Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852

Sweetwater’s 2024 Club Championship unites members

Posted

Sweetwater Country Club in Barnwell had a memorable Club Championship on August 24-25. 

Sixty-three members participated in the 2024 Classic. They had 11 flights with 24 players who placed in the event. 

“This event is the highlight of the club as members who may only occasionally see each gathered together to play and socialize,” said Chip Cochran, Sweetwater’s general manager and head pro superintendent.

Below are the results along with commentary on the winners provided by Cochran: 

Men's Champions Division

  • Kyle Bearden - First Place     
  • David Lott - Second Place

David shot a blistering 30 on the first nine to grab an early lead, but Kyle kept pace and ended up shooting a competitive course record of 62 from the Championship Tees, with both nines of 31. Kyle shot 11 under par 131 for the two days followed by David at 2 under par 140. 

Ladies Champions Division

  • Laura Poe - First Place 
  • Suzanne Lott - Second Place

Laura shot a first round 76 to take the lead and never relinquished it. Her two-day total of 162 was good for the victory. Suzanne shot a two-day total of 170 to finish second in the overall plus good enough to win the Senior Ladies Division.

Men's A Flight

  • Boldt Richardson - First Place
  • Brett Williams - Second Place

In the largest flight, which also played the championship tees, J.C. Greene looked to defend his title as the favorite, but Boldt Richardson "came blowing in, like a summer wind" from the Great Northwest to grab the title with an excellent two-day total of 148. Brett Williams made a spirited charge on Sunday with a front 34 to finish alone in 2nd with a two-day total of 153. As usual, P-Nut had a major influence on Brett's score of 75 on Sunday. 

Men's B Flight

  • Luke Harter - First Place
  • Nick Owens - Second Place

Luke had a first round 77 to take a four-shot lead and then hold off all challengers to win the title with a two-day total of 159. Nick had off a subpar first round, but thanks to Rapsodo, came back to shoot the low round of the flight on the second day with a 77 to finish second at 163 for two days. 

Men's C Flight

  • Derek Jackson - First Place
  • Colton Sanders - Second Place

Derek shook off a first round of 90 to shoot a fine 79 on the second day to win by a shot with a two-day total of 169. Colton was super steady with rounds of 85 both days to finish second with a total of 170. 

Men's D Flight

  • Blake Barnes - First Place
  • Brian Lackey - Second Place

In the tightly contested flight, Brian had a large lead, but Blake made a 10-shot improvement in his score on Sunday to win the title by a single shot with a two-day total of 190. Brian finished second with a two-day total of 191. 

Men's Senior Championship Division

  • Chuck Bell - First Place
  • Greg Gantt - Second Place

Chucky was impressive in his victory with a round of 73 and 69 to outdistance the field with a two-day total of even par 142. Greg had two good rounds in the 70's to finish second with a total of 154. BAM!

Men's Senior B Flight

  • Don Alexander - First Place
  • Dennis Gibson - Second Place

Don took a six-shot lead after day one and extended that lead over day two to finish with a two-day total of 165. He matched Chuckie with a 12-shot margin of victory. 

Defending Senior Champion Dennis finished second with a two total of 177. 

Super Senior Champions Flight

  • Rhett Richardson - First Place
  • Julien Jenkins - Second Place

Rhett played an excellent first round to shoot a 76 and take a slim 2-shot lead over Eric Boiter. Rhett continued that steady play over round two to secure victory over his good friend and pre-tourney favorite Julien Jenkins for a 5-shot margin. Rhett had a two-day total of 156 while Julien placed second with a two-total of 161. 

Men's Senior B Flight

  • Edward Lemon - First Place
  • Craig Winningham - Second Place

Conservatively dressed Edward danced and laughed his way to victory with a two-day total of 172 after consecutive rounds of 86. Craig placed second with steady rounds of 88-91 for a total of 179. 

Ladies A Flight

  • Terri Winningham - First Place
  • Garnette Alexander - Second Place
  • Taylor Alexander - Third Place
  • Jennie Lemon - Fourth Place

A huge thanks to these ladies for participating. It was a pleasure to see them play and compete, and we hope more ladies will play. Terri had two great rounds of 43 to finish at 86 to win. Garnette shot 115 to finish second just ahead of Long Drive Champion and daughter-in-law Taylor who shot 119. Jennie was our most improved golfer on Sunday with an 11-shot improvement to shoot a two-day total of 121.and finish fourth. 

Closest to the Pin winners

  • John Winningham - #10 on Saturday and #3 on Sunday
  • Dwayne Garrick - #3 on Saturday
  • Boldt Richardson - #14 on Sunday

Thanks to everyone who participated. We look forward to seeing every member on the course and in this tournament next year.