MADISON — Greenville resident Brother Sandifer had small expectations when he teed it up on the first hole July 17 at the Senior Trustmark Invitational Open at the Reunion Golf Course in Madison, but he stepped off the green on the 18th hole a day later and accepted the championship trophy.
“I was very surprised due to the fact I had not been playing very well,” said Sandifer, a Greenville accountant. “Since tax season lasted until July 15th, I had not been able to practice as much as I am accustomed to.
“I was actually playing awful, but Bill Hood, a good friend, helped me on the driving range as I was getting ready to tee off. He helped me get my swing back on plane. I birdied the first hole and started to get my confidence back.”
The event in Madison was for golfers over 60 years old and it is the second biggest event in the state for amateurs after the Senior Amateur.
Sandifer was the only player in the field to finish under par. He shot rounds of 73, 71 and 70 and finished the tournament at 2-under, giving him a three stroke victory over Rusty Ethridge of Jackson.
Bill Hood, also of Greenville, finished in a tie for ninth place.
“I putted well all tournament,” Sandifer said. “I will say that was the overall key to winning, but birdieing the first three par 3's on Sunday was a big deal. Anytime you have three twos on your scorecard, well it helps your overall score.”
