Golf could be one of the great surprises of 2020.

While bad news bombshells were exploding, golf courses became retreats,

Golf seems to be naturally custom fit for health.

Social distancing can be applied with minimal effort and the courses were packed.

Cart, clubhouse, and range use was limited but 100+ acres of outdoors were available.

In my opinion, golf was founded on community.

Bored shepherds took their staffs and starting smacking rocks and called it golf.

Just so you know, this is a guess. I’ve read nothing factual to back this up.

What is a fact is we need community and golf is a great fit.

It takes time to play 9 or 18 holes so we have the opportunity to spend time together.

Another great benefit is the amount of walking in playing golf.

Even in a cart I have walked 2 miles, so physical exercise is part of the game.

Never have I seen so many families playing golf together.

This possibly is golf’s greatest benefit.

Family time together outdoors over an unusual game is special.

My hope is this trend will carry-on.

Speaking of families, all of the prominent midlands recreation programs have adopted golf. The Winter Youth Tour is starting and “Family Youth Golf Program” is coming up in the spring.

The Irmo-Chapin, Lexington County and Richland County Recreation Commissions host these programs. Charwood and Linrick are the host courses.

You can register for the winter tour which features parents participating as caddys, spectators or walking supporters.

Go to any of the websites for more information or just call 803-603-1718.

Speaking of family golf, several individuals have had tremendous influence in these programs. They either volunteer their time, served as ambassadors or donated to sustain this program.

To recognize a few: Dave Dunnagan, Bill Dunnagan, Greg Wych, Carol French, Leslie Pitner, Kevin Raines,Bob Mcclam, David Herndon, Justin Fleming, Beth Lathrop, E Rutherford, Steven Hartwig, Chris Miller, Kathy Miller, Scott Olliges, Rock Lucas, Daniel Lucas, Jimmy Koosa, Greg McBride, Dru Nix,Ben Meetze, Buddy Bostian, Brandon Smith, Roger Smith, Brad Frick, Jared Beard and Tom Mason.

They are a few in our community who have created one of the most fertile golf growing seed beds on earth.

This seed bed influenced and produced this years Master’s Champion.

Dustin Johnson also won the PGA Tour FedEx Championship and is the #1 player in the world.

Both the Lexington and Gilbert girls golf teams won their respective state championships and quite frankly I think these are at least three top 2020 sports stories.