Sunset Hills Golf Course Dedicates Pond To J.

Porter
Gibson
CONTACT: Jason Rockhold
Marketing
Ratcliffe Golf Services Inc.
(704) 900-9459
rockholdpro@aol.com
WHO:

Ratcliffe Golf Services Inc. and Sunset Hills Golf Course

WHAT:

Sunset Hills Golf Course will hold a Pond Dedication in memory and
honor of golf course architect J. Porter Gibson on April 18 2015.

WHERE:

Sunset Hills Golf Course at 800 Radio Road, Charlotte, NC

WHEN:

April 18 2015. The dedication will begin at 11 a.m., media are

welcomed at 10 a.m.

ABOUT:

Born July 8 1931, Gibson grew up on East Blvd. in Dilworth, North

Carolina and attended Charlotte schools. He graduated high school
from Carlisle Military Academy. He attended Clemson University and
Belmont Abbey College. Gibson combined his natural gift for art and
drawing with his talent as an amateur golfer into a lifetime career of
land planning and golf course architecture.
While designing the short course at Sunset Hills, Gibson wanted
nothing more than to implement a pond to create a more aesthetically
appealing course. President Del Ratcliffe was unsure about the
placement and feared for golfer safety but Gibson wouldnt budge from
the idea. After many conversations, Ratcliffe and Gibson finally reached
an agreement. A pond would be dug on the right of the 9 th green on the
par 3 course. Gibson went to lunch but Ratcliffe stayed behind. By the
time Gibson returned, a hole for the pond had been dug and Gibson
was nearly brought to tears. His vision of Sunset Hills pond had finally
been fulfilled. Gibson passed away at age 73 on March 8 2005 but was
able to see the finished product. Were really excited to honor not only
a great golf course architect but a truly great man with the dedication
of Porters Pond. Porters vision was to provide a fun and engaging golf
experience for anyone playing his courses and the short course at
Sunset Hills really fulfills those goals. said Del Ratcliffe.