Return to Home page

2009 Classic

2005 Classic

Because of the medical condition of longtime RDU Interline Golf Classic organizer Bob Pinney (shown at right with wife Sue while visiting Boys and Girls Homes on another occasion), the 2008, and planned 30th anniversary observance of the event was postponed.  Pinney, suffering from a rare medical condition known as Guillain-Barre Syndrome (for information visit http://www.gbs-cidp.org/), was unable to plan or carry out the event.  He made his wishes known that the 2008 event be postponed until he was able to carry it out himself.  It was believed that this would be the case!  However, son Mark, with the assistance of brothers Jeff and Kevin and several other conspirators, decided to conduct the 2008 event with a little "twist," it would be known as the "Playing for Pinney" golf outing and the funds raised would go to help defray some of the expenses Bob and his wife Sue have incurred as a result to his treatment.  On August 7-9, some 70+ participants gathered in Southern Pines, NC to play golf and show their support for Bob.  Three rounds of golf were played at Foxfire and Hyland Hills golf courses by the participants.  On Saturday evening,  an awards program that included a surprise trip to Southern Pines by Sue Pinney and Bob's daughter Stacey (who has faithfully helped care for her dad and keep friends and family updated on Bob's daily progress) was held.  As they were being driven from Cary, NC to Southern Pines, Sue and Stacey realized that "something was up" and upon arriving at the motel for the awards dinner, were overwhelmed at the outpouring of love and support when they saw all the participants!  Sue and Stacey were recognized for their dedication to Bob's care and the proceeds from the tournament were presented that also included an honorarium to Boys and Girls Homes in Bob's name and a donation to the GBS foundation!  An Internet hookup to Bob's hospital room was accomplished and he was able to see all his friends and family in Southern Pines and was deeply moved by the outpouring of support.  To read more about Bob's story, visit http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/bobpinney   and http://www.carynews.com/sports/story/9924.html . In the picture at left above, Bob's son Mark Pinney is shown with the logo that was developed to commemorate the 2008 golf outing.  On August 30, Bob was able to return home after months of hospitalization and is working diligently to recover from his ordeal.  As far as the 2008 RDU Interline classic - we look forward to Bob's having a major role in carrying it out in the summer of 2009!