The 2009 U.S. Kids Golf Top 50 Kids Teachers list has been announced, and Eric Alpenfels, the director of Pinehurst Golf Academy, is among the 18 being nationally honored

Chris Haarlow of Southern Pines, who now teaches in Greensboro, was among those honored in 2008.

Since its inception in 2004, the Top 50 Kids Teacher award has been given to professionals who have dedicated their careers to developing youth golf in their communities and are known for their overall excellence and commitment to serving youth.

In 2008, U.S. Kids Golf announced the inauguration of The Master Kids Teacher award. To obtain Master Kids Teacher status, the professional must have been honored as a Top 50 Kids Teacher for three years.

"The Top 50 and particularly the Master Teachers represent a group of professionals who are dedicated to helping kids develop their skills and love of the game," said Dan Van Horn, founder and president of U.S. Kids Golf. "We're pleased to recognize their consistent commitment to youth golf."

The 2009 Top 50 Kids Teachers and the 2009 Master Kids Teachers will be presented awards at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando in February.

N.C. Four-Ball: Brent Parrish of Clinton and Chris Eaves of Burgaw fired a final-round 66 to win the North Carolina Four-Ball Championship by one shot over Mark Slawter of Wake Forest and brother Sutton Slawter of Winston-Salem in an event held at Keith Hills Country Club in Buies Creek.

The Slawters turned the front-side with a slim one-stroke lead on the field only to see it quickly vanish when Eaves birdied the 10th and Parrish birdied the 11th.

Second-round leaders Press McPhaul and Lennie Barton found no magic and stumbled to a one-over par 73 to finish 6th. They recorded 17 pars and a final-hole bogey.

Eaves, a salesman for US Foods, and Parrish, a warehouse manager, are members of Coharie Country Club in Clinton. Their 6-under par 66 tied the second low round of the day.

"Brent really kept our momentum going with a great 15-foot par save on 7," Eaves said. "Even though it was for par, that was a turning point for us."

This is the second CGA win for Parrish, who won the 2007 Father-Son Championship with father Jackie. Parrish also won the 2007 Keith Hills Amateur. Eaves' best CGA finish is fourth in the 2007 North Carolina Amateur.

Frank McBrayer and Sherrill Britt of West End led after the first day with a 64, but finished with rounds of 67-70 to take third place. Scott Benton of Lumberton and Dyrck Fanning, general manger of Bayonet at Puppy Creek Golf Course, tied for 10th with 205. John Finster of Winston-Salem and Paul Simson of Raleigh tied for 12th with 206.

Wynn Solle of Pinehurst and Skip Taylor of Flat Rock tied for 14th with 207. Steve Save and Martin Huff of Pinehurst tied for 22nd with 213, James Frye of Pinebluff and Dale Ring of Carthage tied for 24th with 214, and Ryan Fox of West End and Daniel Neveu of Pinehurst were at 216.

Defending champions Robert Riesen of Pinehurst and Phillip Chauncey of Durham withdrew.

Golf Specials: Two golf specials are featured events at the Pine Needles and Mid Pines resorts here during November. The resorts host the 44th annual Couples Jamboree Nov. 11-15 and the 22nd annual Thanksgiving Turkey Tradition Nov. 25-29.

"These are two of our most popular events each year," said Graham Gilmore, director of golf at the two Sandhills resorts. "Both have been going on a long time and are always fun and well-attended, making for a most enjoyable weekend. The entire staff looks forward to hosting these outings."

Resort owner Peggy Kirk Bell, a longtime national golf luminary, is actively involved in both. She and son-in-law Pat McGowan, a former PGA and Champions Tour player, will conduct clinics at both and will be on hand for parties, golf and photo opportunities.

"Mrs. Bell helped originate our November activities," explained Gilmore, "and plays a key role in making them enjoyable for participants. These are two of her favorite events."

Couples from around the nation flock to the resorts for the annual jamboree, which features a practice round and four days of golf on the two classic Donald Ross-designed courses. There is a package price that covers accommodations, meals and golf.

The Turkey Tradition also includes golf, a clinic, parties and Thanksgiving dinner. Packages begin at $149 per person per night. A daily commuter rate is also available.

For reservations or more information log onto reservations@rossresorts.com or call (800) 747-7272.