La Romana, Dominican Republic-- Steve Harwell of Mooresviile, NC and John Hurt of Davidson, NC played three rounds of unbelievable golf at Casa de Campo resort in La Romana, Dominican Republic to defend their title at the 9^th Island Four-Ball Championship of the Carolinas Golf Association played February 23-25.

The three championship rounds were contested over Casa de Campo's three courses: Teeth of the Dog course (ranked #34 in the world by Golf Digest), the Links course and the new Dye Fore course at Altos de Chavon. All three courses were designed by Pete Dye.

Harwell and Hurt, who are members at River Run Country Club in Davidson, NC, opened the championship with a seven-under par 65 on the very windy Dye Fore course which catapulted them above the field with a 7-shot lead. Harwell and Hurt then made a bigger move during round three on the often-underrated Links course where Harwell made 7 of the teams 9 birdies. Harry Belk of Charlotte, NC and David Hurt of Davidison, NC won low net honors in the Altos flight by one shot over Jack Nance of Pinehurst, NC and Phillip Greene of Charlotte, NC.

Dentists Reid Clark of Greensboro, NC and Gene Grubb of Summerfield, NC won low gross honors in the Campo flight.

In the Playa flight, Brett and Naomi Waters of Winston-Salem took the low gross award by two shots over Ken and June Eichele of Pinehurst, NC.

This championship is conducted by the Carolinas Golf Association.