Blake Dimsdale parred the 2nd hole to earn medalist honors in a playoff to win the Corona Senior Classic held May 10 at the Ponderosa Country Club in Batesburg-Leesville.

There were 3 players tied on the winning score at +2 at the end of regulation play. Leiten Renner of Greenville and Sully Hooper of Gilbert were the other high school seniors in the playoff.

Hooper bogeyed the second playoff hole while Renner made double so the Indian teammates finished 1st and 2nd place, respectively.

“Blake and Sully are both my players, so the Gilbert golf family is happy,” head coach Dru Nix said.

A total of 39 players competed in this independent junior golf tournament created by Nix.

“This tournament gave seniors a last chance to compete while in high school, but it also gave moms a chance to watch their boys in a final event,” she said.

The field in the Corona Senior Classic was strong and each of the high school seniors in the playoff will play golf in college.

“Dimsdale is going to Erskine to play,” Nix said. “Sully is going to Spartanburg Methodist to play and Renner to PC (Presbyterian College) to play. Renner is the 5th ranked senior in the state.

“Sully and Blake will be welcomed additions to Spartanburg Methodist and Erskine, respectfully. Both possess much untapped talent. Can’t wait to see them excel as student athletes at the next level.”

There is more good local golf news. The first ever Lexington Recreation and Aging Commission Family Golf season will resume July 1.

This is a unique golf program that would look somewhat similar to T-Ball and Coaches Pitch” in youth baseball. Parents are involved as guides, safety ambassadors, coaches and they even participate in team formats.

There is a brand new Grow Golf Now ‘Learn Through Play’ curriculum that is fun for all. The ages are 4 through 9, not excluding 10 through 13. For more information. contact B.J. Belville at (803) 359-4048 extension 240.

I am serving as the Ambassador and training coordinator through “Grow Golf Now”. The volunteer position would look a bit like youth sport coaches in baseball or soccer at the entry level.

Call (803) 603-1718, email me or visit grow golf at www.now.com , if interested.

Also, the Tri-County chapter of the S.C. Junior Golf Association will operate with normally scheduled dates still in place. Go to SCJGA. org to register now.

In closing, I listened to one of golf’s greatest teachers in West Point, Miss. talk about making golf easier.

“Visualizing shots and yourself playing golf is a great exercise for your mind,” said V.J. Trolio during a clinic at Old Waverly.

Trolio invented the putting arc and teaches at the golf clubs of Mississippi, which include both Old Waverly and Mossy Oak, located in West Point.