It’s time to play, so let’s go to the golf course.

Here are just a few stories that may get you thinking in a golf direction.

“My baseball friends invited me out just for fun and it turns out I’m pretty good,” explained a wide smiling 6th grader from Gilbert named Nathan Holderness.

Nathan’s big brother Dominick, was caddying for him this past Sunday afternoon at Oak Hills.

Nathan’s wide smile with his innocent optimistic enthusiasm was truly inspiring.

If you are a veteran or an aspiring golfer reading this, get ready. I’m going to share a lesson that is so far out you could easily find it hard to believe.

Dr. Bob Rotella, sports psychologist and, in my mind, one of the greatest golf minds ever, said this to me back almost 25 years ago.

“Children get it right in golf”, he said. He went on to point out details to justify his comment. (FYI, Dr. Rotella, like many golf experts, is weak for someone who will buy his lunch.)

Dr. Bob was conducting a workshop for Puggy Blackmon, the USC golf coach at the time. At the lunch break, I simply offered to buy his lunch. He accepted.

Both my boys, G4 and Wesley, were attending with me so we all went to Subway for lunch.

Dr. Bob went on to suggest I watch, ask questions and learn what my children and any others I happened to be around were thinking before offering advice.

Not only did I follow this advice, I took it a step further. I began to emulate my children and others playing golf.

The game became more fun than ever before. Speaking of fun, there is no doubt about how Hampton Boling feels about golf. The middle schooler hurt his back a few weeks ago and can’t play, but still shows up for the Winter Tour golf.

“I can’t swing full, but i can putt so I just come out for putting only,” said Boling, who maintained a constant smile.

Most middle schoolers who could not swing and play would not even think of going to the course if all that was possible was putting.

Vaughn and Joyce Clarke, grandparents of Ian Clarke, were having fun watching their grandson on the course.

“We are going to have fun watching Ian because we have not seen him play before,” Grandma Joyce said.

Olivia, Ian’s 15-year old big sister, said she was out because it was fun being with family and “I like seeing how Ian improves each time he plays.”

Tara, Ian’s mom said she “liked watching the ball soar through the air” while dad, Craig Clarke, said he liked “smacking that driver.”

A total of 3 generations of Clarkes enjoying the game together outdoors on a chilly January Sunday afternoon.

At Columbia Country Club, Jerman Personel, Carol French, Herndon Chevy, all competitive divisions, played 9 holes at Lakeside. Christian Wilson was medalist with 39. Chase Cline was runner-up with 41 while Jack Cuneo placed 3rd with 42.

The Lexington Recreation and Aging Commission registration will open soon. So visit https://sports.bluesombrero.com/lcrac/, then find “Athletics” or call BJ at 803-359-4048.