Tournament History

The A. E. Finley Executive Cup is an integral part of the tradition of the Carolina golf program and a fixture on the schedule each year. Formerly the Carolina Executive Cup, this tournament now carries the name of an individual who has meant so much to Tar Heel Golf. In addition to providing funds for the original construction of the golf course and facilities, Mr. Finley’s estate has donated money for the annual trophy given to the tournament winners and also for the banquet held after the competition. This annual event is an opportunity for supporters of Carolina golf to play with past and present Carolina golfers, coaches and University officials. This tournament is more than just a fundraiser, it is a homecoming for former players to renew old acquaintances and establish new friendships. The A. E. Finley Executive Cup, started in 1976, provides vital operating funds for both golf teams for essential expenses such as travel and subsistence. Since the men’s and women’s teams play national schedules, which take them across the country to face tough competition, the proceeds from the A. E. Finley Executive Cup is pivotal in helping maintain the Tar Heel program at the top of collegiate golf.

The appearance of golfing legend Jack Nicklaus in the 1980, ’81 and ’83 events are some of the highlights of the rich tournament history, as he thrilled spectators and contestants alike with a clinic he conducted after each tournament. At the 1997 event, which was held at UNC’s Finley Golf Course, Davis Love III was inducted into Carolina’s Order of Merit for all of his contributions to the Carolina Golf Program.

The inaugural Executive Cup in 1976 was played at the Country Club of North Carolina in Pinehurst, N.C. The tournament was moved to Grandfather Mountain a year later and was played there for one year (1977) before returning to the Country Club of North Carolina for two more years (1978-79). Beginning in 1980 it was played at UNC’s Finley Golf Course and continued it’s run there through 1990. After a four-year stint at the Governors Club (1991-94), the event returned to Finley Golf Course. The event has taken on a new look at the “New Finley Golf Course”, a true championship venue that was redesigned by Tom Fazio in 1999.

Past Executive Cup Winners

1976	1977	1978	1979
Charles Jones Eddie Pell Bob Wellons Bill Williamson	Harry Bryant Charles Crump Jim Dixon Kevin King Janet Hare	Phil Bland James A. Hardison Laura Strippel Peter R. Young	Bonnie Bell Woody Durham Todd McGrew Bill Williamson
1980	1981	1982	1983
JC Anderson Joe Craig Jim McCoy Jill Nesbitt	Jack Nicklaus III Milo Abercrombie Andy Hackskaylo J. P. Riddle Marshall Warren	Jim Brannock Carla Daniel Linda Marsh Todd McGrew Jim Plyler	Kristie Kamal Mike Rubish Frank Stone Bob Sullivan Bryan Sullivan
1984	1985	1986	1987
Sam Davis Jeff Fleishman Bill Miller Mark Love Kristie Kamal	Sheree Crane Neal Harrell John Landi Hal Owlsley Jim Sowerwine	John B. Hughes John R. Hughes Greg Jenkins Doug Porter Al Wood	Bill Lytton Page Marsh Leon Marsh David Whitfield Cleat Lindsey Jr.
1988	1989	1990	1991
John Inman Xan Law Roger Perry Craig Redwine Alan Shaw	Sid Aldridge Tom Crane Page Marsh Lea Leon Marsh Kris Peavy	Jill Blake Bill Blake Rick Brannon Lew Ferguson Matt Henry	Harvie Ward Hunter Grove Ronnie Grove Gaither Walser Craig Jackson
1992	1993	1994	1995
Brad Burris Bob Galloway Neal Harrell Bonnie Mc Gowan Justine Richards	Gus Barber Moore Councill Bailey Patrick Don Williams Billy Williford	Rained out	Bob Kozlowski Ryan Parnell Kim Verrecchio David Owen Ramsey Green
1996	1997	1998	1999
Carla Daniel Andrew Sapp Bill Black Bob Cox Robert Crawford	Cathy J. Forbes Max Harris George Mountcastle Charlie Nottingham III Rex Teaney	Dr. Richard Coop John W. Harris Johno Harris Macon Moye Flip Ray	Finley Closed for renovations
2000	2001	2002	2003
Marcy Newton Ernie Newton Sprunt Hill Don Hill Lisa Antonucci	Dean Smith John Inman Don Hill Jim McColl Christopher Fordham	Rained out	Brad Burris Paul Daniel Jim Crouch Lee Bryan
2004	2005	2006	2007
Dean Smith Tom Scherrer Doug Anderson Fernando Figueroa	Jim Ferree Bill Williamson Tom Langley Russell James Robert Riesen	Brittany Walker Bob Hayes Mark Kozel Jonathan Jackson	Jim Cooper Wallace Palmer Philip Spelman Mark Andrew Fred Palmer John Spelman