ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, June 8, 1996 TAG: 9606090035
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RANDY KING STAFF WRITER
LEE SHIRLEY, a three-time defending champion, won't be able to compete in this weekend's tournament.
For a change, the Roanoke Valley Golf Hall of Fame women's field won't have to deal with Lee Shirley's act.
Because of a commitment this weekend at the University of North Carolina, Shirley was forced to withdraw from the 36-hole tournament, which begins today at Ole Monterey.
The 20-year-old UNC junior has won the past three Hall of Fame women's titles. She would have been gunning for an unprecedented fourth consecutive championship.
But when the field tees it up, it won't have to worry about being taken to the woodshed once again by the young hotshot from Hunting Hills.
``I might relax a little more knowing she's not here,'' said Hidden Valley's Dot Bolling, who has finished second twice and third behind Shirley the past three years.
``Really, I wish she could play. Certainly, [her not playing] helps everybody else's chances. When I heard about it, I didn't feel anything ... because there's some others out there who can beat me.''
With Shirley out, Bolling inherits the favorite's role. She claimed the weight of that tag won't be a burden.
``Hey, I've already got a 500-pound monkey on my back,'' Bolling said. ``You know my past history in this thing.''
Bolling, a five-time Roanoke City-County champion, many times has come close in the Hall of Fame, but has yet to win.
``If I ever win this thing, I'm going to throw a hell of a party,'' she said.
Chief threats to be party-poopers are 1991 champion Mar-C Milona, '84 victor Kathy Hull, '83 titlist Audrey Najjum, '93 runner-up Nancy Shuck and perennial contender Marilyn Bussey.
Countryside, led by Milona, Hull and Bussey, will shoot for a third consecutive and record 10th team title.
LENGTH: Short : 45 linesby CNB