
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, August 24, 1993                   TAG: 9308240112
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

IN SPORTS - ETC.

Justin Leonard, who has a chance to become the first golfer to successfully defend his U.S. Amateur Golf title in 10 years, can list the last player to manage the rare double as one of his biggest fans.

"Justin's special," said Jay Sigel, who won consecutive titles in 1982-83. "His demeanor, as far as I'm concerned, is perfect. I don't think there's any question who the best player is."

The tournament, being played in Texas for the first time at Champions Golf Club, begins today.

Leonard, who plays for the University of Texas, will be among 312 golfers starting the 36-hole stroke play competition. The field will be cut to the low 64 scores for match play, with finals contested Sunday.

\ Celebrities and fans who entered the Davey Allison Memorial Golf Classic in Hunterville, N.C., came to play some golf to benefit two of the late Winston Cup driver's favorite charities.

They got much more - a lesson in courage and compassion from Davey's widow, Liz.

"This is a sad day in some ways, but it's a happy one, too, because so many good things will come out of this," she told the players, who included fellow NASCAR driver Geoff Bodine, Charlotte Hornets players Muggsy Bogues and Dell Curry, and broadcaster Billy Packer.

Last year, Davey and his father, Bobby Allison, had agreed to appear at the event at the posh Peninsula Club to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the National Head Injury Foundation.

After Davey Allison died, officials with the charities called Liz Allison to ask if they could name the golf tournament in his memory.

by CNB