GOLF

The 28th season is underway of the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission’s Winter Youth Golf Tour.

Opening day was fun. This family golf program’s roots are anchored and sustained in and through the community.

At the park level, Donnie Lindler was this program’s 1st “Athletic Director.” In addition to his time serving as the official administrator, his children, Josh and Brook, both participated. Almost 30 years later, Brian and Jennifer Riddle’s son, Brett, 9, now participates on the “Winter Tour.”

Brian and Jennifer are both ICRC athletics administrators.

Like other youth recreational programs, the community serves and gives their time and resources to give it life. Back in the origin of the “ICRC Winter Tour” were people like George Elfering, who almost 3 decades later, is still involved.

Not only did George volunteer and lead a division, he transported players to courses and provided financial support.

Area golf experts also were giving of their time and resources. There’s Rock Lucas, owner of the Char-wood Country Club and Jimmy Koosa, who owned Hickory Ridge Golf Club at the time and runs Timber-lake Country Club. Greg Mcbride was another golf professional whose family owned Northwoods and were golf experts who gave then and still are involved.

Chris Miller was on the original founding Winter Tour staff members and he is still a huge supporter while he works at the Country Club of Lexington.

The Ponderosa Club was the host site of the Exit Palmetto. ColorGlo International and Herndon Chevy divisions and the first group finished 9 holes in 100 minutes. The group of Ethan Budden, Evan Smith, and Ratish Korrapati all held up the tour moto “The faster you play the better you play.”

In closing this week, please check the Lexington County Recreation and Aging website (www.lcrac.com) for a brand new family golf option that starts in March. Check ‘Athletics’, then in the last paragraph, find ‘Family Junior Golf’ at the bottom. This program is quite unique.

For details, call Assistant Athletics Diretor BJ Belville at (803) 359-4048 Ext 240.