The Fifth Annual Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Golf Classic was held Monday, April 22nd at the Springhouse Golf Club at Gaylord Opryland, and another outstanding field of 20-five man teams from across the state enjoyed a perfect day for golf along with great fun and fellowship.

Taking first place was an outstanding team from the "Bluff City"...one of two teams representing the "M" Club from the University of Memphis. Led by former TSHF Inductee Billy Fletcher, the team posted an outstanding score of 59, 13 under par. Team members included: Wayne Atkins, Russell Vollmer, Rusty Nunn, Mike Richmond and Fletcher.

Two teams finished one stroke back with a score of 60, 12 under par. Following a tie-breaking procedure, the TVA team, playing with Tennessee Titan Craig Hentrich, was awarded second place. Team members included: Mike Montgomery, Bob Bibb, Jimmy Allen, Chris O'Brien and Hentrich.

Awarded third place was the University of Tennessee team headed by Athletics Director Doug Dickey. Team members included: Billy Henry, John Chavis, Steve Wohlbold, Belmont Coach Rick Byrd and Dickey.

The TSHF thanks our corporate sponsors for participating. They included American General Life Insurance, First Tennessee, Federal Express, MCSi, Lithographics and our second place finisher, TVA.

In addition, corporate and institutional support from the following groups was greatly appreciated: the University of Memphis; Genesco, Inc.; the University of Tennessee; Raley's Foundation, Knoxville; the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration; Vanderbilt University; Stokes Bartholomew; TSU; MTSU; and Buddy Leake, Oklahoma City.

From the TSHF President, Sam Bartholomew

Monday, April 22nd was a beautiful day in Music City and the Springhouse Golf Club at Gaylord Opryland provided a perfect setting for our annual Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Golf Tournament. Tourney Director Mason Rudolph reported a great field of 20 five-man teams, and from comments received, a fun day of golf and fellowship was enjoyed by all.

I want to thank the loyal companies, colleges, universities along with the individuals and celebrities who continue to support this very important event. A special "thank you" to former TSHF Tennessean of the Year Vince Gill, Tennessee Titans Frank Wycheck and Craig Hentrich who once again participated in our tourney. This annual golf tournament is our major fund raising event of the year with proceeds going to maintain and upgrade our TSHF Museum.

And speaking of our Museum, I'm pleased to report "group tours" have picked up significantly as we move closer to the summer months. I would encourage everyone to visit this outstanding sports facility and tell your friends and associates to do the same. The Museum is open six days a week and is one of the finest sports Museums in the country.

One reminder, please send in your 2002 TSHF membership application or renewal application if you have not already done so. We have enclosed an application with this newsletter for your convenience. The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame has many exciting activities throughout the year and I would encourage you to take advantage of them.

In closing, I want to thank everyone for their continued support and wish each of you a great summer.

For information on the 2001 Golf Tournament, click here.