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bit of a mystery why 47 was the number chosen, as it is a very

restrictive number, representing less than 10% of the memberships of

the PPA and APA at that time. Forty-seven is a perplexing choice
because it is prime. This provided complexity due to the players being

paired in groups of three. If everyone were to accept the invite, then

there would have to be a two-some; however, it is likely Don Clayton
was not expecting everyone who was invited - to appear.

The first “invitation” tournament was titled the ‘Southern Invitational”

and was played in Chattanooga, Tennessee during the first week of
June. Stellar players roamed the course in preparation for the newly

designed major. Players like Vance Randall (Player of the Decade), Rick
Smith (Twice - World Champion), Dick Florin (Twice - World Champion),

Lee Weldy (National Champion), Charles McIntosh (Twice - World

Runner-up) Neil Conner (National Champion), Buddy Taylor (World
Champion), Brice Bergesen (World Finalist), Mike Baldoza (World

Champion), Billy Kirby (National Champion), Robert Smith (National

Champion) and Gary English (World Finalist) were present to attain the
major title.

The two-day event saw the leaderboard change numerous times.

However, at the end of 8 rounds Bob Lipscomb of Texas and Gary Love
of Ohio were tied. An 18-hole playoff was needed. Interestingly,

Lipscomb and Love were paired together on day two. Love rallied from
a few strokes down to force the playoff. The players maintained their

pace and by hole 17, Lipscomb held a one stroke lead. The usual
th
calmness of Lipscomb halted for one hole and he bogeyed the 17 hole
– making the match tied going into hole 18. Love was up first and

putted a perfect ace. The pressure was mounting on Lipscomb, and
after bogeying hole 17, the nerves were a bit worn, but Lipscomb

prevailed with a perfect putt as well. Now, it was sudden death - and it