Nelson Howard, 58, of Vale, has won the right to play alongside NASCAR greats, professional athletes and local celebrities slated to participate in this year's Dale Jarrett Shootout on Sept. 15.
The celebrity guests haven't been announced yet, but Howard follows NASCAR and already knows who he wants to play golf with.
"I'd like to play any drivers who can give me some help with my golf game," he said with a chuckle.
Howard was matched up against seven competitors and spent Saturday morning making his way around the same course the pros will play on in this year's Greater Hickory Classic at Rock Barn Presented by Kia Motors.
He shot a 77. His eight stroke handicap turned it into a 69 and gave him a first-place finish in the competition.
"I was a little bit surprised because there were some really good golfers out there," Howard said. "I had some good breaks."
Howard said he's been a golfer for the past 45 years and was the head coach of the Fred T. Foard High School golf team for the last 28 years — until his retirement this past year.
He's signed up for the VIP Playoffs every year. This was the second time he's been chosen to compete and he credits his first victory to his putting game.
"I feel very blessed to have been invited to this event and very blessed to have come out on top," Howard said. "I'm looking forward to the Dale Jarrett Shootout."
The five-hole match will be played at holes 1, 2, 16, 17, and 18, and the event will raise $25,000 for the Dale Jarrett Foundation charity.
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