FORT BRAGG Like most of the state’s military courses, Ryder and Stryker are making a comeback of sorts, if for no other reason than sentimental reasons. And Stryker could have the coolest logo in golf, so make sure you purchase a golf ball in the vast pro shop. As soon as you step on Stryker…
By Steve Hanf Five years ago, Ben Schlottman was at Sedgefield Country Club when Arjun Atwal won the Wyndham Championship. In July, the 19-year-old from Advance was a playing partner with Atwal and Tom Hoge in the PGA Tour’s Barbasol Championship. The former Forsyth Country Day standout capped a remarkable freshman year at Auburn with…
By STUART HALL Over time, Kevin Smith may eventually forget the overnight hours of March 29, but what occurred during that time happens so infrequently that it almost becomes historic. Throughout the dark early morning, temperatures took a Titanic-like plunge to a low of 24 degrees, 18 degrees below the historical average for Greensboro. Combined with the 30-degree…
By Steve Hanf Lori Beth Adams goofed when it came time to qualify for the U.S. Women’s Open Championship. “I was supposed to play at the Governors Club site (in Chapel Hill), but I signed up too late and I had to go up to Pennsylvania,” Adams said. “I had never been up to Pennsylvania.”…
By Steve Hanf Ryan Winfree fondly recalls walking out the back door of his childhood home, stepping onto the eighth hole and playing golf for hours. Many youths who grow up in golf course communities have similar stories. Winfree’s tale, however, comes with a twist: He now gets to run that same golf course he…
By Marc Pruitt South Rowan’s Davis Richards, an N.C. State signee who won the individual title in the South Piedmont 3-A conference and finished 12th in the 2014 state championship, was expected to battle East Rowan’s Nick Lyerly for individual honors this time around. But instead of playing for a state title in early May,…
Wyndham Worldwide and Winston-Salem based BB&T have signed a 10-year extension as title sponsor of the Wyndham Championship, continuing their commitment through 2026. “We are extremely pleased to announce this new long-term commitment by Wyndham Worldwide, which represents a continuation of the tremendous progress the tournament has made through Wyndham’s support since 2007,” said…
By STUART HALL Since Scott Harvey won the U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship last September, there have been days when his thoughts are of a singular focus. There have also been times when his mind roams beyond the realm of history. In either instance, the thoughts are on playing the 79th Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. The opportunity…
By DAVID DROSCHAK John McConnell readily admits he never set out to purchase a stable of golf courses across the states of North Carolina and South Carolina. But as properties presented themselves throughout the past decade the business itch inside the former high-tech executive took over. So did his “pure golf” belief and affinity for…
By KURT DUSTERBERG Mary-Frances Hall has a golf game that is college ready. The 18-year-old freshman shot 74-75-149 to take individual medalist honors in a 10-team tournament in early March, winning the event by three strokes. But her growing career won’t make much noise in collegiate golf circles. That’s because she plays an outsize game…