GOLF

Dru Nix had an idea.

It was simple. She wanted to start a Gilbert High School girls’ golf team.

The challenges were plentiful. There was no equipment, place to play, or seed money. These are considerable obstacles, but possibly the greatest was there were no girls in the community that even played golf.

Within a short period of time coach, Nix had equipment, a field to develop golf skill, a few girls interested in learning golf and a community interested in helping.

“Word got out that we were starting a girls team and the Ponderosa Club invited us out to practice and play,” she said. “Both the women’s and men’s golf associations have supported us by donating equipment, clubs, push carts, and uniforms.”

It’s so amazing

“It was so funny. To meet the golf etiquette requirements, a few of my friends donated cute golf skirts. Initially, the girls did not warm to the idea, but it wasn’t long and they loved the outfits.”

“It’s so amazing. As we began to travel as a new team, friends of mine from all over would hear that we were starting a new team. They would donate equipment we did not already have, like practice balls, or upgrade existing older equipment.

“One man at the Ponderosa saw a girl trying to hit a club that was not quite right for her and offered her one that was a better fit. The golf community has just been amazing and invaluable.

Early success can be attributed to what Nix described as the big “3” things:

1)Keep things simple

2)Strong work ethic

3) Gratefulness, our kids are thankful for their opportunity.

“Parents in our community instill good work ethic in their children,” described a now smiling golf coach.

The 1st two years

Gilbert did not make the state championship field in its first season. In year two, Gilbert made the field and even finished in the top 10.

“In addition to our players who worked hard, we have parents in full support,” Nix said. “Many of our parents farm and these parents teach their kids to work. Last year for example, we had one child that missed one practice because of an orthodontic appointment. But she still came out after her appointment and hit balls.

“Also, Connie Liley, is a volunteer assistant and helps me out. This makes a huge difference. Connie is retired, 70 years old, trains hard in the gym, loves golf, still studies golf and takes lessons herself, so she is great with the younger new players learning golf fundamentals.

“Then, golf itself offers much adversity so the game offers much in learning. In my mind, we golf coaches are trying to instill life skills. If you combine solid work ethic with great parents, the Ponderosa Club, with an incredibly supportive community, it is the ultimate combination.

Now the Gilbert girls golf team is growing and improving heading to its third season when coach Nix gets news from a couple of girls that they will no longer be going to Gilbert.

She also gets a phone call from the district office that will change everything so tune in next week to find out more about a true golf holiday community story.

•Orientation for the 27th ICRC “WINTER TOUR” is this Sunday at Seven Oaks Park.

This is a developmental program for families to spend time together having fun over golf. Fun and Recreation is the theme but there are competitive divisions for those interested in sharpening their skills for high school golf.

Girls and boys ages 7-18 are eligible to participate and over a dozen local courses support the winter golf initiative.

Charwood Country Club has been the host club for 25 years, while Timberlake is where the program originated and has been a part of the rotation for every season.

What’s unique about the program is parents can participate as caddies, fore caddies, course guides, or fans. Dr Morris Pickens, Sports Psychologists at Sea Island is still part of the “Winter Tour Faculty.”