Another in the books

By Corine Gatti

Published: August 24, 2008

AFTON — The Swannanoa Country Club held its yearly Golf Classic on Sunday afternoon in Afton.
But it was more than just landing a trophy and a handshake.
“We held this tournament for about 30 years,” said manager Pete Lang.
Lang is the owner and a resident of the course. He has been a professional golfer and trainer for 50 years.
The veteran proprietor said he loves this time of year.
“I did golf tournaments here and there when I first started,” Lang said. “But I love doing this every year. People can come out and play for three days. They can eat and take home a trophy too. It’s just a really good family atmosphere.”
The golfers also enjoy the three-day event.
In the Men’s Championship Flight, Mark Shifflett from Staunton won his first championship after playing in the Classic for 10 years. With 74 strokes, he ousted the former 2007 champion Garnet Manley Jr. by eight strokes. Manley fell to fourth place by carding an 82.
“We always have a great time out here,” Shifflett said. “I didn’t think I would make it today. It was hard getting on the ball and getting into the fairways because the grass was so dry. This is a great moment to come in first-place. It really feels great after playing in this tournament for so long, and to beat the No. 1 guy.”
Manely took his slip from being the front runner in stride.
“I opened up today with 69 strokes after yesterday. I started to fall behind and once I did, I could not get ahead. I finished 66-71 last year,” Manley said. “I was out of the running. I’ll come back and do better next time.”
Larry Thomas was in second-place carding 76, in third was David O’Berg with 78 strokes and Steve Sundeen carded 85.
Four women competed in the Women’s Champion Flight. Crystal Limerick took first place with a 91.
“I didn’t play well, but I don’t care [because] we had such a great time out there,” Limerick said. “I had bad shots. But hey, I, and all of us, had fun.”
Karyn Warren had 97 strokes for second place, Karla Bower carded 95, and Janet Powers was fourth with 117.
“Yeah, we all could have done better,” Warren said. “It would have been nice if more women showed up, but the four of us enjoyed our time playing. You have to have fun.”