After winning the 3/A state golf title in 2007, Robert Hoadley said his goal was to be a two-time champion.

Tuesday, that goal became a reality.

"Not many people can say they are a two-time state champion," Hoadley said. "It is one of those elite things and I am honored to say that I am one."

Hoadley, a Union Pines senior, captured the 2009 3/A state golf championship with a 70-66-136. He finished three shots ahead of four golfers. Among them was 2008 3/A state champion Robert Register of Williams High School.

Hoadley started slowly in Tuesday's second round, playing the first five holes 1-over par, before catching fire and scoring birdies on seven of the final 13 holes.

Hoadley's first state title came in 2007 on Foxfire's East Course. His two-day total of 140 was five strokes better than his nearest competitor.

Register, James Chapman of Forestview, Ryan Yarborough of Wilson Fike and Trey White of Hickory finished tied for second with a two-round total of 139. The quartet had a playoff to determine second place.

Hickory won the team title with a 588. Wilson Fike was second with 594 and Williams High was third with 597.

Hoadley and White both shot 66 in Tuesday's final round.

Hoadley fired a 2-under-par 70 in Monday's opening round at the River Course at Keith Hills Country Club in Buies Creek. Overall, he said he was pleased with his round, but that he wasn't putting well. It was something he obviously corrected Tuesday.

"The putter actually showed up today," Hoadley said. "The first six holes weren't too good, but I finally found my stroke and made three birdies to finish the front nine and that was pretty big."

He covered the 6,500-yard Dan Maples' layout in 34-32 to post his 66. He didn't miss a green on his inward nine, and hit 16 of 18 greens for the day. He had 13 putts on the front nine and 14 on the back nine.

A product of the local First Tee program, Hoadley is no stranger to tough, and big-time, golf competition. He has played in the Champions Tour event at Pebble Beach, Calif., several times.

Hoadley has credited the First Tee program for helping him do so much more more than teach him how to swing a golf club. He credits the program for teaching him about life outside the ropes, including setting goals.

Hoadley advanced to the state tournament with a second place finish at the 3/A Mideast Regional. His two-under 69 placed him second behind Register, who shot a 66.

The Pinecrest and O'Neal golf teams were also competing for state titles this week.

For more on their results and for more on Hoadley's remarkable feat, go online to thepilot.com or check out Friday's print edition.

Contact F.W. Manning II at 639-5481 or by email at fwm2@nc.rr.com.