Ed Norwood and Tom Brady have played thousands of rounds of golfin their many years of membership at the Brookhaven Country Clubbut they are more than a little excited about the newest event. TheNorwood Cup competition will be held at the Brookhaven Country Clubthe weekend of Dec. 10-12, according to BCC PGA professional RonnyRoss.

The Norwood Cup, featuring four-ball, alternate shot andindividual matches, is named in honor of longtime BCC member andemployee Ed Norwood. It follows a Ryder Cup format.

Ross said Norwood and Brady would captain the respective teamswhich will be composed of the top 40 BCC members on the handicaplist, plus alternates. Following a formal dinner on Friday night,Dec. 10, the captains will select the teams for the weekendcompetition.

“Both of these men have meant so much to our club,” said Ross.”This new tournament will promote golf and provide a lot ofcompetition for our members, too.”

Matches will be held Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

“I’m real honored by this recognition,” said Norwood. “I wantedRonny to name it after Spence Alford. Ronny said, ‘None of themhave done what you have done for his club.'”

A former BCC president and club champion, the 81-year-oldNorwood is a fixture at the club, a member for 56 years. After hisretirement from a distributorship with Union Oil Co., Norwoodstated working part-time at the pro shop.

“The first time I was president, we built the first swimmingpool,” said Norwood. “A lot of people have done a lot for thisclub. They kept it alive.”

Norwood said he was honored to have the competition named in hishonor. “I hope everybody will have a good time. Next year Ronnywill pick two new captains.”

Norwood said the future looks bright. “We have a lot of good,young golfers coming along. Our junior golf program has beengreat.”

Brady, 72, was the club champion in 1956 and 1986. He also wonSeniors and Super Seniors titles. He is retired from Trustmark Bankand a 40-year member of the club.

Recalling his younger years, Brady said, “I grew up there. Iused to walk from home, play golf, and walk back.” He has beenplaying golf for 60 years.

Regarding his selection as a team captain, Brady said, “It’s oneof the best honors I’ve ever had. It means more to me than winningthose club championships.”

Brady said he expects next weekend’s competition to be keen. “Wehave some real good golfers out here.”

The captains will alternate selections in filling their teamrosters.

“I’m very excited,” said Brady. “We are honoring a man who meansa lot to the club and Brookhaven.”