Six More Golfers Qualify For Finals Of Million Dollar Ace Contest
Six more golfers qualified Monday during the third day of The University of Texas at Tyler Suddenlink Patriot Million Dollar Hole-in-One Contest.
Qualifying in Tyler were Michele Reese of Tyler (12 inches), Lauren Burton of Tyler (9 feet, 2 inches), Jack Sargent of Tyler (12 1/2 inches) and Chris Hunter of Troup (16 inches).
This is the fourth time for Burton to qualify, while its the first time for Reese, Sargent and Hunter.
Qualifying in Longview were Jeff Mekalip of Troup (15 1/2 inches) and Dianne Wylie of Henderson (25 1/4 inches). This is the 10th time Mekalip has qualified, while its the second time for Wylie.
There was a total of 1,729 shots hit in Tyler on Monday, while there were 881 shots in Longview.
The three-day total in Tyler is 4,722. Longview's total is 3,427.
Previous Tyler qualifiers were: Saturday - Walter Treat of Tyler (6 1/2 inches), Chase Chick of Tyler, (8 inches), and John Bonney of League City (12 inches); Sunday - Mike Cearley of Troup (6 1/2 inches and Daniel Treat of Tyler.
Previous Longview qualifiers were: Saturday - Matt Townsend of Longview (10 1/2 inches), Randy Neeley of Longview (12 inches) and Michael Cearley of Troup (18 inches). The Longview site was closed on Sunday.
The Million Dollar Mania winner was Robert Burton. He wins 25 free shots this week. Previous Million Dollar Mania winners were Bob Brewer (Saturday) and DeWayne Munk (Sunday).
Qualifying continues through Saturday at contest sites in Tyler and Longview.
The contests offer amateur golfers age 18 and older the opportunity to compete, at $1 per shot, in preliminary daily rounds.
The Tyler contest site is off Old Bullard Road behind the Holiday Inn Select. The Longview contest will be held at the UT Tyler Longview University Center.
Daily qualifiers will be persons who hit closest to the hole, as well as those who hit a hole-in-one, during the qualifying rounds.
The finals will take place at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, May 18 at The Cascades. Three holes are set up on the green during the finals, and each hole corresponds to one of three prizes.
Prizes are a 2008 Mustang GT Coupe sponsored by Tyler Ford, a 2008 Harley-Davidson FXSTC sponsored by Lone Star Harley-Davidson Buell or $1 million.
Participants who purchase 25 or more tickets at the contest site will be entered into a drawing at the finals for a 32-inch flat panel high definition television. The winner must be present at the finals to win.
Proceeds from the event benefit scholarship programs for students at UT Tyler's campuses in Tyler, Longview and Palestine.
The contests are coordinated by the UT Tyler Patriots and UT Tyler Longview University Center Patriots organizations.
The schedule of events with special qualifiers includes:
The UT Tyler Suddenlink Patriot Million Dollar Hole-in-One Contest, an official event of the UT Tyler Patriot Classic, is presented in conjunction with KLTV Channel 7, KTBB AM 600 Radio and Longview and Kilgore Cable TV.
For tickets or more information, contact the UT Tyler Office of University Advancement, 903-566-7110.






