Children get it right. So the newer they are in golf, the more we could possibly learn.

Also, the younger and newer, the better. Last week, and many times in the past, I have made this suggestion. But today, the focus will be on my perception of how young and new players develop their competitive golf spirit.

This topic is dear to my heart and here is why. Their starting point or the root origin is broken into very simple steps. Golf’s competitive spirit is the fruit of enjoying an idea and challenge. The idea is to get the club to meet the ball.

Then, after the club meets the ball, the focus tends to be on advancing the ball. Sometimes there is an objective, or target, sometimes not.

The last five years, I have had the privilege of observing and even studying some of the greatest players in the world. I was stunned to witness the commonalities between the perspective of these players and those new and young in golf as it pertains to the expression of the competitive spirit.

I’ll have more next week, so stay tuned.

Most boys high school golf gets started over the next few weeks. This week, the focus of this column is on River Bluff.

Head coach Roger Smith had this to say about his upcoming season.

“We return all but 1 player from last season that was shortened by covid-19,” he said. “Ashton Eubanks (10th grader) is the top returner and had a great off-season competitively. The team should have three seniors - Jeremy Nienhius, Hampton Newman, and Myles Jenkins. Reid Weathers is our lone junior.

“The sophomore class includes James Gibson along with Eubanks. The team is heavily weighed with members of the freshman class. Grant Skelley, Eli Gannon, Charlie Floyd, Jesse Belloff all represent the class of 2024. Nathaneal Caughman and Cameron McClanahan are expected to contribute as returning 8th graders.

“The expectations are that this team will be solid competitors that will use the long off-season work that they put in to contribute to a run at qualifying at the state tournament that will be held at Mid-Carolina Club. There are quite a few 7th graders and other upper class newcomers that will possibly contribute right away and provide additional depth for the future.”

The Winter Tour is in full swing and this recreational developmental program is about family spending time together and fun. Here are some of the competitive division results.

The Carol French, Kleen Sites and Jerman Personnel divisions visited Lin-Rick and Lilly Reed Black tied with Kaitlyn Gaines for 2nd place, while Edie-Raine Hardee of Gilbert was a medalist.

Herndon Chevy, Greg Wych and Walker Morgan divisions were held at Timberlake Country Club in Chapin.

Jeremy Nienhius and Chase Cline tied for 2nd while Wyatt Harrill was a medalist.

The Lexington Recreation and Aging Commision is holding its 2nd Family Junior Golf program this spring.

This program features parents learning with new young players ages 4 to 9 years old, not excluding 10 to 13-year-olds.

Richland County Recreation Commission is holding a similar program and both start in late March.

Visit these websites to find out more:

http://richlandcountyrecreation.com/fall-golf-programs-at-linrick-golf-course/ and https://sports.bluesombrero.com/lcrac/ .