Columnist Peter Benton: Hylands capture LVCC’s husband-wife tournament title

Peter Benton

Wednesday, March 24, 2004 | 9:39 a.m.

Peter Benton's golf column appears Wednesday.

Course and weather conditions last weekend for the Las Vegas Country Club's annual Husband and Wife Tournament were positively magnificent -- as was the play of Tom and Debby Hyland.

This incredibly popular couple played brilliantly together and thoroughly deserved their victory against an extremely strong and talented field. Their combined low gross score of 2-under-par 70 was indeed indicative of just how well they teamed together to win this "major" event.

Format for this keenly contested tournament was Pinehurst Scotch Foursome. This is where both partners hit from the tee on each hole, select one of the two tee shots, and then hit alternate shots with that ball until it is holed. One half of the team's combined handicap was deducted from their 18-hole score to determine net scores for all other winners.

Although there were no divorces reported at the conclusion of this event, it was quite obvious that serious words had occurred between some of the participants -- but what the heck, making up is always fun.

Bruce and Charlotte Ashworth played amazing golf as their net score of 60 in the First Flight will attest. Sharing second with 67.5s were the teams of J.P. and Lori Oberweis along with Wayne and Pat Corona.

Second Flight victors with 64.5 were Don and Vicki Aldrich who were followed by Paul and Susie Schofield at 67.5 and Jack and Halina Vergiels at 68.5.

Bruce Jett, along with wife Dianne, won his first major victory (she's had many) by taking the honors in the Third Flight with a score of 65.5. The John and Nancy Shepherd pairing placed second at 67.5, with John and Janet Mackay third. Their score was 68.5.

In the Fourth Flight, Len and Clyde Serfustini ham-and-egged it to perfection by winning with a 65. Harold and Karen Falkner followed at 66.5, while in third at 68.5 was the Lynn and Mary Weidman duo.

Gary Amick and Lois Growney, plus the pairing of Mike Souchak and Peggy Arnone shared first place in the Guys and Dolls Flight, with scores of 66.5. John Payne and JoAnn Feikes were third at 69.

As "The King" will readily admit, he is well past his prime, but with 62 Tour victories, and his 10 Champions Tour titles, his four Masters wins and seven major championships overall, he was, in his day, almost invincible.

Below are some of Palmer's somewhat obscure highlights since he played his first full Tour season back in 1955: