NATCHEZ — The 2009 Home Builders Association of Natchez Golf Tournament was deemed a success by this year’s local chapter president, Dick Thompson. And he said the event will continue for years to come.

Indeed, the first year for this four-man scramble was a huge success. Several businesses sponsored teams and holes and 60 players participated in the tournament at Beau Pré Country Club Thursday afternoon. And the golf wasn’t too bad, either.

Thanks to an eagle on the 11th hole by Natchez Mayor Jake Middleton, the team of Middleton, Tommy Geoghegan, Steven Edney and Kenny Jackson took first place on a scorecard playoff after shooting a round of 18-under-par 54.

“We played well. We had 16 birdies and an eagle on No. 11,” Geoghegan said. “Jake knocked it in from 116 yards from the fairway. He didn’t know it at first, but Kenny told him he made it. It was a great golf shot. We just made some putts. We made one on 7 that we were fortunate to make.”

The Edgin Construction-sponsored team of Richard Edgin, Chuck Fields, David Cothren and Forrest Johnson ended up in second place after firing a 54. Their round included two eagles, the first on the par-4 15th hole and the second on the par-5 18th hole. They also had 14 birdies and two pars.

“We had Ricky hitting it a long way and the rest of us helping out on the short shots,” Fields said. “It was a total team effort. We had a lot of fun.”

Third place went to the WilMar/Mullins-sponsored team of Charles Johnson, Bub Mullins, Mark Carter Jr. and Stephen Hollingsworth. That team finished at 17-under-par 55. They had an eagle on No. 8, 15 birdies and two pars.

“Bub and Mr. Johnson, I think they made every putt they needed to,” Hollingsworth said. “I only had to putt three times. We came out here just to have fun and it worked out well. I was extremely pleased with how we did.”

As for the tournament itself, Thompson said, “It’s a fundraiser. It’s our first year to have this tournament. We were looking to generate interest in our association, increase membership.

“We had 15 teams. The weather was perfect. This is something we’re going to have every year. The Natchez Home Builders Association has 60 members and we have about 3,000 statewide.”