Greenville Jaycees President William Martin was anxious last week that Hurricane Dennis would have an adverse effect on the tournament.

Although Dennis ended up being little to no threat to Greenville, the effect from Dennis was evident at the seventh annual Kids Classic at Cambrian Ridge Golf Course on Saturday.

About 13 teams competed in the annual tournament which benefits the Butler County Children's Advocacy Center in helping provide Christmas presents for those children who may not otherwise have a Christmas.

"We didn't have the number of teams we typically do because about four or five had to cancel because of the hurricane having passed through," Martin said. "But we were still able to raise a good bit of money."

Ironically Martin's teamed up with Brantley Hinson and Eric Burkett to win the tournament.

The trio of Jeff Fennell, Jimbo Carlson and Don Barron took second, and the team of David Scott, Tommy Ryan Jr. and Jamie Merritt.

Todd Norman and Ryan were noted with the longest drives, and Richard Fussell and Kenny Perdue shared the honors of closest to the pin.

The real winners of this tournament are the children of Butler County, Martin said.

"This is just like Christmas in July," he said. "You don't see the effect of this tournament until Christmas time when the money goes toward buying all those presents."

Martin said if it weren't for the tournament, some children in Butler County would have no Christmas.

"It's enjoyable to play golf on a great day like Saturday, but there's a bigger purpose behind it," he said. "It's just a great feeling to see those presents brighten their Christmas Day."

Martin said he wanted to extend a thank you to everyone who played, the hole sponsors and a special group of young women who volunteered their time just to help make the tournament run as smooth as it did.