GOLF

In 1979, I had got intrigued and challenged by the game of golf.

My very first impression about golf was that it was odd and different than other sports or games. Initially, my thought was that golf was different than other sports. Because of my intrigue, combined with lack of knowledge, I practiced golf in much the same way I had practiced baseball, basketball and even football.

Simulated practice was my favorite format in other sports, but one particular game was my favorite. Strother Sligh, and John Feaster, my high school and youth league baseball coaches, conducted the ultimate baseball simulation variations in practice. So, I just modified their games then applied to golf.

Coach Sligh called the simulated game ‘Situations’, so it went like this. He stood at home plate, with all 9 defenders in their positions, and would create an imaginary ‘situation’. Sligh then barked out where imaginary runners were on base.

His description was complete with pre-determined pitch count, number of outs, sometimes even the score of the game.

Sligh then used the fungo bat, standing from home plate as the hitter, toss the ball up, for he was the batter, then hit to his predetermined position.

He was barking the particulars loud and fast, giving little time to think.

He challenged us with not only making the play, which was a physical measure of skill competence, but reacting appropriately, which was conceptual measure.

Anticipation and imagination along with decision making was reflected through the physical reaction.

This exercise allowed the most critical aspect of the game to be studied and analyzed. Incidentally, Sligh was extremely skilled with the fungo bat and quite animated so there was seldom a boring, vanilla, or easy ‘situation’.

What’s my point? Your creative and imaginative mind can allow you to access and even exceed your performance parameters consistently if when practicing, give equal weight the conceptual aspect of the game.

Having solid physical method-based skill is just part of the performance equation.

Speaking of practice and performance, Lake Murray Golf Center closed down sadly for just a short time earlier in the spring. However, it quickly re-opened under new ownership.

Tim and Kathy Allison along with Russell and Betty Pierce have teamed up together to not only keep the facility open, but they have a vision for the Chapin community.

Henderson Guerry built Lake Murray Golf Center back in 1991. He, his son Mike, and many other family members, worked together for nearly 30 years.

“Initially we want to get the greens on the Par 3 playable, then clean up the Putt-Putt and get it open for play,” described Tim Allison.

Tim and Kathy Allison have lived in Chapin for the last 17 years and Russell and Betty Pierce have been in the community for the last 3 years.

“We want the people in Chapin to have somewhere to play golf, practice and have fun,” continued Tim Allison.

This makes two new golf initiatives in Chapin. Jimmy Koosa is now leading Timberlake Country Club which is the only golf course on Lake Murray.

The 18th hole is truly a memorable finishing hole and Willard Byrd, the course designer, gave players the option of playing over or around the water.

This was brilliant because all skill levels can truly enjoy this beautiful golf hole.

There are several different golf camp opportunities this summer for golfers ages 3-15 and of all skill levels. The Irmo-Chapin Recreation Commission will host two different ones, the first being Crooked Creek Park’s camp July 22-24 and the second is Seven Oaks Park camp July 29-31, both for ages 6–16.

For more information on either of these camps call

(803) 345-6181 or (803) 772-3336.

George Bryan Golf Academy will also host two camps, the junior camp is for ages 6-15 and will take place June 24-26, and the Pee Wee Camp for ages 3-6 will be July 15–17. For more information, call (803) 781-2063.