“Nothing went according to plan but we had fun” is what Wesley, my grown middle child, said with a wide smile Saturday afternoon after our inaugural outing featuring his 2 1/2 year-old daughter, Hadley. Our first family generational, grandfather-father-daughter golf trip, was to Putt Putt at Frankie’s Fun Park.

Hadley James was quick to punctuate her dad’s comment with “yes”.

We played the 1st hole of each course once.

Wesley is on the injured reserve after a freak wrist injury that needed surgical repair. He is recovering nicely and will be back out playing in a couple of months.

Injuries are part of life and sport so when they occur, try to make the best out of it. What got Wesley to the PGA Tour is his ability to play great from places that appear to be impossible. He’s typically really good when he’s fresh, rested and hungry to play, so my forecast is he will come back strong in the fall.

The lesson today is when playing, expect the unexpected and have fun improvising.

When the wheels fall off, embrace the challenge of getting them back on or make new ones! An old school saying that I still thoroughly enjoy is that every round is an opportunity to figure out a brand new way to play great!

Here are some local youth players that figured out ways to play great. James Gibson, Jackson Lorick and Wyatt Harrill finished 1,2,3 in the boys 15- 18 at Golden Hills Golf and Country Club in the SC Junior Golf Association Tri-County Chapter, while Alex Hodge, Lindsey Green, and Catlyn Gaines placed 1-2-3 in the girls 13-18 division.

Adysen Langdale won the girls 10-12 division while Trust Winters won the boys 10-12 division. Carleigh Crowley won the girls 7-9 division while Luke Caughman won the boys 7-9 division.

Gage Gaskins won the boys 13-14 division. SummerBelle Fair, 9, of Chapin qualified for the Sectional Drive Chip and Putt that will be held at Northwoods Golf Club next month.

The Irmo-Chapin Recreation Commision has junior golf camps running in late July so check their website at icrc.net for details. On July 25, Grow Golf Now will host a“Girls Only Playing Class.” Check growgolfnow. com for details.

The Lexington Recreation and Aging Commission, the Richland County Recreation Commission and the ICRC will all hold a brand new Family Jr Golf program this fall.

In this format the family learns and participates together.

There is skill building and on course learning so visit: http://richlandcountyrecreation.com/fall-golf-programs-at-linrick-golf-course/ and https://sports.bluesombrero.com/lcrac .