NATCHEZ — Keith Rayborn and his Energy Drilling teammates hit 18 birdies en route to a first-place finish at the United Way Scramble Thursday.

Not a bad day of golf, Rayborn said.

“Everyone contributed,” he said. “In these scrambles, you have to make long putts, and we had four from at least 25 feet out, and several more from 15 feet out.”

Rayborn joined teammates David Cothern, Tom Kendrick and Wesley Calvert at Beau Pré Country Club for the United Way’s 19th annual scramble, finishing 18-under par. In addition to playing for the winning team, Rayborn also won the ball drop.

The scramble is the United Way’s final fundraiser of the year, and proceeds go toward the various programs the United Way supports in the Miss-Lou.

“This is our best year ever,” said Tiffany Mascagni, executive director of the United Way of the Greater Miss-Lou. “We had more platinum sponsors and more hole sponsors than ever.”

Mascagni said she was especially grateful that locals decided to give to the United Way, despite the tough economic times.

“It’s amazing, and we appreciate all the support more than I can express,” Mascagni said.

Tony Scudiero, general manager of the Isle of Carpi, said he’s more than happy to give to such a worthy cause.

“They help so many organizations in the city,” Scudiero said. “We get a lot of requests, and they do a great job reaching out to the needy and the shelters.

“It’s important that we are heavily involved in the community, and that’s what we try to do.”

Dickie Walcott, chairman of the golf committee for United Way of the Greater Miss-Lou, said he was very impressed with the conditions of golf course at Beau Pré Country Club.

“(Golf Pro) Carey (Witten) did a lot of work on the greens, and they look wonderful,” Walcott said. “The fairways were wonderful. I think everyone had a good time.”

Gillon Group finished runner-up to Energy Drilling, and United Mississippi Bank placed third.

Programs the United Way of the Greater Miss-Lou benefits includes include Catholic Charities, Guardian Sexual Assault, Guardian Shelter, the Natchez Adams Senior Center, the Adams County Red Cross, Coming out of the Dark Ministries, Natchez Falcons youth football, T.M. Jennings youth baseball, Safe Haven Tutoring Center, Adams County Casa and Adams County 4-H.