The PGA Tour's Greenbrier Classic next July 26-Aug. 1 at The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs caused the West Virginia Golf Association to change dates for its big events.

The West Virginia Amateur, normally played in August, will be held June 21-25 at The Greenbrier. The West Virginia Open, usually contested in June, moves to July 12-15 at Sleepy Hollow Golf Club in Hurricane. The West Virginia Mid-Amateur, a fixture in May, is likely to be shifted to August along with the West Virginia Women's Amateur (right after the Greenbrier Classic). Ken Tackett, executive director for the WVGA, said he hopes to have all tournament dates and sites finalized by Nov. 1.

WHAT A RESPONSE: Greg Gardner, Huntington East High School and Marshall University graduate who coaches high school golf and runs a golf course in Florida, is all smiles these days. There was the possibility of his Sebastian River High School program being cut because of budget problems. Eleven sports teams learned they had to raise $3,500 to self-fund their programs for this season.

Gardner held a scramble on Sept. 11 at Sebastian Municipal Golf Course where he serves as director of golf. How did it go? Gardner, via e-mail, reported he received almost $14,000 in donations. The tournament was sold out a week ahead of schedule and he had a full field of 36 teams. One couple sent in a $3,500 check to match the original $3,500 he needed to raise.

The local hospital sent in $5,000, which basically covered boys and girls cross country. A few local surgeons each kicked in $3,000 which helped the overall athletic budget. He said he plans to make the fundraiser an annual event and players will do other promotions during the "snowbird" season.

AWARDS: The Tri-State PGA Section held its Fall Meeting in Pittsburgh. Barry Evans, head pro at Berry Hills Country Club in Charleston, won the 2008 Player of the Year award and McKay Trophy for lowest scoring average (69.7).

USGA MEN'S STATE TEAM: West Virginia finished 18th in the eighth USGA Men's State Team Championship on Friday. The Mountain State team had a 438 score for 54 holes on the par-71 Lewis and Clark Course at The Country Club of St. Albans in St. Louis. Huntington's Pat Carter led West Virginia with 217 on rounds of 68, 74 and 75. Michael Veres and Anthony Reale each shot 229.

Mike Van Sickle carded a 67 and Sean Knapp added a 73 Friday to lead Pennsylvania (417) to a three-stroke victory over Kansas (420). It is the first title for Pennsylvania, which had finished no better than sixth in the biennial competition that began in 1995. Mark Anderson of Beaufort, S.C., carded a 70 and won medalist honors at 7-under 206, a stroke ahead of Van Sickle. Format is best two scores from each team make up the team score and determined the 54-hole winner.

TRI-STATE PGA: Scott Davis of Hurricane shot a 5-under-par 67 to win the Omni Bedford Springs Resort and Spa Open on Monday at Omni Bedford Springs Resort in Bedford, Pa. Craig Berner (71) tied for seventh, Barry Evans (73) tied for 16th and Jonathan Clark (75) tied for 26th. Davis picked up $1,400 and $400 more for winning the senior division.

HIGH SCHOOL UPDATE: West Virginia high school regional tournaments are this week. In Class AAA, defending state champion Hurricane, Cabell Midland, Spring Valley and Winfield play Tuesday in the Region IV tournament at Parkersburg Country Club. At the same time, Point Pleasant is in the Class AA Region I field there. In Class AA, Wayne, Tolsia and Chapmanville compete in Region IV on Monday at Big Bend Golf Course. At the same time, Wahama, Huntington St. Joe, Buffalo, Williamson and Man are in Class A action. In Ohio, Ironton finished third in the Southeast Ohio Athletic League tournament on Tuesday at Valley View Golf Course in Lancaster. Marietta won with 310 followed by Warren (315) and Ironton (323). Ironton's Andy Holtzapfel (77) and Jonathan Williams (78) made All-SEOAL.

David Walsh covers golf for The Herald-Dispatch. Call him at 304-526-2730 or e-mail dwalsh@heralddispatch.com.

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