Wayne County Men's Amateur draws closer

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on May 12, 2014 1:48 PM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

Want to test your golf skills against the best players in Wayne County or just maybe settle that long-running bet with a good friend?

Circle July 11-13 on your calendar.

That's when you can prove you have what it takes to become a champion during the 16th installment of the annual Wayne County Amateur Golf Championships.

Oh, but there's a catch. Isn't there always?

To be the best you've got to beat two defending title-holders and grind it out against some former area high school and college players in another division. Long-time participant Tim Rose is the reigning Senior Division champion, while John Zambelli has put the last three Super Senior Division trophies on his mantle at home. Zambelli has won five WCMA crowns in two divisions.

The Open title is up for grabs this year since two-time defending champ Clark Rose isn't able to participate this year.

And the WCMA committee has added a new division -- Masters, for those avid area golfing legends who have reached 70 years old. No, you won't compete against Arnold Palmer or Jack Nicklaus. But you can channel their inner spirits as you work your way around three of the best -- and challenging -- courses that Wayne County has to offer.

The Amateur begins July 11 on the picturesque Walnut Creek Country Club links. Day 2 is at Goldsboro Municipal Golf Course, a tight layout that demands accuracy from tee to green. The coronation ceremony for the four division champions will conclude after Sunday's final round at Southern Wayne Country Club.

An estimated 40 percent of the golfers among 12 flights in the four divisions will receive prizes for their efforts.

To play, you must either reside in Wayne County or be a member of a golf club located within the county. The registration fee is $125 and the deadline is 5 p.m. on June 28. Registration forms are available at Walnut Creek, Goldsboro Municipal, Southern Wayne CC and Lane Tree Golf Club.

Highway 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries, founded by University of Mount Olive alum Kenny Moore, is the primary sponsor of the three-day event.

Bent8Design is the associate sponsor.