him, high handicapper loath him. Favorite quote before destroying opponent is “It sure is a beautiful day out here.” Loves to play early.Rivals: William, Dorman

Jack PierattResides: Memphis, TNCollege: MemphisTeam Record 0-1Match Record 2-2-0Individual Match Play Record1-0-0

Notes: Brings some quality golf-playing to the Amateurs; Played golf at Memphis; Answers important phone calls during surgery. Becoming a dad since 1st Amateurs could affect preparation.Rivals: Dallas, HolbrookJacks dog’s rivals: Kennon

Jason Holbrook(s)Resides: Millington, TNCollege: KentuckyTeam Record 2-1Match Record 4-7-1Individual Match Play Record 1-1-1

Notes: Captained successfully in ‘08; Thrives in the heat of the battle; Winners attitude; Monster grips threw off his game in ’07, but he returned in ’08. Great debate on if there is an “s” at the end of his name.Rivals: Peter, Jack, Blake

Peter MatthewsResides: Memphis, TNCollege: RhodesTeam Record 1-2Match Record 3-7-2Individual Match Play Record 0-2-1

Notes: Capable of very low scores. Quiet, but deadly killer in ’06. Patience on the greens is unmatched.Rivals: Jason, Kennon (dog)

Player BiographiesScott WalkerResides: Memphis, TNCollege: Memphis TigerTeam Record 1-0Match Record 3-1-0Individual Match Play Record 1-0-0

Notes: Tore ACL & MCL playing golf; great teammate; new equipment for ’09; 1st participant to send in deposit showing strong commitment.Rivals: Chris

Andy BeckmanResides: Memphis, TNCollege: AuburnTeam Record 0-1Match Record 1-3-1Individual Match Play Record0-1-0

Notes: Good short game; Lowest round was 78 (Galloway); Sarcasm listed as a weakness; Mental game has been questioned for Sunday match (’08).Rivals: Kennon, Jason

Isaac ByrdResides: Memphis, TNCollege: Ole MissRookie

Notes: Laid back, relaxed personality, but is a tough competitor deep, deep, deep, deep down inside. Changed job recently but still works for “the man.” Handicap purely based on rounds at Galloway; Slowly becoming an MUS alumnus.

John BrysonResides: Memphis, TNCollege: KentuckyTeam Record 1-1Match Record 4-4-0Individual Match Play Record 0-2-0

Notes: Fastest player on the Amatuers circuit (or any circuit for that matter); Fun to have in foursome & capable of going very low; Recent loss of weight could +/- affect game. Rivals: Dallas, Jason

Tony WadeResides: Memphis, TNCollege: Team Record 1-2Match Record 3-3-2Individual Match Play Record 1-0-1

Notes: May look like Wayne Brady, but is extremely serious on golf course; In his element with captaincy; Sparkplug; Emotionally volatile on course; Instructs opponents/teammates on swing flaws during play; True winner.Rivals: Chris, Preston

Player Biographies

Josh VickResides: Dallas, TXCollege: Alabama/LSUTeam Record 1-0Match Record 1-3-0Individual Match Play Record 0-1-0

Notes: Very enjoyable to play with even as an opponent; Capable of low scores; Travelled longest distance to get to 2007 Amateurs; Has good Chris Hill jabs.Rivals: Preston, Jim

A ThompsonResides: Memphis, TNCollege: FurmanTeam Record 1-0Match Record 4-4-0Individual Match Play Record 1-1-0

Notes: Competitor; Famous for wearing tight blue pullover; Involved in HandicapGate ’07; great motivatorRivals: Kennon, Dallas

Jeff JonesResides: Memphis, TNCollege: MemphisTeam Record 0-1Match Record 0-3-1Individual Match Play Record 0-1-0

Notes: Won dubious award of high net on ’07; Steady partner in team competition.Rivals: Tom

William MartinResides: Memphis, TNCollege: TennesseeTeam Record 1-3Match Record 3-10-3Individual Match Play Record 1-3-0

Notes: Competitor; Captained a team to victory; Wears his emotions on his chest; Nearly beat down a 75 year old marshall in Hot Springs Village;Known to carry his bag through the woods.Rivals: Weathersby, Marino

Jim EcholsResides: Memphis, TNCollege: VanderbiltRookie

Notes: Considered Blake’s volume rival; the trip needed an eye surgeon to help with contact lens issues on the course; Two kids under 15 months; likes to haze JP Prince in his spare time

Player BiographiesMatt WeathersbyResides: Memphis, TNCollege: FurmanTeam Record 2-1Match Record 5-3-2Individual Match Play Record 3-0-0

Notes: True competitor; Seems to come up with magic when its needed the most.Rivals: Woody

Peter PettitResides: Chicago, ILCollege: Virginia/Kellogg MBATeam Record 0-1Match Record 1-1-0Individual Match Play Record 1-0-0

Notes: Might be a one-timer, but great golfer.Rivals: Dallas

Britton WillistonResides: Washington D.C.College: Virginia/Cornell LawTeam Record 1-0Match Record 2-2-0Individual Match Play RecordN/A

Notes: Might be a one timer, but tons of fun to have on trip.Rivals: Nathan

Nathan MolicaResides: Columbus, Ga, Iraq, AfghanistanCollege: West PointTeam Record 0-1Match Record 1-1-0Individual Match Play RecordN/A

Notes: New to the game, but great to have on the trip; Plays with great emotion.Rivals: Buddy

The Shoals Florence - 36 Holes

The Fighting Joe course at The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at The Shoals opened August, 2004 & was the first Trail course to break 8,000 measuring some 8,092 yards from the black tees.

It’s long, really long, & this links style course is simply good straight-forward golf. You can see where you’re going. The question is… can Dorman get there?

Some say the spectacular 17th hole is the signature hole on the course, but the 18th green overlooking Wilson Lake on the Tennessee River will distract you with its beauty - if not its treachery.

Travel & Leisure Golf has named Fighting Joe one of the top new courses in 2004 for good reason. Long-hitters here will experience a test of champions; but from the correct tee box, all players will enjoy world-class golf.

The second course, The Schoolmaster (names for President Woodrow Wilson who was responsible for getting Wilson Dam built on the River & who was known as The Schoolmaster of politics) opened in the Summer of 2005. (Fortunately Blake’s middle name is Woodrow)

This tree lined course is more traditional golf with every hole in keeping with the natural topography along the Tennessee River. It’s wooded, rolling & spectacular. (Woody suggests comfy shoes for this course.)

First reports indicate The Schoolmaster may be a tougher course than Fighting Joe, but only time will tell. One thing’s for sure, it’s a Shot Maker’s golf course with narrower fairways, tree lined greens, & still a length of nearly 8,000 yards!

It’s hard to beat the beauty that Hole #18 hold on the high bluffs over the river, but the waterfall on Hole #2 sure comes close. Make sure you’ve done your homework well, for The Schoolmaster will certainly test all of your skills.

Robert Trent JonesThe School Master Course

Robert Trent JonesFighting Joe Course

LET THE SHOWDOWN BEGIN!

THE 2009 AMATEURS

TEAM NAMES ANNOUNCED

CARPENTERS 8 VS.WON AT BROADWAY

The finishing hole at Robert Trent Jones The Schoolmaster

Tony Wade *! ! Preston Carpenter*

Dallas Geer!! ! ! Kennon Vaughan

John Bryson! ! ! Jack Pieratt

Jason Holbrook!! ! Tom Marino

Blake Bourland! ! ! Scott Walker

Jim Echols!! ! ! Chris Hill

Peter Matthews!! ! Andy Beckman

Jim Dorman!! ! ! Isaac Byrd* Captain

Carpenters 8Won at Broadway

TEAMS

Round One

Match will be a4-on-4 stroke play. 2 scores will count

for 14 holes, 3 scores for 3 holes & 4 for hole 18. Score has to be texted to other team after

hole 9 and 17. This match is worth 3

points.

John Bryson! ! ! Jack Pieratt

Jason Holbrook!! ! Kennon Vaughan

Jim Echols!! ! ! Andy Beckman

Tony Wade! ! ! ! Tom Marino

First Tee 7 a.m. Second Tee

VS

Preston Carpenter! ! Dallas Geer

Chris Hill! ! ! ! Peter Matthews

Scott Walker! ! ! Blake Bourland

Isaac Byrd! ! ! ! Jim Dorman

Third Tee Fourth Tee

VS

Round Two

Match is a 2 vs 2, best ball match

play. This match is worth 2 points.

John Bryson! ! ! Jack Pieratt

Tony Wade! !Tom Marino

First Tee 12:30 p.m.

VS

Jason Holbrook!! ! Kennon Vaughan

Jim Echols!! ! ! Andy Beckman

Second Tee

VS

Peter Matthews!! ! Chris Hill

Dallas Geer!! ! ! Isaac Byrd

Third Tee

VS

Blake Bourland! ! Preston Carpenter

Jim Dorman!! ! ! Scott Walker

Fourth Tee

VS

WeekendItinerary

Amateurs VIMay 14-17. 2009

Thursday• Arrive at Double Head Resort (directions included in Media Guide)• No dinner provided - eat on your own

Friday• No breakfast provided - eat on your own" 6:00 AM Depart for RTJ The Shoals" 7:00 AM Fighting Joe - Bryson, Holbrook, Echols, Wade" 7:08 AM Fighting Joe - Pieratt, Vaughan, Beckman, Marino" 7:16 AM Fighting Joe - Preston, Hill, Walker, Byrd" 7:24 AM Fighting Joe - Geer, Matthews, Bourland, Dorman• No lunch provided - eat on your own at the course" 12:30 PM Fighting Joe - Bryson, Wade, Jack, Marino" 12:38 PM Fighting Joe - Holbrook, Echols, Vaughan, Beckman" 12:46 PM Fighting Joe - Matthews, Geer, Hill, Byrd" 12:54 PM Fighting Joe - Bourland, Dorman, Carpenter, Walker• Return to Double Head Resort" 7:30 PM Depart Double Head Resort for Stanfield’s Steakhouse

Saturday• No breakfast provided - eat on your own" 7:00 AM Depart for the RTJ The Shoals" 8:00 AM Schoolmaster - TBD" 8:08 AM Schoolmaster - TBD" 8:16 AM Schoolmaster - TBD" 8:24 AM Schoolmaster - TBD• Depart for Double Head Resort• No lunch provided - eat on your own at the course• Bags, Swimming, Cards, etc." 7:30 PM Catfish dinner at Double Head Resort / Butler Cabin

Sunday• We will not return to the cabins after golf. Pack-up and be ready to head

home immediately after golf.• No breakfast provided - eat on your own" 7:00 AM Depart for RTJ The Shoals" 8:00 AM Schoolmaster - TBD" 8:08 AM Schoolmaster - TBD" 8:16 AM Schoolmaster - TBD" 8:24 AM Schoolmaster - TBD" 1:00 PM Lunch/Closing Ceremonies at RTJ The Shoals Board Room" 2:00 PM Depart for Memphis

Contact Sheet

Competitors E-mail Mobile

Andy Beckman andydbeckman@gmail.com 901.488.1872

Blake Bourland bbourland@evanspetree.com 901.581.7869

Chris Hill mrchrishill@gmail.com 901.428.5473

Dallas Geer dgeer@poplarfdn.org 901.218.0285

Isaac Byrd isaac.byrd@servicemaster.com 901.451.2374

Jack Pierett jackpieratt@hotmail.com 901.258.2796

Jason Holbrook jasonrholbrook@gmail.com 901.268.0544

Jim Dorman jdorman@mercuryprop.com 901.246.7165

Jim Echols jimechols@gmail.com 901.289.5539

John Bryson jb@fellowshipmemphis.org 901.230.4128

Kennon Vaughan kav3122@gmail.com 901.283.3437

Peter Mathews pmatthews@southernsunam.com 901.550.5923

Preston Carpenter preston.carpenter@ftnfinancial.com 901.647.4396

Scott Walker swwalker@firsttennessee.com 901.356.7620

Tom Marino tmarino@poplarfdn.org 901.604.0122

Tony Wade twade3@bellsouth.net 901.461.6267