The Tega Cay Golf Course witnessed a thrilling display of skill and resilience during the 2024 Member-Member Tournament held on April 20-21. Despite challenging weather conditions, 92 members of the Tega Cay Men’s Golf Association showcased their prowess in a competition filled with dramatic shifts in play and weather.
Day One: A Foggy Start and Scorching Scores
The tournament kicked off on a foggy Saturday morning, setting a mystical scene as the players teed off. As the fog lifted, it revealed a perfect afternoon for golf, and the scores reflected the ideal conditions. The format for the first day was best ball for the first 9 holes, followed by a challenging chapman format for the back 9.
Dale Eberle and Kevin Eberle led the pack after Day One, carding an impressive 9 under par. Hot on their heels were the teams of Todd Moore and Mark Kershaw, and Keith Murphy and Suneel Jaitly, both finishing the day at 8 under par. Not far behind, three teams tied for fourth place at 7 under par, including Randy Mook and Dale Fandel, Paul Liles and Tim Wyatt, and Jim Rafftery and Rob Tucker.
Day Two: Weather Woes and a Battle of Endurance
The second day of the tournament brought a new challenge as a storm front moved in overnight, soaking the course and testing the golfers with rain and cold. The difficult conditions turned the tournament into a battle of endurance and skill in adverse weather, commonly known as a test for the “mudders.” The front 9 was played in a shamble format with players picking their best tee shot and playing in from there, while the players used both their individual scores on the back 9.
The demanding weather led to higher scores across the board, tightening the competition. Despite the inclement conditions, Dale Fandel and Randy Mook demonstrated remarkable consistency and perseverance, ultimately taking home the championship title with an even par over two days. Todd Moore and Mark Kershaw claimed second place with 1 over par, while third place was secured by Kenny Hall and Bruce Parker at 3 over. Tom Hyslip and Brad O’Connor followed closely in fourth place at 4 over, and tying for fifth place were Tyler Birchfield and Chris Lounsbury, along with Jim Prosperi and Larry Grable at 6 over.
Conclusion: A Test of True Grit
This year’s Member-Member tournament not only tested the golfing skills of the participants but also their ability to remain focused and determined under harsh conditions. The Tega Cay Men’s Golf Association members displayed incredible resilience and sportsmanship, proving that the spirit of the game shines brightest when challenged. As they battled the elements and the course, the camaraderie and competitive spirit made the 2024 tournament a memorable event for all involved.
