CENTRE — As Team USA Captain Davis Love preps for the 2012 Ryder Cup in Medinah, Ill., a few area golf clubs are gearing up for a similar format beginning Oct. 20 at the Cherokee County Country Club. Club manager Steve Baker was one of the masterminds of the event that will feature four days of play over four  different courses.   

The event has been named the Northwest Georgia/Northeast Alabama Challenge and features players from the Cherokee County Country Club in Centre, Pine Hill Country Club in Anniston, Fields Ferry in Calhoun, Ga. and Lafayette Golf Club in Lafayette, Ga. 

Each club will feature eight select players plus alternates that have the possibility of claiming 20 total points over a four-week span. The first event in the Challenge will be a “low ball” format at Cherokee County on Thursday, Oct. 20.  Pine Hills will host “select shot” on Oct. 27. “Alternate Shot” is on tap Nov. 3 at Fields Ferry.  The Challenge finale will be “singles” on Nov. 10 at Lafayette.   

In the first three events each player will be joined by a partner from their club and draw for team competition from opposing clubs. Scoring will be similar to the Ryder Cup match play. The winner of match receives 1 point while ties are half a point. Four points are up for grabs by each team at each of the first three events.   

At the completion of each event cash prizes will be awarded. The cash is awarded to the team with the most points at each event. A traveling trophy will be awarded to the Club that garners the most points at the end of the four events.

Baker announced the final selections for Team Cherokee that will participate in the inaugural Challenge.  Larry Guffey, Bill Trammell, Terry Adams, Johnny Bentley, Billy Mack Garrett, Eddie Robertson, Bobby Russell, and Steve Baker will be the first eight called to the tee box on Oct. 20 in Centre.  Also, ready if called upon are Team Cherokee alternates Kurt Duryea, Gary Burchette, and Wallace Montgomery.  

Adams and Robertson are always in contention every time they tee up the ball. Adams recently claimed the 64-and-above Cherokee Club match play championship edging Robertson in the finals. On his way to the title Adams also downed Bill Trammell in the semifinals. 

“All three are competitors with great ball striking capabilities,” Baker said. “They will be hard for any team to match up against.” 

Baker is a former Cherokee Club Champion himself and also won the2011 50-and-over match-play championship.  Baker closed out Challenge alternate Kurt Duryea in the match play finals.  Johnny Bentley is long off the tee and deadly accurate with the putter.  Baker and Bentley are likely to partner in the Challenge as the duo banks on strong flight finishes in the competitive Highway 9 Challenge played at Pine Hill and Cherokee as well as securing a second-place finish in the CCCC two-person scramble.   

Billy Mack Garrett, former club champion, may have the most complete game of any Team Cherokee member. Garrett excels in all formats and has the most experience on the team. Larry Guffey and Bobby Russell are regular competitors in all local senior tournaments and noted for their steady play. Their golf styles set up well with any pairing they may draw in the partner matches. Both had solid showing in the Senior Club Championship.  

Gary Burchette and Wallace Montgomery, along with Duryea, provide solid playing capabilities if Baker has to bring them into play.   

An awards dinner will be held at Cherokee after the completion of the event.  

“Our team is excited about playing these four great courses and getting a chance to compete with some of the best golfers in this region,” Baker said. “I believe each player’s shot-making ability will be challenged over the next month.” 

Baker said the on-course strategy and team selection will also be a great test for everyone.