An early start, good weather, crowds and scores

There's going to be an early start Sunday to the final round of the $2.6 million Ginn Tribute Hosted by Annika. Hopefully there will be an early finish to accompany it. Because of the strong possibility of thunderstorms Sunday afternoon, tournament officials have decided to adjust the starting times. There will be a two-tee start on Nos. 1 and 10 beginning at 7:15 a.m. and golfers will play in groups of three. that puts the lead threesome out at about 9:15 a.m., finishing by 2 p.m. or so, weather permitting.
Whatever inclement weather strikes the tournament Sunday, it's unlikely to rival the terrible weather that marred the inaugural Ginn Tribute last year. Tropical Depression Barry stormed through Mount Pleasant on tournament weekend, blowing over a scoreboard and pushing scores up. Nicole Castrale won in a playoff after shooting a 9-under-par 279. Outside of some wind, the weather and scoring conditions have been fabulous this week, and scores are relecting it. Players are tearing up RiverTowne this week, as leader Sophie Gustafson was 18 under through 46 holes Saturday, and three other players were better than 9 under. While 66 was the lowest round shot in the 2007 event, six players posted 65s through the first two rounds, including Gustafson Friday. Golf fans along the coast have also taken advantage of the good weather, as solid crowds followed several groups Saturday and filled bleachers on the ninth and 18th holes.
Here's to hoping the crowds will be rolling out of RiverTowne by 2 p.m. Sunday.