Golf Notes - Adams' NCAA aim; Open qualifier Friday

UNCW's Lori Beth Adams shaved three strokes off her scoring average from last season, down to 74.3.

Buy Photo Photo by Laura Greene

Published: Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at 12:09 p.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at 12:09 p.m.

Lori Beth Adams tries this week to become only the second UNCW golfer in school history to advance to the NCAA Championship finals.

The Seahawks' career stroke average leader begins competition Thursday in the Central Regional at Jimmie Nolan Golf Club in Norman, Okla.

It's been a terrific year for Adams, a junior, who shaved three strokes off her scoring average from last season, down to 74.3. She recorded five top-three finishes and landed in the top 20 in 10 of 11 starts, and Tuesday was named CAA Player of the Year.

The top two individuals in the 54-hole tournament who are not on one of the eight qualifying teams advance to the NCAA finals. The only other UNCW golfer to reach that goal is Paula Brzostowski in 1990. Carmen Perez-Narbon (2008) and Laverry Kumar (2011) came within one shot.

For live scoring, visit golfstat.com

Local U.S. Open Qualifying

There will be 120 professionals and amateurs at River Landing's River Course on Friday trying to take the first step toward the U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club in Pennsylvania.

The golfers are vying to finish in the top seven and advance through the 18-hole local qualifier into 36-hole sectional qualifying at various sites around the nation.

Notable names in the field: Wilmington pro Josh Brock tees off at 8:30 a.m.; Larry George, River Landing (8:10); Neal Lancaster, Smithfield (12:30 p.m.); Chesson Hadley, Raleigh (12:50); Ross Robison, Wilmington (1); Trey Howell, Wilmington (1:30); Harold Varner, former ECU player (1:50).

Other local qualifiers around the state are set for May 13 at Pinewild CC in Pinehurst and May 16 at Forest Oaks in Greensboro.

Picking up wins

Bryce Chaffee, an assistant at the Country Club of Landfall, won the recent Magnolia Gold Pro-Am at Magnolia Greens CC. He shot 1-under 71 to earn $241 and nip a trio of professionals, including co-worker Trey Howell, who competed in last year's Rex Hospital Open.

River Landing pro Larry George had the winning team, pairing with amateurs Don Hancock, Don Pearce and Dave Davis for a one-shot edge over a team led by Magnolia Greens pro Rick Ferrell.

David Thore claimed the Pine Valley Pro-Am with an even-par 72 in cold, windy conditions at Pine Valley CC. Only seven pros in the 20-team field shot 77 or better.

First Tee fundraiser tourney

The First Tee of the Cape Fear Region seeks sponsors and teams for its first Future Generations Tournament on Nov. 1 at Porters Neck CC.

The format is 4-man Captain's Choice. Cost per team is $500, which includes a post-round cocktail party, access to the silent auction and raffle tickets. Among the prizes is four tickets to a 2014 Masters practice round, including limo ride to Augusta.

For information on the tournament and upcoming summer programming for kids, visit TheFirst TeeCapeFearRegion.org.

Brian Mull: 343-2034

Source: http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20130508/articles/130509685

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