Tell us a little about your personal life. Family, career, or whatever you care to share.
I am married to Anne Warson Matthews. I am blessed with three children named Scott, Rob, and Heather Matthews Hayes. In addition, I am a grandparent to four and a great-grandparent to two. I grew up on a farm. My educational background includes attending Greenwood High School in Lemon Springs, NC, and Campbell College. I worked for the NC Highway Engineering Department for eight years. I received my private surveyor's license in 1969. I have worked as a private land surveyor to the present. I am a lifelong resident of Lee County, North Carolina.
How long have you been a member of Deep River?
Since 2005.
When did you start shooting Sporting Clays?
2005.
How did you get introduced to the sport?
My journey began in sporting clays when Ben Reynolds and Larry Bennett in April of that year. I joined a gun club in order to sight my rifle. I was invited to join a skeet league. I started shooting with Ben and Larry. They asked me for several months to go to DRSC and I finally agreed.
What was your first shotgun?
I started off with a Browning 525 12-gauge
What do you shoot now?
I now shoot with a Beretta 682 Gold E and occasionally a Perazzi MX 2000.
What is your favorite thing about shooting Sporting Clays?
I enjoy meeting new people. The Sporting Clay community is made up of exceptional people. I've had the privilege of being grouped with a number of well-known shooters. I've been squadded with Wendell Cherry a number of times. I shot in the same squad with Gebben Miles just a few weeks after he had won the Dubai tournament, just to name a few.
How old were you when you started competing in tournaments?
64
What's your age now?
83
How long did it take you to become a Master Class Shooter?
From 2005 to 2010, I earned my way through every class without declaring up.
How many registered targets have you shot?
131,375
Any guesses on how many targets you've shot in your life?
300,000
Share with us some of your accomplishments.
At the time, I was one of two people who made master class after age 70. I made All-American in 30-plus events.
What accomplishment in the sport are you most proud of?
High overall Seminole Cup Quail Creek Plantation in 2013 with 274 competitors, with 103 being master class shooters, including national champions and an Olympic medalist in trap.
2024 World Champion in 20 gauge and 28 gauge Legacy.
What's the biggest change you've witnessed in this sport?
Harder targets.
What advice would you give to brand-new shooters?
Start with a good shooting instructor who will help you build your strong points, instead of trying to mold you into a replica of themselves.
If you had to do it all over again, would you pour as much into this sport as you have?
Yes, and more!
Upon completing this and having had the opportunity to get to know you through the years and recognize that you have been a good friend to Deep River. We are announcing the DEEP RIVER SPORTING CLAYS HALL OF FAME and I consider it a privilege to announce Tommy Matthews will be our first inductee and will receive lifetime member status. Thank you for your loyalty and friendship.
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