If you watched the third round of the Masters on Saturday, April 7th and then closed your eyes and used your imagination, you might have envisioned the first Richard J. Schreck Scholarship Tournament of 2018. It was a breezy day with a brief shower (maybe five minutes). Depending on who you ask the refreshing moisture either helped the players’ game or had a negative impact on the greens (which of course affected their putting game just like Saturday at the Masters). Most of the scores were in the mid 60’s, similar to the leaders on "moving day" at the Masters. The main difference was the Pros played individual games (show offs), while the Captains Choice teams in the RJS tournament were given four attempts at each shot. It’s hard to imagine how the golfers at the Masters could have had more fun than we did at our tournament. It doesn’t get much better than a relaxing round of golf and a good meal with friends.
Patrick Reed won the Masters, a purse of $1.98 million and the signature green jacket. While the RJS Scholarship winning team of Ben Steele, Mark Lee, Troy Barden, and James Jordan (Martin Marietta) didn’t receive jackets, they did win some green ($$) and, more importantly, bragging rights until the next Hampton Roads tournament. The Virginia Paving team of Ed Manley, Charles Tamayo, Dellon Baker and Davie Corbin took second place and Kyle Murphy’s Multiquip team of Jeff Boynton, Bryan Kiser, and Greg Otley placed third.
One specialty talent not recognized at the Masters is the ability to hit the Longest Drive. Played on two separate holes, the first was won by Trevor Oyler and the second by Richard Schreck (which proves he must be playing some golf in his retirement). Closest to the Pin was also played on two holes and won by Tim Feather and Kevin Fleet.
The tournament saw a large number of great companies step up to sponsor, showing their support for the Scholarship and the next generation of asphalt industry professionals.
When it comes right down to it, the biggest difference between the Masters and the R. J. Schreck Scholarship Tournament was that the azaleas weren’t in bloom.
Hope to see everyone at the next tournament hosted by NOVA region on August 10, 2018, at Bull Run Golf Club.