MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. -- ­ Having played professional golf throughout the world, including nearly a dozen years on and off the PGA Tour, Tommy Tolles of Hendersonville, N.C., walked off the 18^th green at Patriots Point Links on Charleston Harbor all smiles after capturing first place in the Tarheel Tour Patriots Point Classic golf tournament. “This was a big win for me,” said the 40-year-old Tolles. “I have not won many tournaments, and have not played my best, so it was important to feel the pressure of having to make putts to win and I did it. I have really struggled with my game, and I don’t get to pat myself on the back very often, but this is one I’ll enjoy.”

Tolles, best remembered for finishing third in the 1997 Masters, and earning nearly $4 million in PGA Tour earnings, has failed to maintain his playing privileges on the PGA Tour and is left to compete in smaller more regional professional golf events. At Patriots Point Links Tolles posted rounds of 70-67-67, 12-under-par to tie Aiken-native and USC graduate Alex Hamilton. In the first extra hole, Tolles sunk a 15-foot birdie putt to capture the $14,000 first place prize.

Despite a last minute rain shower the field of 113 professionals and eight amateurs enjoyed favorable conditions to play Patriots Point Links. “Today was a little cooler, but I can see where if the wind would blow off the sound this course could be really difficult,” added Tolles. “The greens rolled true and at a consistent speed which is critical in evaluating a great golf course. I enjoyed the setting, and used the views as pleasant distraction, so I liked that Patriots Point is a true core course.”

For the record the field averaged 73.04 on the par 72, 6,800-yard championship course. The most difficult hole was the panoramic island green par 3 17^th , averaging almost a half-stroke over par. The easiest hole was the par 5 4^th hole averaging a half-stroke under-par.

The next tournament at Patriots Point Links is the early morning amateur two-person team annual Bridge Run Golf Tournament, March 31^st , held the same Saturday as the Cooper River Bridge Run. For information contact Bucky Dudley, PGA head professional Patriots Point Links at 881-0042.