All eight past champions, including the ageless Bernhard Langer, have committed to play in the Mitsubishi Electric Classic at TPC Sugarloaf, May 2-8.
Langer last month won the Chubb Classic, his 43rd win on the PGA Tour Champions, at age 64. The two-time Masters champion won the first Mitsubishi tournament in 2013 and has contended nearly every year since.
Other past champions who are returning include Miguel Angel Jimenez (2014), Olin Browne (2015), Woody Austin (2016), Stephen Ames (2017), Steve Flesch (2018), Scott McCarron (2019) and Dicky Pride (2021). No tournament was held in 2020 because of COVID-19.
“This year promises to be as thrilling as ever,” tournament director Ashley Hamilton said. “Our previous winners have a combined 74 PGA Tour Champions victories. We’re looking forward to welcoming back our previous champions as well as the remainder of the field.”
Georgia wins Peach-Palmetto Showdown
Georgia Golf Hall of Famer Laura Coble of Augusta scored nine points to help Georgia to a 33-27 win over South Carolina in the biennial Peach-Palmetto Showdown at Wild Dunes Resort in Isle of Palms, S.C. The Georgia team of six seniors and four mid-ams prevailed 33-27.
Coble teamed with Shelly White of Atlanta to sweep three points in the four-ball, three points in foursome matches and won three points in her singles match.
Others on the Georgia team were Danielle Davis of St. Simons Island, Sarah Gallagher of Canton, Deb Jackson of Johns Creek, Erica Krisan of Marietta, Erin Packer of Peachtree City, Brenda Pictor of Marietta, Lisa Short of Atlanta and Ket Vanderpool of Marietta.
Meadow Lakes professional retires
Allen Pinson, a longtime PGA professional in the Rome area, is retiring as the head man at Meadow Lakes Golf Club. Pinson began his career at Coosa Country Club in Rome under the tutelage of legendary pro Bert Seagraves and worked there from 1977 to ‘87. He was head professional at Meadow Lakes, Stonebridge Golf and Country Club and Barnsley Resort before returning to Meadow Lakes in 2017. Pinson is best known for his love of junior golf and as a teacher. Among his more successful students is former LPGA competitor Caroline Peek. Pinson will continue to work part time and give lessons.
Georgia Parks Golf Cup qualifying underway
The team of Dale Sheffield, Matt Bell, Russ Bell and Chris Seabolt won the first qualifier for the Georgia State Park Golf Cup held at the Wallace Adams Golf Course at Little Ocmulgee State Park in Helena. The team shot a 58 on a cold, foggy day.
Each of Georgia’s state parks will host a qualifier, and all winning teams advance to the championship event to be held at The Lakes at Laura S. Walker State Park in Waycross on May 21.
Georgia Veterans in Cordele hosts this week’s qualifier. The remaining schedule and qualifying information is available at gastateparks.org.
Renovations complete at Olde Atlanta
The clubhouse at the Olde Atlanta Golf Course in Suwanee has been renovated and repaired after a fire. The new facility features new interiors, a reimagined dining room, replacement of all furniture and equipment, enhanced kitchen and bar areas, updated restrooms and new mechanical and technical systems. Olde Atlanta shares access and facilities with Windermere in Cumming and is part of the ClubCorp network.
Planterra unveils renovated course
The Planterra Club, an 18-hole facility in Peachtree City designed by Jeff Burton and Rocky Roquemore, has completed a multimillion-dollar upgrade to its golf course and clubhouse.
The course renovations include new Champion G-12 greens, renovated bunkers, cart paths and landscape. The range was upgraded with new turf surfaces, target greens and practice bunker. The short-game area was completely rebuilt and lighted. The clubhouse got a new interior, and the back patio was extended with lighting and heat. A new upscale casual restaurant, The Cut, was opened and features lake views, big-screen televisions and a covered patio with a stone-crafted fireplace.
A member of the ClubCorp family, Planterra members have access to the Clubs of Peachtree City and Newnan, made up of five properties that include 135 holes of golf.
About the Author
