Nealys have tradition of their own at SOGT - August 29, 2004

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52 °F Forecast | Road Cams Saturday, September 18, 2004   Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery   SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries   Life   Opinion - Politics   Tempo   AP News   Weather   Classified   Archives   Site Map   SPECIAL SECTIONS   Since We Asked   Outdoor Journal   How To Guide   Wellness Connection   Readers' Choice   Real Estate Showcase   Joy Magazine   Homelife Magazine   Wedding Guide   Rogue Valley's Finest   EXTRA   Newspaper in Education   Personals   Movie Times   TV Times   E The People   MARKETPLACE Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Classifieds Place an ad  eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities   Entertainment   Publications   Recreation   Calendar   CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit   Network Affiliate Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend August 29, 2004 Nealys have tradition of their own at SOGT By TIM TROWER Mail Tribune The Nealy family of Grants Pass has quite a history in the Southern Oregon Golf Tournament. They’ll add to it this week when all four sisters, including two past champions, play in the tournament. Amanda Nealy, 35, who claimed women’s titles in 1992 and 2000, and 2001 winner Johnna Nealy, 21, will be joined by siblings Molly, 28, and Josie, 23. Molly played in a couple of SOGT’s, but this is the first time Josie will compete. "Josie usually caddies for Johnna," says Amanda, "but she said she wasn’t going to be the only one not playing this year. She’s probably practiced the most of all of us." Advertisement Not that she needs that much. "Josie could give you a run for your money," says Amanda. "She’s a good player." The Nealy girls grew up around the tournament, in part because they often watched their uncle, Jim Smith, the 1980 men’s champion and 2002 senior winner. When it became evident all four sisters would play, there were a couple of things to take care of: First and foremost, e-mailed missives that smacked of trash talking flew back-and-forth; then, what to do about outfits — they are noted for putting together snappy, matching ensembles. "We’ve got the first three days taken care," laughs Amanda, who now lives in Baton Rouge, La., where she took a job in November. "We have to come up with something after that." Johnna must be considered the hands-down favorite. She completed her junior season at the University of Oregon last spring as the golf team’s co-leader in stroke average at 76.8. She finished in the top 25 in five of the Ducks’ 10 tournaments, including two top-10 placings. "Johnna, by far, would have to be the favorite (of the Nealys)," says Amanda. "She’s playing college golf right now and playing quite a bit. She’s probably played more rounds this week than I have all year." Amanda, who played collegiately at New Mexico State, hasn’t been able to play much because of her move. Molly, a teacher in Canby, played collegiately at San Diego State. There’s a strong possibility one Nealy will have to play another. "Hopefully, we won’t have to play each other in the first match," says Amanda, "but with all four of us playing, it’ll undoubtedly happen pretty soon. Me, Josie and Molly, we would have pretty good matches, but we’d have to step it up if we’re going to beat Johnna." Amanda has stepped it up before. In the 1995 semifinals, she was 1-down to Sybil O’Byrne going to the 18th hole but made a monster, 90-foot putt to necessitate a playoff. "I remember my mom asked me if I wanted the flag tended," Amanda laughs, "and I said, ‘I can’t even see it.’ Then she asked how much break and I was like, ‘Are you kidding me?’" The putt fell nonetheless, but O’Byrne won the first playoff hole to advance. "There have been some great matches," says Amanda. Maybe she’ll have one this week against a sister. Reach sports editor Tim Trower at 776-4479, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home Local News  | Sports  | Business  | Obituaries  | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives  |  Site Map   E Southern Oregon  | Classified   Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback   ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities