"IF YOU LIKE GOLF"
weekly online golf column
by
Stan Crawley

July 29, 2003

Ten reasons why Chattanoogans should flock to the Chattanooga Classic this week at the Black Creek Golf Club in Tiftonia. The 400^th Nationwide Tour event will be held at the course Thursday through Sunday.

10. To take a look at beautiful Cummings Cove, voted Chattanooga's best golf course community. The homes and the view are spectacular.

9. To walk the gorgeous 18-hole course that is in perfect condition. The course was designed by Brian Silva, 1999 Golf World Architect of the Year.

8. To contribute to the tournament's charity -- The First Tee of Chattanooga, an organization that gives underprivileged youth an opportunity to learn life skills while learning the game of golf.

7. To see Casey Martin, who won a decision at the Supreme Court that allows him to compete on the Nationwide tour with the use of a golf cart.

6. To watch Victor Schwamkrug hit a golf ball. He is unbelievable. Last year, Schwamkrug averaged 328.5 yards per drive. He is up to 332 yards this year and is phenomenal to watch.

5. To walk the course with Vaughn Taylor, who is rated No. 3 on the Nationwide Tour money list. Taylor will be going for the "Tennessee Slam.'' He won the Knoxville Open earlier this year.

4. To get a flash from the past. Among the competitors in the 153-player field are former PGA Tour event champions Guy Boros, Russ Cochran, Jim McGovern, Chris Perry and Mike Springer. Boros is the son of former pro golfer Julius Boros.

3. To take a look at Scott Dunlap, who led the 2000 PGA Tournament after 36 holes. Tiger Woods eventually beat Bob May for the championship.

2. And how about a glimpse at these guys? Mike Donald, who lost to Hale Irwin in the 1990 U.S. Open playoff; Tommy Tolles, who finished third at The Masters when Tiger Woods won in 1997; and Steve Scott, who lost in the final to Tiger Woods in the 1996 U.S. Amateur.

1. To see Vince Gill. What a marvelous person. He will be the caddy Thursday through Sunday for Bob Wolcott, and is sure to be seen on the practice putting green and at the driving range. Gill loves golf and golf fans. He went beyond the call of duty on Tuesday after the Skins Game to sign autographs and take pictures with his fans.

(E-mail Stan Crawley at wscrawley@earthlink.net)

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