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.”

Captain Yates Hosting Practice Sessions

Charlotte, N.C. (Reuters) - January 30, 2009

Captain Alex Yates has invited several anticipated Pineapple Cup participants for a practice session at his club in Charlotte, N.C. Yates says he is “hopeful that, prior to May 1st, I will be able to see many of the participants in action. I know its not realistic to see every player before the draft, but the more players I see the better advantage I feel I have. Obviously I have a decent familiarity with the games of 90% of the anticipated participants. But a lot can happen in the off-season and I want to see the current status. I will certainly attempt to contact everyone for an honest assessment prior to May 1st though.”

Yates is clearly focusing his early efforts on drafting the best team. When asked if he has a particular draft order in mind already, Yates quipped, “I’m not Nick Faldo. I won’t tip my hand before Thursday night (referring to April 30th). I will say that one strategy I’ve considered is drafting teams, so to speak. I have been a witness to the power of team play. I’m optimistic my team will clinch on Saturday.”

Assistant Captains at the 2009 Cup? Maybe So!

North Myrtle Beach, SC (Reuters) - January 22, 2009

No doubt both captains have begun preparations for the 2009 Pineapple Cup in earnest. If rumors hold true, the captains may have a little assistance in their preparations. According to some sources, one or both captains are considering employing non-playing assistant captains during this year’s campaign. One name that the captains have reportedly considered is Jim Hobart. Neither captain cared to comment and were playing this development close to the vest.

A non-playing assistant captain’s potential role is vast and undeveloped, but would likely include riding around the golf course cheering various matches, drinking beer, doing the bull dance, feeling the flow and working it, working it.

Williams, Yates Chosen as 2009 Captains!

North Myrtle Beach, S.C. (AP) - For Immediate Release - January 21, 2009

The Committee announced that Alex Yates and Buck Williams will lead opposing teams in the 2009 Pineapple Cup. The match up pits two longtime rivals and former teammates against one another. Additionally, it pairs two contrasting styles of play and management: ice water versus fire!

Yates is a thinker, a plotter and a strategist. Yates has a bit more Pineapple Cup captaincy experience than Williams. Living with Tucker during 2008, Yates saw up close the pressure and torment the captaincy brings to bear upon a losing effort. Whether Yates will draw upon this experience remains to be seen. One experience upon which Yates will likely draw is his 2007 campaign, in which he won the Pineapple Cup by wearing down the other opponents. In fact, after his 2007 triumph, Yates gave the Pineapple Cup its current form by attaching it (and breaking it) to a block of wood. Truly genius! Indeed, Yates is known for his ability to wear opponents down over the course of a round with his machine-like ball striking. He used this consistency to dominate several matches in 2007 and to build large leads in 2008. However, in 2008, his Achilles turned out to be his ability to close matches against a surging opponent. Expect Yates to be a quiet, constant leader.

On more than one occasion, that surging opponent in 2008 was Buck Williams. Buck is fiery and plays with his heart on his sleeve. Williams' forte is the short game, reported to be deadly with the putter in his hands. He's been called the "best green reader in the land." Additionally, Williams' fire for competitive golf is almost unmatched. As an example of that fire, most remember Buck's divot on the 17th green on Sunday. Despite this unfortunate episode, most people would agree that Williams is a modern day renaissance man. He was quick to show gourmet cooking skills during the 2008 Pineapple Cup. Also, he frequently takes time off from divinity school to host golf camps for Atlanta youth. As a captain in 2009, success for Williams may depend on whether he can manage his temper and fire in a way that produces positive results. Williams has had success molding the fire into successful results on past occasions. At some point in 2004, Williams harnessed the fire during a 48-hour poker binge and won a handsome sum of money. He parlayed his winnings by successfully investing in rare wines. Accordingly, expect Williams to exude a more upfront, loud leadership style.

Interestingly, the long time rivals have squared off against one another on several occasions. In 2007, Yates defeated Williams handily on Sunday. However, 2008 was a watershed year for the two captains. The captains played each other three out of a total of four matches over the weekend. In each of the matches on Friday, Williams roared back to either win or tie the matches. More importantly, during Sunday Singles, Williams whooped his old foe when Yates was trying to clinch the Cup for his teammates. Yates has intentionally distanced himself from that day. However, make no mistake about it, Yates will have to deal with old memories during the entire 2009 weekend, and especially during the captains' match on the final day of the cup in 2009. How he responds to the challenge will tell us a great deal about him.

Smith's Clubs "Donated" to Worthy Cause.

Macon, GA - For Immediate Release - January 20, 2009

Pineapple Cup participant Boone Smith is without golf clubs at the moment. According to source's close to Boone Smith's agent, Smith's golf clubs were taken from his automobile recently. Smith's play in the 2008 Pineapple Cup suggested that a new club deal was, or should be, in the works. However, since the conclusion of the event, Smith has been mum on whether or not he was getting new clubs. Smith, standing nearly 6' 9", is a clubmaker's nightmare and reportedly has a difficult time finding club lengthening plugs long enough for his frame. Smith is now forced to take action to remedy the situation in time to gear up for the 2009 Pineapple Cup.

Smith could not be reached for comment.

Fred Stone Injured While Playing Basketball

Winston-Salem, N.C. (AP) - For Immediate Release - January 18, 2009:

Pineapple Cup participant Fred Stone severed a tendon while shooting hoops with Wake Forest practice squad members on Thursday night at the Winston-Salem YMCA. After boxing out his man in a fundamental manner (typical of Stone, a/k/a "Big Fundamentals"), he lept approximately 7 inches into the air after a loose ball. The force with which he returned to planet earth placed too great of a strain on his tendon and caused the injury.

Treating physicians report that Stone, who went undefeated in Pineapple Cup play in 2008, could be out as long as 10 weeks. Such a recovery period leaves only weeks to prepare for the 2009 Pineapple Cup. Prior to the injury, Stone seemed assured of being a top selection in the draft. Now, it's anyone's guess.

Stone seemed upbeat when reached by the telephone over the weekend. "I am not very good at basketball but I love it. I'm trying to maintain peak fitness through these difficult winter months. Naturally I am frustrated because I had begun an intensive workout routine leading up to the 2009 Pineapple Cup. I have it circled on my calendar. You have my word that I will be on the tee box at the Cup."

RUMOR MILL: YATES OFFERED 2009 CAPTAINCY

Charlotte, N.C. (AP) – For Immediate Release – January 16, 2009

RUMOR MILL: YATES OFFERED 2009 CAPTAINCY

Sources close to the captaincy decision making body have indicated that Alex Yates, 2007 Pineapple Cup Champion, has been offered a captain position for the 2009 Pineapple Cup. Mr. Yates would neither confirm or deny the rumor, stating only that he “would be honored to be a captain in 2009.”

Speculating, it seems likely that Buck Williams would be offered the other captain position if Alex Yates accepts. Such a situation would pit two long-time rivals and Wake Forest teammates.