Highlights of the 2004 RDU Interline Golf Classic  

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The 2004 RDU Interline Golf Classic was a noteworthy event in (see photos below) that it began the 2nd quarter century of the event!  The classic began in 1978 when a foursome of golfers, all employees of Eastern Airlines and working at Raleigh-Durham airport, decided to invite other airline folks to a golf outing and make it a yearly event.  The four, Ira Thomas, Bill McCauley, Bill Coghill, and Howard Jones, decided that the Fall of 1979 would be a logical time to hold such an event.  The first year, only personnel from the airlines at RDU, 38 in number, were involved in the classic.  About double that number showed up at Ira's house for the pig picking that was a part of the outing.  Let's say that a good time was had by all as the local sheriff's dept. invited them to end the celebration. 

In 1980, the number of players grew to 60 with approximately 90 showing up for the pig picking.  The tourney committee expanded that year to include Ernie Hoyle from United, Bob Pinney from Delta, Major Herring from Piedmont, and Kathy Hannah.  In 1981, the tournament was moved to Southern Pines Hyland Hills Country Club and in the succeeding years, the number of players increased to over 100.  In 1984, the committee decided to expand the event and make it two days of golf and fellowship.  The Whispering Pines Country Club was added that year.  In 1985, 144 golfers signed up and many had to be turned away so the committee decided to expand the following year.  Foxfire Country Club was added to the golfing venue and approximately 250 players signed up to participate!  Golfers from all across the United States as well as Australia and England participated. 

The 1988 10th year anniversary event saw another change in the event.  The format was expanded to three days and 362 golfers participated!  In 1989, Miller Brewing Company was brought on as a business sponsor and company representative Lee "Miss Miller" Meredith was quite an attraction!  This year also saw the inclusion of Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina representatives Stuart Sherman, Exec. Director, and Tom Shreve, Chairman of the Board.  The excess funds from the event were presented as a donation to the Boys and Girls Homes and this began the classic's partnership with the Homes.  By 1991, the field had expanded to over 450 golfers and in 1992, reached 455.  Kathy Hannah recorded a hole in one that year and the proceeds to Boys and Girls Homes totaled $23,500!  Dating back to the initial gifts to the Homes, the amount awarded now exceeded $82,571! 

In 1993, the 15th anniversary of the event, the event was scaled back to 400 golfers and $20,000 was donated to the Homes.  Later in the year, Ira Thomas, one of the tournament founders died and the 1994 event was dedicated to his memory.  In 1997, two more committee members died, Howard Jones and Major Herring.  The 1998 20th anniversary event was marked with 152 golfers and 7 guests with gifts to the Boys and Girls Homes during the course of the event reaching $130,000!  In 1999, the three day event saw the inclusion of a Thursday "Captain's Choice" mini tourney that was organized by Kathy Hannah. 

The tourney has continued to be a destination for the RDU Interline Classic family and the 2004 event marks the beginning of a new era in its storied history.  The contribution of $2535 to Boys and Girls Homes makes the overall total of gifts to the Homes $149,165.00!  On behalf of the many children who have benefited from the fun, fellowship, and generosity of the Classic, we at Boys and Girls Homes say "Thanks" RDU Interline Golf Classic!

	A mere child himself when the classic began, Bill McCauley (left) now brings his grandchildren to the event.  At right, registration is underway for the 2004 event.
At right, Rusty lends his time to talk about Boys and Girls Homes while the ladies have their course map out and are eager to get on with play!
		At left Al strides confidently up to the green to make a 70 foot par putt while another golfer pleads "Stay out of the woods!"
	At left, Bob and Bill share stories (probably exaggerated) about their day's play.  At right, Jo and Kathy prepare to give out the awards.
One of the most excited participants of the tournament was the guy at right who won the raffle for the new golf clubs.  The biggest winners though were the children of Boys and Girls Homes.  Thanks to the efforts of the RDU Interline Classic, the 2004 event produced $2500 for the support of the children, bringing the overall total of contributions to $149,165.00!  At far right, Bob and Bill present Larry with a check for the proceeds of the 2005 classic.