In my opinion, new golfers and very young in the game, exude golf’s greatest fundamental principle.

Not only that, they are not even aware of this invaluable asset.

This principle sits at the top of every great player’s priority list when they are pursuing victory.

Nearly 100% of all the champions credits this asset as the reason for their great performance.

Usually this asset is described this way.

“I was able to stay in the moment, to play one shot at a time. I did not get ahead of myself and didn’t get caught up thinking about the past.”

This is a “Spring Series” I am revealing through this column. It is my most important, even greatest discovery in golf.

This discovery is a mindset, and, in my opinion and experience, the 2 segments or markets of players that are the most elastic. Who learn most effectively are the new players and greatest players.

To be continued next week.

Here is how you can learn faster. Observe a brand new player in golf, quietly, from a distance and if you can’t find one, recruit one.

Only 10% of the population plays, so ask a new golfing friend and head out to play.

Since our theme has been new players, there are recreational-based, Family Golf programs coming this spring that focus on the very young and new in the game.

Richland, Lexington and Irmo-Chapin have these opportunities upcoming and registration is going on now. What’s unique about the program, besides being available to pre-school and kindergarten age, parents and grands are invited to participate and they all learn together.

Swing skill building along with on course playing skills are studied.

For more information, check these websites; http://richlandcountyrecreation.com/fall-golf-programs-at-linrick-golf-course/ ,icrc.net, https://sports. bluesombrero.com/lcrac.

In closing, Charwood hosted the final event of the 2021 Winter Tour Season.

What was extraordinary was the number of players that earned loyalty and commitment awards.

These new and young players played in all kinds of weather and did not have to, but they chose to. They didn’t miss an event.

Here’s a salute to their commitment and loyalty:

Division 1 - Kaeson Bennett, Reagan Bolin, Madden Grace Butler, Frederich Johnson, Gus Kelley, EJ Lyons, Bernice Reed, Jaxon Stewart, Hudson Unrue, Delaney Wilson.

Division 2 - Birkes Bryan, Liam Crawford, Hutson Ellerbee, Greyson Folsom, Lili Hahn, Lucas Haller, Harper Hoge, Tessa Kalish, Elijah Kunstman, Henry McNeice, Chance Nicholson, Makenzie Voelker, Morgan Voelker, Callum Whittimore.

Division 3 - Riggins Bell, Hampton Boling, Landon Burgess, Ian Clarke, Caleb Clevenger, Daniel Davis, Christopher DeMarino, Steve DeMarino, Wade Duncan, Nathan Holderness, Cubby McDonald, Green Petty, Daniel Rhodes, Brett Riddle, Mason Smith.

This wasn’t even half of the players. Next week, we will recognize Divisions 4-6 and the older competitive division players.