By Brent Holmes '73, Alumni Golf Invitational Commissioner

“It is a beautiful day in Pinehurst” is the traditional greeting at the Pinehurst Resort and that was certainly the case as we kicked off the 2021 VES Alumni Golf Invitational–now in its 21^st year! The group welcomed 40 golfers—the second largest group ever—and the “social only” perennial champion, Wood Beasley ’75 to the tournament. It was apparent from the outset that these Bishops were primed for the golf and fellowship of a few days together in the Village.

For the first time in many years, we returned to the original format of a 1-day Class Cup competition and a 2-day stroke play event for the overall net and gross champions.

The Class Cup, contested on Pinehurst #7, was awarded following the first round on Friday. Congratulations to the class of 1983, led by Michael Edwards, and classmates Tommy Battle, John Bond, Wade Morton, Marshall Hairston, and David Allen, who took home the trophy with a stellar round of 68, 5 shots clear of the next class, 2008. 

After day one, two players, Wade Morton and John Bond, were tied for low gross with 79. The scores were very close which promised an exciting finish at Pinehurst #5. Fun and frivolity sometimes prevails with the Friday night banquet at the Pine Crest Inn and may have played a role in the results on Saturday. Congratulations to Low Gross winner Jimbo Eggelston ’11 who slipped past our overnight leaders with a strong round of 77 for a 2-day total of 162. Congratulations as well to Low Net winner, former commissioner Charlie Burton ’67 with a net total of 143. Terrific play gentlemen!

Flight winners are as follows:

1. 1^st Flight Winner: Wade Morton ’83   Runner Up: John Bond ‘83
2. 2^nd Flight Winner: Brent Holmes ’73   Runner Up: Bill Brewer ‘12
3. 3^rd Flight Winner: Lee Herbert ’74   Runner Up: Steve Reinhardt ‘75
4. 4^th Flight Winner: Charlie Bynum ’12   Runner Up: George Smith ‘08

Following Saturday’s play, the Chris Smith ’82 “Carolina Blue” Skills Challenge was held on the Thistle Dhu putting course at the resort. Congratulations to Wade Morton ’83, our new champion, skillfully negotiating the course with a score of 40. Ron Hood ’74 and David Allen ’83 were runners up, both posting 41. Now in its second year, this event has proved to be a terrific edition to the affair. And, a continued nod to Chris for his thoughtful award in honor of the winners again this year.  

What a terrific weekend with a number of first-time players/attendees helping make this a wonderfully successful event. I want to give a special thanks to Michael Edwards for setting up the golf at #7 and #5, and all of this wouldn’t be possible without the diligence of Ron Hood ‘74, who is retiring from VES and who has been instrumental in coordinating this outing for many years.

I look forward to next July being, if this year’s event is any indication, bigger and better than ever. The Pinehurst Resort golf courses were spectacular, they did a wonderful job as hosts, and we will continue to have them in the rotation.

Thanks to everyone!

Brent Holmes ‘73

‘Commish