2004 Tournament of Champions Qualifiers ........................................................................................

Qualifiers for the 2004 Tournament of Champions embody the pinnacle of Golden Tee talent across all divisions. Throughout 2004, winners of our monthly ITS tournaments and selected live events will be invited to compete for the title of Best of the Best! The live inaugural Tournament of Champions will take place on December 4th, 2004 at the hallowed GT grounds of Splinters Sports Club in Palatine, Illinois. Each month on goldentee.com we will update the roster of competitors so you can learn more about them and their quest for Golden Tee glory!

Dean Liakakos

Qualification: 2003 GTGA League Points Player of the Year
Gold Card #: 1034
Nickname: “Dean”
Age: 38

A true champion of the game, it is only fitting that Dean Liakakos was the initial player to qualify for the inaugural Tournament of Champions. Hailing from Dayton, Ohio, this seasoned GT veteran has arguably compiled one of the best brag sheets in the game. Upon winning the “Sin City Shootout” in Las Vegas this past January, Dean sealed his presence for the event in December and is very excited to face the competition. Dean’s profound love and understanding of the game is obvious, but the self-employed champ said, “The competitions are great, but nothing beats the friendships I have made because of them.”


.........................................................................................................................................................................
Chris Eversole

Qualification: 2003 Player of the Year - Scoring Average
Gold Card #: 228208
Nickname: “Sole”
Age: 26

The Tournament of Champions would be incomplete if it did not feature Golden Tee’s pre-eminent player, Chris Eversole. “Sole’s” TOC qualifying victory at the Memphis Open this past February marked his sixth win in the last seven live tournaments - truly a spectacular feat! Remarkably, the 26-year-old Kennesaw State University student only began playing the game in April 2002. The young champ said, “The new format for this event is very exciting, I am simply thrilled to have qualified!” The camaraderie and competition of live events is a defining aspect of Chris’ love for the game, making the TOC an exemplary venue for him.


.........................................................................................................................................................................
Jerry Arney

Qualification: February ITS – Gold Division
Gold Card #: 61153
Nickname: “Jerry”
Age: 32

Jerry Arney certified his Golden Tee aptitude by conquering the Gold Division in February’s Pointe Blank Tournament. In the past four years, he has effectively climbed the player ladder to become one of the game’s notable contenders. Having placed in multiple live-events across the country, the 32-year-old Ohio business owner feels that head-to-head competitions bring an added dimension to the game and is looking forward to facing-off in Chicago.


.........................................................................................................................................................................
Rodney Lemmon

Qualification: February ITS – Silver Division
Gold Card #: 4764
Nickname: “Rod”
Age: 34

Winner of the Pointe Blank Silver Division this past February, Rodney is very pleased to have qualified for the 2004 Tournament of Champions. When not working as the manager at T.J. Mulligan’s in Memphis, Tennessee, the Golden Tee devotee enjoys nothing more than meeting his buddies for a couple rounds of Golden Tee Golf to cap-off the day. Rodney is eager to compete for the $10,000 grand prize in Chicago this winter.

.........................................................................................................................................................................
Stephen Carter

Qualification: February ITS – Bronze Division
Gold Card #: 357961
Hometown: Euless, TX
Lifetime Scoring Average: -14

.........................................................................................................................................................................
Stephen Dakin

Qualification: Ex-Factor Winner – Gold Division
Gold Card #: 35143
Nickname: “Piano Steve”
Age: 36

Stephen Dakin has been a notable figure in the Golden Tee community since his first appearance at the National Championship in 2002. A professional musician by trade, Steve is warmly known as “Piano Steve” amongst his video golf peers. After winning the highly competitive Gold Division of The Ex-Factor Tournament earlier this year, the New York City native solidified his spot at the 2004 Tournament of Champions. Steve exclaims, “Winning the Ex-Factor was not an easy task, the qualification into the TOC definitely made it worth the effort!”
 

.........................................................................................................................................................................
David Duncan

Qualification: Ex-Factor Winner – Silver Division
Gold Card #: 3034
Nickname: “Shaky”
Age: 33

In a game where numbers tell the whole story, David Duncan has proven himself an obvious kingpin of the trackball. The 33-year-old Florida native demonstrated his skills and dedication to Golden Tee by clinching the Silver Division in the Ex-Factor Tournament, scoring a record –33 under par! David says that prize money is his biggest motivation to perform with Golden Tee, he is hoping to have a strong performance in the Tournament of Champions.
 

.........................................................................................................................................................................
Steve Fuchik

Qualification: Ex-Factor winner – Bronze Division
Gold Card #: 30446
Nickname: “Foo”
Age: 42s

Regardless of division, only the sharpest competitors tasted victory in the hard-fought Ex-Factor Tournament, Steve Fuchik was certainly no exception. With an average score of -25.55 under par, Steve defeated hundreds of Bronze challengers in his quest for the title. “Foo”, as his closest friends refer to him, is a 42-year-old Regional Accounting Manager for Standard Parking, and resides in Ohio with his wife and three kids. Steve said, “I am looking forward to having a good time in Chicago, while also learning from the best in the game!”


.........................................................................................................................................................................
Joseph Caradonna

Qualification: March ITS – Gold Division
Gold Card #: 114730
Nickname: “Jocee”
Age: 32

A household name on tournament leaderboards across the nation, Joe Caradonna is no stranger to competition. After clinching the Gold Division of the Tropical Treasure tournament in March, the 32-year-old earned his spot in 2004’s most coveted event. “I’ve always been proud of my Golden Tee skills,” Joe said, ”knowing I have exceptional ability in something so popular is a great feeling!” The Tournament of Champions is the most prestigious live-event that Joe has ever qualified for, he already can’t wait for December to get here.
 

.........................................................................................................................................................................
Tom Payne

Qualification: March ITS –Silver Division
Gold Card #: 1006
Age: 46
Hometown: Mt. Airy, NC

.........................................................................................................................................................................
David Haulman

Qualification: March ITS – Bronze Division
Gold Card #: 332565
Nickname: “Dave”
Age: 25

David Haulman’s qualification for the Tournament of Champions is a clear illustration of how objective the International Tournament System really is. Upon winning the March Bronze Division, the 25-year-old Pennsylvania native said his performance ranking even surprised himself! Dave loves playing Golden Tee because, like real golf, the challenge is always there and continually changing. “I am very excited to be a part of the TOC”, said Dave, “I really hope to perform well in my first GT Live Event of this magnitude!”


.........................................................................................................................................................................
Jeffrey Harlow

Qualification: April ITS – Gold Division
Gold Card #: 179680
Nickname: “Jeff”
Age: 29

Since edging the fiercely competitive Gold Division by one stroke in April’s ITS Tournament, Jeff Harlow has earned the chance to prove his worth in the inaugural Tournament of Champions. After scoring an impressive –19 in the Regal Eagle Tournament, the 29-year-old baker will be striving for a different type of “dough” this December. Jeff is very excited for a chance to compete in this prestigious event, while he is also looking forward to squaring-off with the game’s elite. “Nothing beats the competition factor that Golden Tee brings to the table,” said Jeff. “The atmosphere of live events represent this game at its best!”
 

.........................................................................................................................................................................
Eddie Barnett

Qualification: April ITS – Silver Division
Gold Card #: 42370
Nickname: “Fast Eddie”
Age: 30

Though Eddie Barnett has been an avid Golden Tee player since 1996, his qualification in the Tournament of Champions represents his greatest accomplishment in the game to date. After clinching April’s Silver Division in the ITS Tournament with an impressive –18, he is now setting his sights on Chicago. “Fast Eddie”, a 30-year-old family man from Alabama, discovered his passion for the game while spending some time on the real links. “I love to play both real and video golf,” Eddie said, “but one day I realized, I’m a whole lot better at one of them!” Judging from his impressive stats, Eddie is sure to be a contender in December.


.........................................................................................................................................................................
William Lee

Qualification: April ITS – Bronze Division
Gold Card #: 302989
Nickname: “Will”
Age: 27

With only one year of competitive experience under his belt, William Lee is on the fast-track to become a Golden Tee virtuoso. With a narrow victory in April’s Bronze Division, the 27-year-old tied two competitors with a –17, only to edge his way to the top with 38,853 Great Shot Points. Will has participated in a few other live tournaments in the past, including the 2003 World’s Qualifier in Chicago. “I love the live tournaments,” Will said. “It’s exciting to meet people from all over the country who have the same passion for Golden Tee as I do!” Will is very eager to compete in Chicago once again and hopes to do well in the TOC.

.........................................................................................................................................................................
Brian Bernhardt

Qualification: 2003 Blind Play Champion - GTGA League Points
Gold Card #: 136182
Nickname: “Bernz”
Age: 23

Known throughout the Golden Tee community as one of the fastest players in existence, the Tournament of Champions would be inadequate if Brian Bernhardt wasn’t included on its exceptional roster. While competing in the 2003 Player of the Year Championship, the 23-year-old Iowan shocked the field with his quick draw runner-up performance. Bernz says he plays the game quickly so that his brain won’t get in the way of his instincts. The young-gun came on to the live-event circuit in 2002, where he has since proven himself as a top contender. “Receiving an invite for the TOC was a great surprise,” Brian said, “I am just thrilled to be a part of it!”


.........................................................................................................................................................................
Andrew Tellman

Qualification: 2003 Blind Play Champion - Scoring Avg.
Gold Card #: 28196
Nickname: “AT”
Age: 26

Andrew Tellman has been a recognizable name on the Golden Tee circuit since playing in his first National Championship in 2003. During the 2003 Player of the Year Championship Final in Chicago, AT was rewarded a surprise invitation to the TOC in return for his 2003 Blind Play Championship (Average Score) performance. “I was very honored to have received an invitation to the Tournament of Champions,” the 26-year-old Real Estate Appraiser said, “it was a nice surprise!” Andy always looks forward to seeing his Golden Tee comrades at live events, though he also enjoys competing with them as well.


.........................................................................................................................................................................
Chris Howard

Qualification: Live Event Winner – Minnesota Mega Fore! Golden Tee Championship
Gold Card #: 30163
Nickname: “Doh”
Age: 37

After beating out a competitive 200-player field in the Minnesota Mega Fore! Golden Tee Championship, Chris Howard won $1,200 and a coveted Tournament of Champions berth. Though he has been a Golden Tee enthusiast for quite sometime, the TOC marks the first major event the 37-year-old Air Traffic Controller has qualified for. Chris says that competition is the game’s greatest asset, especially during live events. “I’m very excited about this tournament,” Chris said, “but I have to be honest, I never thought about the TOC until I won in Minnesota!”

.........................................................................................................................................................................
Dayton Root

Qualification: Live Event Winner – Texas State Boots & Birdies
Gold Card #: 54149
Nickname: UNKNOWN
Age: 27

In a state that’s home to some of Golden Tee’s most well-known and accomplished players, Dayton Root is widely accepted as one of the Texas elite. After edging the GT star-studded field of the Texas Boots & Birdies tournament in May, the 27-year-old business owner took home the TOC spot as well as a brand new Harley Davidson motorcycle. “It’s good thing I was able to trade in that Harley,” Root joked, “if I were to try to ride it, I don’t think I’d make it till December!” Dayton feels that there’s nothing better than the friendships created through Golden Tee Golf. Though he’s excited for the Inaugural Tournament of Champions, the Texas native is not looking forward to the temperatures in the Windy City this December!

.........................................................................................................................................................................
Jeff Schaefer

Qualification: May ITS – Gold Division
Gold Card #: 1017
Nickname:
Age: 39
 

Hometown: Arlington, WA Marital Status: Wife, Twilla Home Golden Tee Location: The Grove – Everett, WA Special Accomplishments: Team USA member: ‘02, National Championships: ’99, ’00, ’01, ’02, ‘03 Lifetime Scoring Average: -22

Lifetime League Points: 14,616,355 Lifetime Great Shot Points: 189,099,544 Lifetime Holes-In-One: 1,600 Best All-Time Score: -31

A participant in monthly ITS tournaments since its inception, Jeff Schaefer has long been one of Golden Tee’s most prominent players. Tied at –17 with four strong competitors in May’s Hot Lava ITS tournament, Schaefer edged second place finisher, Steven Tirey, by a mere 260 Great Shot Points. A seasoned veteran in live Golden Tee events, the 39-year-old Washington man loves nothing more than the competition and friendships generated through the game. “I am very excited to play in this high stakes tournament,” Jeff said, “we’ll see if I have what it takes to win the big one!”

.........................................................................................................................................................................
Kevin Kern

Qualification: May ITS – Silver Division
Gold Card #: 10433
Nickname: “Kern”
Age: 28
 

Hometown: Cleveland, OH Marital Status: Single Home Golden Tee Location: Buffalo Wild Wings – Lyndhurst, OH Lifetime Scoring Average: -8

Lifetime League Points: 740,617 Lifetime Great Shot Points: 3,421,947 Lifetime Holes-In-One: 30 Best All-Time Score: -20

After clinching the Silver Division in May’s Hot Lava tournament, Kevin Kern’s invite to the Tournament of Champions marks his first ever large-scale live Golden Tee competition. A college student in Cleveland, Ohio, Kern began playing Golden Tee during his breaks while bartending part-time at Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar. The 28-year-old was driven to the game because of its challenging approach and social aspect. When asked if he was more nervous or excited for the TOC, Kern said, “How could I not be excited for this tournament!? As far as nervous, just a little…”

.........................................................................................................................................................................
Marc Sameroff

Qualification: May ITS – Bronze Division
Gold Card #: 296072
Nickname: “Tut”
Age: 31
 

Hometown: Las Vegas, NV Marital Status: Single Home Golden Tee Location: The Kopper Keg – Las Vegas, NV Special Accomplishments: World Championship Qualifier: ‘03 Lifetime Scoring Average: -13

Lifetime League Points: 3,936,844 Lifetime Great Shot Points: 11,406,948 Lifetime Holes-In-One: 65 Best All-Time Score: -27

After posting a –15 with 77,384 Great Shot Points on May 1st, Marc Sameroff had 20 stressful days to sweat atop of the leaderboard before winning May’s ITS Bronze Division. Sameroff, or “Tut” as he is widely known throughout the Golden Tee player community, said his priority was to win the Tournament of Champions spot to have another excuse to head out to a live event. “I was relieved and very excited when May 21st rolled around,” the 31-year-old computer technician said, “now I can go see all my friends that I’ve made this past year playing Golden Tee!”

.........................................................................................................................................................................
Baxter Stegall

Qualification: June ITS – Silver Division
Gold Card #: 208734
Nickname: “B”
Age: 23
 

Hometown: Charlotte, NC Marital Status: Single Home Golden Tee Location: Joe’s Raw Bar – Charlotte, NC Lifetime Scoring Average: -14

Lifetime League Points: 8,072,370 Lifetime Great Shot Points: 30,341,310 Lifetime Holes-In-One: 214 Best All-Time Score: -29

With a winning score of –17 in June’s Ride the Ridge ITS Tournament, Baxter Stegall’s impressive 76,034 Great Shot Points were an inessential factor for his one-stroke Silver Division victory. A 23-year-old Property Manager from the Golden Tee hotbed of Charlotte, North Carolina, Stegall hopes to be ready to contend in the TOC by December. “My best score as of now is a –29,” Stegall said, “I hope by time this tournament rolls around, I can have a –30 under my belt!” Baxter loves Golden Tee cause it gives him an excuse to have a good time and is a great way to meet up with his friends.

.........................................................................................................................................................................
Jon Gilliland

Qualification: June ITS – Bronze Division
Gold Card #: 318699
Nickname:  “Jon Eric”
Age: 39
 

Hometown: San Antonio, TX Marital Status: Single Home Golden Tee Location: London’s Sub & Pub – San Antonio, TX Lifetime Scoring Average: -16

Lifetime League Points: 422,830 Lifetime Great Shot Points: 8,452,178 Lifetime Holes-In-One: 75 Best All-Time Score: -27

Hailing from the home of some of Golden Tee’s best, Jon Gilliland is the second Texan to make the cut for the Tournament of Champions. With a –15 and 47,043 Great Shot Points in June’s ITS Tournament, the 39-year-old Country Musician landed a spot in his first-ever live GT event. “I came into the bar just to have a good time,” Gilliland said, “I ended up posting my winning score and hitting a Hole-N-Win. Turned out to be the best night ever!” Gilliland says he is glad the TOC is not until December because it gives him time to practice. He enjoys Golden Tee simply because you can shoot 18-holes at midnight and never have to look for a ball.

.........................................................................................................................................................................
Nate Schomberg

Qualification: July ITS – Silver Division
Gold Card #: 1005
Nickname:  N/A
Age: 31

 

Hometown: Waterford, MI Marital Status: Single Home Golden Tee Location: Malarkey’s – Westland, MI Lifetime Scoring Average: -20

Lifetime League Points: 19,171,150 Lifetime Great Shot Points: 131,781,089 Lifetime Holes-In-One: 976 Best All-Time Score: -31

Nate Schomberg has been one of Golden Tee Golf’s most prominent players since the birth of the game. After participating in nearly every GT National Championship, the 31-year-old’s spot on the coveted Tournament of Champions roster came as no surprise to many. Working as a Heating and Cooling Service Technician in Waterford, Michigan, Schomberg is most widely known among the Golden Tee community for his Tournament Director role during the annual Golden Tee Motor City Open in Detroit. When asked about his passion for the game and the upcoming tournament, Schomberg said, “I just love this game because of the friends I’ve made through it. Getting everyone together for the Tournament of Champions will definitely be a good time, and I feel that I have a shot at it, too.”

.........................................................................................................................................................................
Jeff Allums

Qualification: July ITS – Bronze Division
Gold Card #: 135922
Nickname:  “Richmond Jefe”
Age: 36
 

Hometown: Richmond, VA Marital Status: Married – Liz, Daughters – Abby & Charlotte