AJ Middle team's 48 tops Rucker Relay golf tourney

Good golf for a good cause were the highlights in the third annual A.R. Rucker Middle School BAC (Buddies Against Cancer) captain’s choice golf tournament on Saturday afternoon at the Lancaster Golf Club.

Aaron Morrison

Butch Rorie strokes his putt on No. 9 at the Lancaster Golf Club during the third annual A.R. Rucker (BAC) Relay for Life golf tournament. Golfers, witnessing the shot, from left, are Mike Bafundo, Steve Suber and Darrell Blackwell.

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The event was originally set for March 26, but was postponed due to a rainout.

Stormy weather threatened late Saturday afternoon, but officials were able to get the tournament completed.

The winning foursome of Bryan Steele, Jerry Pardue, Logan Sowell and Champ Williams teamed for a 48 in the 18-hole tournament which drew 21 teams.

The winning team, which represented Andrew Jackson Middle School in the school division, posted a one-shot win.

“All of the team contributed,” said Williams, the Kershaw Golf Club pro. “It was a group effort.”

The winners had six eagles and 12 birdies.

Williams said a key hole was No. 7 where the team, using its tourney packet, posted a one on the par three.

Sowell, an AJ Middle seventh grader and member of the AJ golf team, had the key tee shot on the hole.

The second-place team included Larry Westscott, Mike Roddey, Roger Hayes and James Haire with a 49.

The third-place team, which represented Buford Middle School, shot a 51 and prevailed in a card playoff on No. 1.

The team included Chris Timmons, Greg Caskey, Tyler Young and Garrett Hammond.

Garvin Bynum had the closest to the pin on No. 7 to win a $100 gift certificate from Home Specialties.

R. Bradley captured the closest to the cow on No, 15 to win Chick-fil-A food for a year.

James Bouler had the longest drive on No. 5.

“We had a wonderful time and we’re looking forward to next year,” said Kim Perry, a South Middle School health and physical education teacher, who played in the tourney. “It was a lot of fun and for a great cause.”

Caskey, a member of the Buford Middle School team, said he enjoyed the tournament.

“They do a good job with the tournament and they have good prizes,” Caskey said. “We played last season and enjoyed it. They had good, favorable weather and a good turnout on Saturday.

“Angela Vaughan and her committee do an outstanding job with this event.”

Tournament officials said the event raised $4,000 for the upcoming Relay for Life event.

Rucker’s annual Relay for Life rally is May 6 at the school.

That day John Carter of WBTV in Charlotte will attend the rally, which will be held at 9 a.m.

A. R. Rucker Middle principal Phillip Mickles saluted the Relay for Life committee.

 “Ben Hingle, Yvonne Oswald and Angela Vaughan spearheaded our committee and did a great job,” Mickles said. “They put a lot of work into this event and it shows.”