Published: April 16, 2008 04:35 pm         

Field set for fourth annual Poets Spring Invitational

Another record field is set to tee it up in the annual Poets Golf Club’s Spring Invitational golf tournament. Staged at Heatherhurst Country Club, the field includes past champions, out of town guests, and residents of Fairfield and the local area. A two-man team event, play consists of four basic handicapped competitive formats – scramble, alternate shot “Chapman,” better ball, and both balls. Players use full USGA handicaps and all USGA rules of golf are in effect.

Major sponsors for the event and participants are Crossville Hearing Center (Dr. Helen Hallenback), Cumberland Eye Care (Dr. Stuart Galloway), and Hughes Real Estate Services (Cal Smart and Jeff Hughes). New and returning hole sponsors for the event include Crossville Lincoln Mercury Ford; Air Experts — heating and air conditioning; Mortgage Investors Group — Robert Sitton; Happy Hound Realty — Karen Bertram; Fairfield Beauty Shop — Maggie O’Brien; Beef and Barrel Bar and Grill; Dr. Peter Koletar, DDS — family dentistry; Glade Realty – Roger Price; and Prudential Realty –Ted and Phyllis Lancaster.

The event starts Thursday, April 24, at 3 p.m., with player check-in at Heatherhurst. Running of the annual putting contest will start with qualifying at 3:30 p.m. Competition is expected to be stiff, as in past years, and this year, the prize booty includes new golf bags, golf balls, memorabilia, and cash!

A short players meeting will start at approximately 5 p.m., followed by a casual dinner on the Heatherhust veranda. There will also be planned male activities and bonding sessions for all of the teams.

The finals of the putting contest will be held at approximately 6:30 p.m. followed by the awarding of prizes.

Friday morning play commences from the #1 tee on the Crag course, with the front nine scramble and the back nine alternate shot “Chapman” competition. Teams are handicapped and flighted based on each player’s verified USGA handicap.

Saturday morning play commences from #1 tee on the Brae, with the front nine better ball and the back nine action packed now famous “both balls count” competition.

In all, over $5,000 in prizes will be awarded during the event. The resident professional teams of Steve Kraft/Warren Huddleson and Jeff Houston/Jeremy Jones will be in the field and will stage an over/under competition. The professionals' record score in the event is 14 under par, set last fall by Houston/Jones.

The Poets Golf Club organized the event, and Chet Weeks, tournament director, had the following comments:

“I speak for all of the Poets and participants in thanking a number of folks that make this event possible and sustainable. The golf staff here at Heatherhurst, our loyal sponsors, and all of the Poets volunteers who gave time and effort should all be recognized and applauded. And, of course, we appreciate the strong reception and participation by our local pros and all of the players.”

The Poets Fall Classic will be held Oct. 2-4.