Phil Ford and Billy Carter set to play in RCC’s Golf Tournament
Two more UNC basketball legends have confirmed attendance in the 38th Anniversary Cliffard Bullard Memorial Golf Tournament, which benefits students and the mission of Robeson Community College.
Phil Ford and Billy Carter will be hitting the green to help raise money for scholarships. The addition of these two players, along with Johnny Evans, Dereck Whittenburg, and Al Wood, will make for a star-studded event at Pinecrest Golf Club in Lumberton.
“We are just so excited to have more celebrities join us,” Lisa Hunt, the assistant vice president of the RCC Foundation and grants said. “This will be a tournament for the record books.”
The tournament will be held on Thursday, October 6 with two shotgun starts, the first at 8:30 a.m. and the second at 1:30 p.m. at Pinecrest Golf Course in Lumberton.
“We are so happy to hear that Phil Ford and Billy Carter will be joining Johnny Evans, Dereck Whittenburg, and Al Wood in playing in our tournament,” RCC President Melissa Singler said. “This is going to be one of the best golf tournaments ever held in the State of North Carolina.”
The RCC Foundation is still accepting registrations and sponsorships for the tournament. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Carol Cummings at ccummings@robeson.edu or 910-272-3236.
About Phil Ford
Phil Ford was the first freshman to play basketball under UNC Coach Dean Smith. His records during his freshman year would stand for more than 2 decades, and he was named the MVP – the first freshman in ACC history to ever achieve that honor. Ford led UNC to a second place finish during the ACC conference, and then to an ACC championship against NC State in 1975. His team was named All-American team during his sophomore, junior, and senior year. He was recognized as National Player of the Year when he won the USBWA, NABC, and Sporting News Player of the Year awards.
Ford signed with the Kansas City Kings in 1979 and was named NBA Rookie of the Year.
Overall, in his NBA career, he played 482 games and scored 5594 points. He retired from the NBA in 1985, finishing his career with the Rockets.
Ford currently works for the Educational Foundation, the fundraising arm of UNC’s athletic department.
About Billy Carter
Billy Carter played collegiate basketball for the UNC Tarheels under the direction of Coach Dean Smith. Carter left UNC to play professionally for a basketball team in Europe. However, his connection to UNC and commitment to North Carolina never left. He currently resides in Greensboro.