The 30th edition of the Irmo Chapin Winter Youth Golf Tour is on the tee this weekend.

The point of this winter golf program is for families to spend time together on the course. It’s a multi-generational recreational outdoor option where parents, grandparents and children can participate together. The unique structure of this program allows the whole family to participate as a team.

The rules of golf state that the caddy is an integral part of the equipment. So, to give you an example, mom, dad, grandma and granddad, brother and sister could all take turns carrying for their players. One player could have as many caddies as he would like during the course of a round.

The Bryan family determined that my wife, Valerie, was the best caddy. The reason why all of my children preferred my wife over me as caddy is her level of support was completely unconditional.

She was going to be their biggest fan no matter how they played or performed. In fact, she did not even know how to assess or evaluate performance and they loved this.

It didn’t take long for me to figure out they preferred her over me, so I began to try to copy her.

This was hilarious, but I recall Wesley, who is now a PGA Tour player, calling me out when he was about 11 years old.

He said, “Dad, we know you don’t say any of the wrong things, but we know what you’re thinking.”

The lesson today is on encouragement and support. If you study the art and science of being a great caddy, remember to apply to it to yourself. This makes this lesson applicable to anyone reading.

Dr. Bob Rotella First told me this and then Dr. Morris Pickens followed it up:

“Study and learn to be your own best caddy and coach.”

Rotella said it was imperative in golf, especially while playing to learn to be your very own best friend. If improvement is to occur, there needs to be a constant supply of nourishment of encouragement and support!

Mister and Misses Richard Krapfel provided a “golf brand” of encouragement that has stuck with me since 1978. I listen to Tim Krapfel‘s dad, Richard, and his son, Tim, talk about golf during an entire day of quail hunting.

We got back home after hunting and was invited to eat dinner with the entire Krapfel family, who continued to talk about golf as if it was something very special. The quail hunting season opened at Thanksgiving back then and what intrigued me was even after a great day of hunting, the family conversation at dinner was on golf.

What really peaked my interest was that they all could participate together, even mom.

Fast forward a year, and I finally saw the entire family playing golf together. They had a blast, as did I, and I knew this was going to be my forever game.

To see Mrs Krapfel enjoy golf and play along with the boys was all it took.

Fast forward to 1992. With this family idea in mind for over 10 years, the first Winter Tour was started, but only 12 players signed up so it was condensed to a one-day tournament.

The next years attempt caught traction. The Chapin Optimus Club and a small community of golf supporters, Denard Harris and a few pros offered the foundation necessary to get started.

“E” Rutherford, Chris Miller and Mark Steelman were on the founding administrative staff at Timberlake and Indian River. Donnie Lindler was a front-line supporter for the Irmo Chapin Recreation Center.

This year, at least 16 different golf courses will support the program and the idea of the entire family enjoying the game of golf together during the winter. Golf is in all-weather, yearround sport in the Midlands.

There is still time to register. Call or text 803- 781-2063 for inquiries.