Page 104 - South Mississippi Living - November, 2015

SPORTS & OUTDOORS coast golf update
SLAVICINVITATIONAL 41st Annual Slavic Invitational golf tournament hosts 1,100 golfers
story by Michael Sunderman photo courtesy of Slavic Invitational
Mention “the Slavic” to a golfer and a big smile appears on his face followed
by a favorite story or two about how much fun he’s
had playing in the amateur golf tournament over the years. For 41 years, the Slavic Invitational Golf Tournament has been a “must- play event” for most golfers in
the region. In fact, in 2015, the tournament attracted nearly 1,100 golf enthusiasts of varying playing skills.
But for many players, the
Slavic is really a huge annual homecoming for friends and playing partners from across the United States. They cherish this golf tournament as a perfect three- day family reunion with plenty of golf, great food and laughs.
In my group, we had a player from Traverse City, Mich., and one from Savannah, Ga., which is a testament to the huge regional and national attraction of the Slavic.
Several years ago, the organizers of the Slavic partnered with the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino as
the host hotel and developed a stag night on Thursday and two great dinners Friday and Saturday serving authentic Slavic meals and plenty of cold beverages. Friday and Saturday, some 2,000 meals are served by volunteers at each dinner to very appreciative golfers.
While the tournament attracts 1,100 golfers, the goal for a select few is to win the “Stanovich Trophy” as champion golfers.
This year, the dynamic duo of Lane Pippin and Naret Johnson claimed their third title by posting an impressive total of 25-under par for the rain-shortened event. Brandon Laird and Scott Jackson came in a close second at 23-under followed by the team of Josh Lampley and Colin Spiers at 22-under. Tim McCabe and Jake Kuharich finished fourth place at 18-under.
All final rounds that started at 1 p.m. Sunday were rained out but the committee still awarded prizes in all flights. Once again, the Slavic was a huge success and will continue to grow every year.
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT, Slavic Member David Leckich, Winner Noret Johnson, winner Layne Pippin, and Slavic Member Wayne Lyons.
I know I speak for all competitors when I thank the committee, the volunteers, the Beau Rivage and the staffs at Fallen Oak, Windance, Sunkist, Grand Bear, Shell Landing and Hickory Hills golf clubs for hosting a great tradition.
For more information on the Slavic Invitational, visit www.slavicinvitational.com
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