2009 Participant - Lindsay Carrington

The Committee is proud to introduce 2009 Pineapple Cup participant Lindsay Carrington. Lindsay resides in Charlotte, NC. During 2008, he maintained the points lead on his team going into the final day by compiling a 4-2-3 four-ball record. Unfortunately, he went 0-3 in singles play and promptly blamed it on the distraction of his duties as the commissioner.

He graduated from Wake Forest University in 2001. Prior to attending WFU, he grew up playing in many KY junior golf tournaments. Once held the first day lead at the AJGA Bluegrass Invitational. His most memorable golf tournament occurred at the KY state high school championship, where play was suspended because of darkness with Lindsay having yet to complete the 17th and 18th holes. He was one back of the leader, who had already finished. Alas, LC was not able to make up the stroke in the last two holes though.

Typically, Lindsay is known to be a very straight driver of the golf ball and a brilliant sand player. Additionally, he keeps a very collected manner about him during a match, making him a valuable four-ball partner. It will be interesting to see how fatherhood affects Lindsay's game. You know, his son did come out at 7lbs., 2 ounces and quickly attained the nickname "Scratch." Maybe this is a sign of things to come. In any event, expect Lindsay to make plenty of pars, a few birdies and wear a lot of sunscreen!

2009 Participant - Andrew Tucker

The Committee is proud to introduce 2009 Pineapple Cup participant Andrew Tucker. Andrew lives in Charlotte, NC. During 2008, Tucker captained his team in a near victorious effort, and compiled a 1-1-1 four-ball record along with a 2-1 singles record.

Tucker graduated from Wake Forest University in 2004. He comes from a family of golfers. It is commonplace to find the Tucker boys on the golf course on a Friday afternoon in the summer. It is that kind of commitment to the game that allows Tucker consistency with his loop swing.

Tucker has been instrumental to the success of the Pineapple Cup. On a damp, dreary day in May of 2008, Tucker refused to let the unthinkable happen. Due to a depressed economic climate, the Committee had all but decided to table plans for the 2008 Pineapple Cup. Faced with this possibility, and the possibility that he would not make it to beloved Myrtle Beach, Tucker rallied the troops with an impassioned plea. He was rewarded with the first captaincy position and a permanent spot on the Committee.

Expect two things related to Tucker in early May: He will be beside himself with excitement all weekend as the teams battle and he'll be engaged!

2009 Participant - Adam McLaughlin

The Committee is proud to introduce 2009 Pineapple Cup rookie participant Adam McLaughlin. Adam hails from Greensboro, NC and is an assistant professional at Alamance Country Club. He is married to the sister of Pineapple Cup rookie participant Morgan Dowtin. 2009 will be his first Pineapple Cup.

Adam graduated from Appalachian State University, where he captained the golf team. In fact, he holds a number of records there, including lowest 36 hole tournament total. Can he play? Are you kidding me? He plays golf for a living. His playing history is not so much “history” as the other participants! Additionally, he is a surprisingly good softball player too! (http://www.sovo.com/2008/5-30/locallife/sports/8628.cfm).

Adam’s participation ushers in a new era for the Pineapple Cup: he will be the first professional player to compete for the Cup. As a professional, he is expected to be the best player at this year’s event. Perhaps the strongest part of his game is the putter. When he putts well, he reports to see a faint white line from his ball to the cup. Whether it is evidence of too much Tiger Woods’ golf or legitimate practice is beside the point, it works!

Adam is no stranger to the captains in this year’s event. He and Captain Buck played many a round against each other in North Carolina’s junior circuit. More importantly, both competed against each other on a daily basis at North Ridge C.C. in Raleigh, NC. Captain Yates, while a bit younger, also played in tournaments opposite Adam. Look for each captain to draw on his knowledge of Adam during the draft process. One strategy the will likely be considered is whether to draft and pair together Adam and his brother-in-law, Morgan Dowtin.

Breaking News: McLaughlin Cards First Hole-In-One!

Greensboro, NC (Reuters) -

On Friday, March 6, 2009, Pineapple Cup rookie Adam McLaughlin scored the first hole-in-one! McLaughlin was playing Alamance C.C.'s treacherous fourth hole. Witnesses say he hit a 153-yard nine iron to a front left pin. It was good all the way: slam dunk!

Some pundits have predicted McLaughlin to be the top pick in this year's draft. Others say not so fast. However, there is little doubt that this shot increases McLaughlin's draft status and might turn a few nay-sayers heads. Clearly, with early season preparations underway, Adam appears to be on the proper track for the 2009 Pineapple Cup.

Golfweek's Man Out Front Conducts Mock Draft

Apparently, the Pineapple Cup's fame has hit the main circuit. Below is a copy of an article recently featured in Golfweek. I look forward to commentary.

February 15, 2009 -- The Man Out Front and several notables recently conducted a mock 2009 Pineapple Cup draft while waiting for play to resume at Pebble Beach. I grew tired of a poker game with Nick Price, Clint Eastwood, Gary McCord and Anthony Kim, so my card partners and I decided to project the 2009 Pineapple Cup draft. From the outset, let me say it was not easy. Here is how I (and my partners) think it will unfold:

1. Adam McLaughlin - who wouldn't want the Cup's first pro on his team?
2. Mark Wilson - we felt it likely that another Wilson will win it in 2009.
3. Wes Argabrite - last year's results talking here!
4. Norm Waldrop - a good putter is a match for anyone.
5. Fred Stone - unknown effects of injury kept him out of the top 3 spots.
6. Lindsay Carrington - last year's points leader going into the final day cannot be passed up at this spot.
7. Tommy DeMint - likely to be a key contributor to his team in 2009.
8. David Miller - dark-horse participant with the game to win it all.
9. Andrew Tucker - overall record from 2008 deserves a higher place.
10. Jeff Wilson - typically defending champions don't fare well, but worth a shot in the 10th spot.
11. Morgan Dowtin - a steal at the 11th spot.
12. Steve Riddick - new dedication to the game will be tested early, but not rewarded in the draft.
13. Andrew Ward - unknown participant won't go early, but could be a steal late.
14. Boone Smith - until he proves that 2008 was his bachelor party, he'll be near the bottom.

Based on our draft, the teams would then look like this: (Team 1 - Adam, Argabrite, Stone, DeMint, Tucker, Dowtin, Ward); (Team 2 - Mark, Norm, Lindsay, Miller, Jeff Wilson, Riddick, Smith).

After the mock draft, and before another game of Texas Hold 'Em, the Man Out Front and friends observed several interesting potential matchups from the teams. I chose to rank the top five potential matchups:

5. Adam/Morgan v. Brothers Wilson - battle of the families.

4. Argabrite/Stone v. anyone - these guys were an unstoppable combined force last year.

3. DeMint/Tucker v. Brothers Wilson - Tommy's cold shank on the 18th in this match proved very important.

2. Tucker v. Riddick - a rematch of last year's pivotal captain's match.

1. Yates v. Buck - no need to say more.

2009 Participant - Andrew Ward

The Committee is proud to introduce 2009 Pineapple Cup rookie participant Andrew Ward. Andrew resides in Nashville, TN and plays out of Belle Meade C.C. This will be his first Pineapple Cup outing.

Andrew graduated from Miami University of Ohio. He played golf casually growing up in Nashville. Several years ago, he started competing in various amateur events and took down a tourney or two on the Amateur Golf Tour.

Andrew’s strength is his putting. While admittedly streaky on the greens, it seems he’s never met a 4 foot putt he didn’t like. He is one of several X-factor players on the 2009 Pineapple Cup. Neither captain has played golf with Andrew. It will be interesting to see where Andrew is taken during the draft.

2009 Pineapple Cup Details Announced!

North Myrtle Beach, SC (AP) - March 2, 2009.

The Committee announced details and participants for the 2009 Pineapple Cup, to be conducted May 1-3, 2009.

2009 will again feature a Ryder Cup-style event between eight-man teams captained by longtime rivals Alex Yates and Buck Williams. The competition will be contested over 72 holes on several of the area's presitious golf courses: Grande Dunes (Resort), Grande Dunes (Members), Pine Lakes International C.C. and Tidewater.

Players will compete in four-ball matches on Friday and Saturday. The event will culminate with eighteen holes of singles play on Tidewater. Friday's matches begin at 1:30 p.m. and will be contested over Grande Dunes' Resort course. Expect the first hole to be a key indicator as water skirts down the right side of the landing area. The finishing four at Grande Dunes' Resort course will certainly test the players' nerves. Two of the holes border water, including the 17th, which is the only reachable par five on the course. Expect at least one match to be won here with birdie.

Saturday's morning matches begin at 7:30 a.m. at Pine Lakes International Country Club. Pine Lakes' design will likely create a very intense, competitive atmosphere because many tee boxes are close to the prior green. The means that teammates will have the ability to closely monitor other matches. For the matches that make it to the last, the lengthy par four eighteenth is as tough a finishing hole as you'll find. Par here could put away several teams!

After completing play at Pine Lakes, the teams will travel to Grande Dunes' Members course for another 18 holes of four-ball play. One of the best manicured courses on the Grand Strand, the players are in for a treat in the afternoon. The Members course has the feel of a scottish links course with large hills covered in heather bordering many fairways. The ninth and eighteenth will be key holes that are bordered by a lake. In 2007, Steve Riddick found himself in the thick of the Pineapple Cup when he arrived at the 18th and playing a career round. A solid drive, a 4 wood onto the green, and 4 putts later, Riddick had lost the Cup and a career round. Look for him to play well and to exact revenge on the 18th.

Finally, Sunday arrives bright and early with mono v. mono matchups played over legendary Tidewater. No Pineapple Cup has ever been decided earlier than the 18th hole on Sunday. Expect Sunday's matches to be knock-down, drag-out fights.

Festivities get underway on Thursday evening when the captains announce their pairings and the Friday matches are set. As you have come to expect, this blogger will be there reporting as often as possible on the happenings!

2009 Participant - Fred Stone

The Committee is proud to introduce 2009 Pineapple Cup participant Fred Stone. Fred had an impressive 2008, winning each and every match in which he played, going 3-0 in both four-ball and singles play. This is certainly an impressive stat, however, a lapse of priorities kept him from attempting to become the first person in Pineapple Cup history who won each and every sanctioned match. The lapse: he did not play in Friday's matches.

Fred (aka "Big Fundamentals") graduated from Wake Forest University in 2004. He now lives in Raleigh, NC. Growing up a young fratter in Raleigh, Fred spent many a summer afternoon on the golf course. This enabled him to hone in a rather quick-tempoed golf swing.

During his initial Pineapple Cup outing, Fred earned the reputation as a fiery competitor. He struck the ball well all weekend and made many key putts. His performance from 2008 made him a favorite for the top draft spot in 2009. However, as previously reported in numerous news sources, Fred suffered an achilles injury in early winter that has sidelined his practice efforts leading up to the 2009 Pineapple Cup. Consequently, his game will certainly be in question. Despite Fred's assurances, whichever captain drafts Fred will take a leap of faith. Will such a gamble be rewarded remains to be seen.

2009 Participant - Steve Riddick

The Committee is proud to introduce 2009 Pineapple Cup participant Steve Riddick. Steve resides in Atlanta, GA, though you’ll still hear him talk a lot about Raleigh! Steve captained a winning side in 2008 and compiled a 1-1-1 four-ball record and a 1-2 singles record. Most importantly, he won a sudden death captains playoff on Sunday in 2008.

Steve graduated from Wake Forest University in 2004. Growing up, he only played enough golf to get in front of a few country club members’ daughters. During the 2007 Pineapple Cup, he had the round of his life going at Grande Dunes (Members) until a four slap on the last green derailed it.

While you wouldn’t guess it watching him swing the club, Steve will likely be the highest handicapper in the field. Don’t let that fool you, though. When he is playing well, he easily plays many strokes below his handicap and is very dangerous match play opponent. As reported upon earlier in the year, Steve has refocused himself on his game in the last few months. Expect him to be an important member of his team.

2009 Participant - Tommy DeMint

The Committee is proud to introduce 2009 Pineapple Cup participant Tommy DeMint. Tommy hails from Charlotte, NC, but plays out of Greenville Country Club. During 2008, he compiled a 1-3-2 four-ball record and a 2-1 singles record.

Tommy graduated “Palmetto Ivy” from the University of South Carolina. He played some competitive golf growing up, but only recently has he attempted greatness. He has, on several occasions, attempted U.S. Amateur qualifying. On two occasions, he had the good fortune of being paired with a partner that had as much (and some might argue more) talent as Tommy, including Webb Simpson in the 2005 qualifier at Stonebridge. Simpson was gracious enough to give the Pineapple Cup blog a quote about playing with Tommy: “I really enjoyed his company. I thought I was in for a dog fight after Tommy split the fairway with his opening drive. The cold shank long iron off the tee on the 4th though really rattled him. I knew I was cruising when Tommy started drinking on 10 after an opening 42. My dad did the best he could to cheer Tommy up through the back nine offering compliments on horrid hook drives. In the end, despite him shooting 82 compared to my 68 with a ball out-of-bounds on the last, I really didn’t feel that our games were that different that day. If not for 14 or so missed putts, he could’ve been right there.”

Tommy’s 2008 Pineapple Cup experience was marred by an uncharacteristic cold shank on the 18th in a pivotal match on Saturday. It was uncharacteristic because Tommy thrives under pressure. Expect him to exercise those demons throughout the 2009 campaign. Tommy’s game is all-around consistent and his play is important to any team success. Most importantly, though, Tommy’s greatest attribute to The Pineapple Cup will occur in several years when he is mayor of Greenville, SC.

Jim Hobart Slated to Assist Captain Buck Williams During 2009 Pineapple Cup!

Atlanta, GA (AP) - For Immediate Release - February 19, 2009

Sources close to the Pineapple Cup blog have confirmed that Captain Buck Williams has secured Jim Hobart as his assistant captain for the 2009 Pineapple Cup. Buck was thrilled about the agreement: “In a way, such a decision should be likened to Captain Azinger choosing Kevin Streelman as an assistant during the lesser-regarded Ryder Cup. Captain Yates will always play second fiddle to me as both a social chair/band coordinator and anything relating to golf.” The decision likely puts Captain Yates in a bind, as he was negotiating with Mr. Hobart as well.

Terms of the deal have not been fully released, but sources state that Assistant Captain Hobart agreed to wear a sweater vest throughout the matches and conduct pre-tournament interviews of the players. Hobart commented on his decision:

“Buck and I have a long history together. We have been beer pong tournament partners, organized Masters’ pools and sat together at numerous Wake Forest sporting events. I think that our history and chemistry will serve us well in the 2009 Pineapple Cup. Also, with many first time Charlotte natives participating this year, I feel more comfortable working alongside a guy who will prefer to select Wake Forest players…guys whose games I am more familiar with.”

The proverbial ball is in Captain Yates’ court. Does he find and use an assistant, or does he go at it alone? He was moot on any decision in that regard when he was reached for comment:

"I am disappointed in the news regarding Benedict Arnold Hobart. More importantly, I am disappointed in the way this was handled. For him to not even have the nerve to tell me the news to my face tells me everything I need to know about Jim Hobart, and Captain Williams for that matter. To that end, I am glad to not have someone like that representing my team. I have continuously tried to conduct myself in a manner that is in keeping with the fine traditions of this great championship. But not anymore! I will re-group, but I will not forget. This means war."

2009 Participant - Morgan Dowtin

The Committee is proud to introduce 2009 Pineapple Cup rookie participant Morgan Dowtin. Mr. Dowtin hails from Greensboro, NC. He is the brother-in-law of Pineapple Cup rookie Adam McLaughlin. This will be his first outing.

Morgan comes to the Pineapple Cup with a strong pedigree, his father is a former NC Senior Amateur Champion. He is known as Greensboro’s version of John Daly: possessing great length, a surprising deft touch around the greens, amazing bourbon drinking abilities, and (if he hasn’t had a hair cut in a few weeks) a great mullet!

Like Daly, in order to get the most of out Morgan’s game, his captain and playing partner needs to closely monitor his PH level and know when to push the sauce and when to dial it back. Look for Morgan to contribute to all aspects of the Pineapple Cup experience.

2009 Participant - Wes Argabrite

The Committee is proud to introduce 2009 Pineapple Cup participant Wes Argabrite. Mr. Argabrite hails from Atlanta, GA.

He played very well in 2008, his first Pineapple Cup outing, and lived up to his family’s lofty golf standards (his father is one of Tennessee’s best amateur golfers) with solid play over the course of three days. He compiled a 5-3-1 record in four-ball play during 2008. He had difficulty on Sunday against Mark Wilson, finishing 0-2-1.

Wes was born in Kingsport, Tennessee and attended Wake Forest University. During his 2008 campaign, Wes developed the reputation as a very good iron player. Additionally, he is known as a gritty competitor.

Expect Wes to be a factor in 2009. He’s had his sights on the Pineapple Cup since the moment the matches ended last year. In fact, he has requested a rematch in Sunday Singles with Mark Wilson. While selections and pairings are the exclusive domain of the captains, one could imagine that a rematch is possible.

Courses of the 2009 Pineapple Cup

Grande Dunes (Resort): (http://www.grandedunes.com/amenities/ame_go_resort_club.aspx)

Grande Dunes (Resort) was designed by a team of former key members of Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s design team. The course plays along the Intracoastal Waterway and has undulating fairways leading to enormous, well-protected greens. Forgiving off the tee, it demands precision in the approach shots. Over 7,600 yards from tip to tip make this one of the longest courses on the East Coast. Overall, the course is long and challenging. The Resort course has received numerous awards including Golf Magazine’s “Top 10 Courses You Can Play.”

Grande Dunes (Members): (http://www.grandedunes.com/amenities/ame_go_members_club.aspx)
The Members Club at Grande Dunes is a design collaboration between PGA Hall of Fame inductee, Nick Price, and golf architect, Craig Schreiner. This creative layout weaves throughout the area's natural pine preserves and along the Intracoastal Waterway, presenting a unique variety of shot-making challenges on a gently rolling terrain. This fabulous course is complemented by an elegant 27,00 square foot Italian-designed clubhouse overlooking the lake between the 9th and 18th greens.

The course features wide, generous fairways. The front nine is a classic parkland-style with tree-lined fairways, while the back side offers a combination of links and parkland characteristics. Many holes are sculpted to create a natural feel, keeping with the architects’ philosophy of “least disturbance.”

“Our club has a very distinctive look and feel,“ notes Buccerone. “We cross-cut the tees just like many of the greatest golf venues. Our bunkers are filled with pearl-white Felspar quartz sand – the same sand used at Augusta National. When they play, our members and their guests will have the option of riding in a golf car, walking and carrying their own bags, or using our caddie program which offers both full-service caddies and forecaddies.”

Pine Lakes International Country Club: (http://www.pinelakes.com/)
Pine Lakes International CC is the oldest course in Myrtle Beach, though it will be reopened after a significant renovation in March 2009. The first president of the PGA, Robert White, designed this course. Mr. White's Scottish heritage is present throughout the course's design. This club was the site of the 1988 National Golf Writers Tournament and the site of the 1992 Du Pont World Amateur Handicap Championship finals.

Hole #10 has a plaque dedicating the hole to the late Gene Sarazen, "for his outstanding contribution to the game of golf and gracious support in behalf of Tara Hall, home for boys." Mr. Sarazen scored a 78 on this course at the age of 78.

You drive up to the splendid clubhouse, and smiling attendants clad in white gloves, knickers and red jackets take your bag. Before your round, the starter, clad in a tartan kilt, gives you a quick history of the club and describes the dominant features of the course. Later, as you line up your putt or prepare to tee off on the course's many fine holes, you may well hear bagpipe music wafting through the trees.

Rest assured that the staff won't send you off down the 1st fairway and leave you until your round is over. On some days, you may well be walking to the 3rd tee when you are interrupted by another tartan-clad assistant sitting under the elm tree behind a table covered in white linen. "Would you like a mimosa?" he asks, handing you a glass. "Or orange juice?" Here, on this splendid classically designed course, it is fitting to walk. But if you prefer a cart, for a slight additional fee you can rent one of the club's small fleet of electric carts that look just like miniature Rolls Royces.

Also distinguishing the club from the other Strand golfing experiences is the course itself. Pine Lakes is a throw-back to the best of the traditional layouts. White, who consulted with Donald Ross on the design, created a straight-forward 18 through the pines, oaks and elms. There are even hints here of Alistair MacKenzie, particularly on the 170-yard 7th which plays through the woods downhill over a lake to a green surrounded by three large bunkers. In April, the blooming azaleas and dogwood behind the green give the hole a look similar to Augusta's 12th. By today's standards, Pine Lakes is not a long track, only 6,609 yards from the tips (5,376 yards from the forward tees). Yet, few have gone real low here. In spite of its overall short length, distance is required to reach several of the par 5's in two. Five par 4's (2, 3, 6, 12, and 17) measure well over 400 yards from the back and two of the par 3's are over 200 yards. The lack of "modern" features may put off some golfers, but for those who like their courses straight-forward and non-gimmicky, you can't beat Pine Lakes.

You will also welcome the friendly service and other pleasant amenities such as the grille, which stands slightly apart from the club's columned, antebellum clubhouse and offers the Strand's finest hamburger. The ground beef is of the highest quality and is ground right on the property. Pine Lakes is also known for its role in the formation of Sports Illustrated. In the early '50s, a group of 67 executives from Time-Life, Inc., including Henry Booth Luce, came to Myrtle Beach by train to play Pine Lakes and to plan a sports weekly. Luce's famed SI appeared on newsstands shortly thereafter.

Tidewater Golf Club: (http://www.tidewatergolf.com/)
Tidewater is located on a beautiful seaside peninsula. It's a traditional course that uses the natural environment to add to its difficulty and aesthetic beauty. Nine holes overlook dramatic bluffs and meander alongside the Intracoastal Waterway, Atlantic Ocean, and the saltwater marshes. Inland holes are carved through a dense forest. The signature hole is #13, a 545-yard, par 5, which plays alongside the Intracoastal Waterway and affords a great view of the Atlantic Ocean. Water hazards come into play on six holes.

Nearly two decades of rave ratings prove that Tidewater Golf Club is simply one of the best golf courses on the Grand Strand. On its opening in 1990, the course was enthusiastically applauded as one of America's truly great new layouts. Ranked in Golfweek’s Best Courses You Can Play in 2007, it has also recently made Golf Magazine's "Top 100 You Can Play” listing. To this day, it remains the only layout ever to be named "Best New Course" by both Golf Digest and Golf Magazine. Golf Digest rated this course as the 4th "Best Public Course" in the state for 1996. It was also rated as the 9th "Best in State" course for 1995-96, and the 10th best for 1997-98. GOLF MAGAZINE rated this course 39th best under the 1998 category of "Top 100 Courses You Can Play in the U.S."

Riddick Re-dedicates Himself to Cup Performance!

Atlanta, GA (AP) - For Immediate Release - February 3, 2009

Memories of a sudden death victory have only slightly faded in Steve Riddick’s mind. Once, this former captain was a poster child for the trappings of success. He had a successful career, steady girl and the confidence that comes from guiding a team to Pineapple Cup success. Most men would rest on such laurels. In fact, Riddick himself admits to doing just that, “After my sudden death victory, I had the attitude that I couldn’t get any better. I’m not just talking golf here, I felt I could not improve on anything in life. I was at the peak, though I didn’t view it as a peak. I viewed it as a plateau. I had visions of grandeur: captaining every winning Pineapple Cup team, winning the Pineapple Cup once a year, making 50% appreciation on my investments. I did not think I was coming down from perfection.”

But come down he did. His commitment to golf wavered. Other things in life took priority. Winter rust set into his game and his handicap skyrocketed. Gone was the once certain thought that Riddick would be the first selection in the 2009 draft. “After discussing the 2009 Pineapple Cup with my people, I realized I had lost my way. For many months I didn’t even know where my golf clubs were. I eventually found them under a pong table at a friends. I needed a change, a rededication.” So, recently Riddick dropped his girl and began “a total 100% commitment” to the Pineapple Cup.

His commitment to performance has attracted the attention of the captains. Whether it positively impacts his draft status remains to be seen. Yates commented, “I find former Captain Riddick’s rededication to the game commendable and I am certainly taking it into consideration as I formulate my draft strategy. Its not easy to deal with success, and sometimes it takes a bit of reflection to realize what is truly important in life. I just hope Riddick has realized that before its too late for this year’s Cup.”

The other captain, Buck Williams, agrees, “Certainly Steve-O’s recent actions have not gone unnoticed. Can you put a price on having a former captain on your team? He would be an asset to either team. Where exactly he falls in my current draft order I can’t say, but you can be sure its towards the top. I can easily relate to guys who have seen the top. I’ve been there many times for long periods of time.”