Southern Oaks is often referred to as the Upstate’s friendliest golf course and it was on display once again at the Holiday Open.

The tournament asks golfers to bring a special toy with them as part of the entry fee .

“We take the toys to the Children’s Hospital in Greenville. They get the toys to some of the kids in the hospital to help make their Christmas a little nicer. or those that might not have a Christmas,” said Southern Oaks Professional Adam Sheriff.

Golfers enjoy helping a good cause and then enjoy playing a fun event at Southern Oaks.

The father and son team of Randy and Carlton Cisson blistered the course in the first round posting an opening round of 60.

The tournament alternated best-ball and captain’s choice nine hole segments in each round and the Cissons played each first round segment without an error.

” Carlton played great and made one of the eagles on his own ball,” said Randy Cisson. “We got another one in the captain’s choice round and didn’t make a bogey or a par, all eagles and birdies,” he said.

The team held a three shot lead over Johnny Pope and Eddie Chapman going into the final round, but didn’t think they had a big enough advantage over the field.

“You see it all the time when somebody gets a big lead they ease up and get caught. We decided we needed to play aggressively and not get caught from behind,” said Cisson,

As well as the two played, Pope and Chapman caught them on the front nine, but were not able to hold the lead on the final nine holes.

“Carlton’s birdie on the 16th hole made the difference. I was really proud of how well my son played,” said Cisson.

The first round leaders added a 63 to their opening round 60 for a 123 total and held off a late charge from Steve Graham and Todd Reid who shot a final round 64 to finish in second at 131.

“Even if we hadn’t won, playing a tournament with my son was a thrill most any father would enjoy. Playing at Southern Oaks where Tripp Merritt and Adam Sheriff do so much for the golf community from hosting junior events and doing a fund raising tournament like this makes Southern Oaks a special place to play,” said Cisson,

The Cissons won the overall team title. Flight winners included First Flight – Steve Graham and Todd Reid, Second Flight – Randy Cole and Courtney Brown, Third Flight – Tripp and Merrill Merritt.