THE 41ST DEKALB CUP

 The 41st annual Dekalb Cup will be played August 29, 30, and 31, 2008 Labor Day Weekend benefiting local charities and Junior Golf programs. Win a Mercedes-Benz hole in 1. For more information and to download an application, Click Here  
 

THE 40TH DEKALB CUP

The Dekalb Cup was contested over Labor Day weekend, September 1 and 2, the 40^th edition. This 4-ball tournament is one of the longest running tournaments of its kind in the North Georgia area. This year’s tournament was won by Drew Archer and Justin Bates playing out of Olde Atlanta GC. See the following for flight winners and finishers.

Again we had the “Super Skins Game” prior to the popular Friday activities. With the new cart paths still steaming from just being finished, we had a nice turn out for the skins game.

  Friday night’s activities included the infamous putting contest, a teasingly but yet diabolical lay out which tests even the most nerved putters at the Valley. A very steady Marvin Choate rolled his ball to an even score of 27, not that easy was it?

 Next we move to the chipping contest, added a few year’s ago and hosted by Richie Gillespie. After last year’s chipping champion, Brian Gamwell missed out in defending his title and when all the great chippers had come and gone. Only one was left standing…. Stacy Cochran? Some things defy the laws of nature.

 Then we come to the Long Drive Contest. We may be considering steroid testing next year based on some of the drives some of these guys hit. Don Gadberry finished 2^nd to a nonparticipant in this year’s contest. Normally a drive of 329 yards would get you a win, just not this year. In the senior division Jim Lively took it a deep 289 yards for his win.

 After the tournament proper was completed on Sunday, everyone moved to the first tee for the finale, “the Shootout”. At best count there were thirteen teams in this year’s “Shootout”. This year’s event found that power is not all that it takes to get the ball in the hole. After a record four teams hit the green in two, we had six teams advance to number two. With no one really hitting it close it came down to the best putter at Mystery Valley, Gary Brinker. Gary hit his tee shot to 16 feet. With everyone else in with a par, Gary rolled his putt center cut to lead him & Jim Moss to the “Shootout” title. It kept the string of Mystery Valley guys as the only winners of the “Shootout”. Past winners include David Sellers/Buddy Stacy, Mike Henry/Todd Eaker, and Larry Webb/ Larry Rakestraw.

 Included in this years Dekalb Cup was a cookout Friday night and lunch on Saturday & Sunday. Keg beer was provided in the clubhouse. Soft drinks and Gatorade were provided on course at no cost. Dick Gillespie alone made Valerie reload on orange Gatorade three times.

 Players were given a tee gift bag which included gift cards to PGA Super Store, Edwin Watts, a shirt, tees(that’s why they call it a tee gift), and a real treat of the best beef jerky from Williams & Conner(www.williamsandconner.com ). 

 The committee was able this year to pay teams four places in each flight. First place was $900, second place was $700, third place was $500 and fourth place paid $200 per team. Thanks to the pro shop in expediting the gift certificates.

 We, the Dekalb Cup committee, have spent hours trying to figure out why more teams wouldn’t want to participate. With all that comes with an entry into the tournament, The Dekalb Cup is the best value for this type of format in the state. Everything from a change of date to changing the format has been discussed. All we know is without a doubt the tournament is enjoyed by all players. The formula developed by those guys forty years ago still works today.

 An event like this doesn’t happen by itself. Thanks must go out to all that made this another successful Dekalb Cup. First of all the superintendent’s staff must be recognized for their efforts not only for the day to day job they do but for the overall plan they’ve been implementing. The course was in wonderful shape. Thanks to Chet Frazier and Chad Carroll and their staff.

  The golf staff, headed by John Crumbley, made the tournament flow really smooth. Thanks to Billy Bulmer, Gordon McIntire & Kevin Cole. Food & beverage was great also. Kudos must go to Sharon, Brittany, & Valerie for their efforts over the weekend. The support staff headed by Joe Blalock still is a real treat to work with. Thanks to you Joe B.

 The work of Gary Brinker, Mike Slocum, Jimmy Mann, Richie Gillespie, Jimmy Stewart, Chuck Landreth and Stacy Cochran cannot go without recognition. When one is a part of something really special it doesn’t seem like work. Thanks again guys.

 Special thanks go to Fred Stevens for handling the Super Skins on Friday and the option games on Saturday and Sunday. He also collected for and helped keep the “Shootout” organized.

 Please keep next year’s Dekalb Cup a part of your golf plans.

Respectfully Submitted By Buddy Stacy, Tournament Director