University of Tennessee Athletics
Tennessee Hosts 15th Annual Tournament of Champions Oct. 21-22
October 18, 2002 | Men's Golf
Oct. 18, 2002
Tennessee plays host to the 15th annual Coca-Cola Tournament of Champions Oct. 21-22 at Holston Hills Country Club.
The Vols enter the tournament as the defending champion after claiming the title last year with a come-from-behind 287-278-276--841 to edge SEC rival Auburn (844).
The Vols' scorecard of 841 broke the tournament's three-round record for the lowest score.
"We are excited and look forward to the tournament returning to Holston Hills," Kelson said. "The course looks magnificent and is in great shape to host this event."
The field for this year's tournament includes five past TOC champions. Past winners participating this year are Tennessee, who won in 1992 and 2001, LSU in 2000, Mississippi State in 1997, East Tennessee State in 1995 and 1996 and Georgia in 1989.
North Carolina-Wilmington, Tulane and Virginia Commonwealth are all making their first appearance in the tournament. Other schools making a return trip to compete include Florida State, Georgia State, South Alabama, UT-Chattanooga and Vanderbilt.
"I feel this is a good, competitive field," Kelson said. "We have some really solid teams this year such as Georgia, College of Charleston and LSU."
Leading the way for UT is sophomore David Skinns. Skinns recorded his first top 10 finish of the season last week at the rain-shortened Gary Koch/Cleveland Golf Invitational finishing tied for 10th with a 71-70--141. He has a stroke average of 73.2. Senior Ian Parnaby will be competing in his fourth tournament of the season. Parnaby leads the team in stroke average with a 72.38.
Other Vols competing include sophomore John-Scott Rattan, senior Andrew Pratt and freshman Lawrence Dodd. Sophomores Clint Cromwell, Ross McGowan, Chris Robinson and Brandon Skeen will be competing as individuals for the Vols.
"This tournament is important for us," Kelson said. "We have not played to our ability yet this year and I feel this is an opportune time for us to play at the level we are capable of playing at."
The tournament will consist of 54 holes, with 36 being played on the Monday and the final 18 on Tuesday at the par 72, 6,948-yard course designed by Donald Ross.
Players Mentioned
