It is rare that Trion Golf Course (TGC) visitors will not run into a crowd of golf enthusiasts preparing for a relaxing round on the fairways and greens. This past weekend, August 22-23, was no exception as members and non-members alike gathered to participate in the annual Trion Golf Course Invitational.

The TGC Invitational is reminiscent to many other of the course’s tournaments, as it is one that has been played for as long as the many members can recall.

“A lot of the tournaments we host here at the TGC are continuations of tournaments that have been played here for years,” explained Randy Henderson, co-owner of the Trion Golf Course. “The Invitational is no different. Our members love the tradition and that was one of the things we vowed to carry on when we took over the course in 2015.”

The Trion Golf Course Invitational is played as an individual tournament and both members and non-members were invited to participate.

Around 50 golfers came out for this year’s event, marking it a successful tournament for all involved.

The Invitational was split into five flights, each flight having the possibility to be extremely competitive, right up until the last strokes were played. The winners of each flight are listed below.

TGC Member, Dexter Blackmon, started Sunday in the lead of the Championship Flight with an eight under (64). “Today was the lowest round of golf I have ever played, ever,” said Blackmon. “I am beyond excited to be in the lead, as I have never led in a tournament before. I would be thrilled to come out on top.”

Blackmon has been playing at the Trion Golf Course for over 15 years. “When I found out the Henderson family was re-opening the course back in 2015, I think I was up here waiting to play the very next day.

“This is where I learned how to play golf. I mean, I have been playing here ever since I was ten years old. This place means a lot to me,” said Blackmon as he recalled his fondness of the course and of the people who contributed to his love for the sport.

The family atmosphere that the Trion Golf Course works to build is another reason Blackmon enjoys spending his spare time on the greens. “I have been able to bring my kids up here and we are always welcomed with open arms. I’ve made lifelong friends here; this course and the people here are like no others I’ve seen.”

Henderson holds this sentiment as well and hopes that all who join him at the course leave feeling the same way.

“I know some think we are just this small course, but the importance of winning a tournament like this for people means a lot. It even means a lot to me when I can bring home a win,” said Henderson. “If you look at the leaderboard on the porch of the clubhouse, you will see that there are some really great golfers who call this course their home. These tournaments are big milestones for the golfers who spend a good bit of their time up here. We are proud to have them,” said Henderson.

The TGC is preparing to host another tournament this coming weekend, August 29-30. Call (706-696-0422) or visit the clubhouse to secure your slot today!!

Winners of the 2020 TGC Invitational:

Championship Flight

First Place: PJ Shields

Second Place: Dawson Day

Third Place: John Rollins

First Flight

First Place: Randy Henderson

Second Place: Cory Watson

Third Place: John Stanley

Second Flight

First Place: Allen Keen

Second Place: Mark Mann

Third Flight

First Place: John Rollins, Sr.

Second Place: Dwayne Sprayberry

Third Place: Hollis Siffles

Fourth Flight

First Place: Charles Patterson

Second Place: Richard Brown

Fifth Flight

First Place: Reb Blanchard

Second Place: Jeff Coley