Local young players continue to shine.

Before recognizing them, a little on how and why, in my opinion, the Midlands is one of the most fertile golf developmental seedbeds in the country.

It’s pretty easy to justify the statement for Jensen Castle, Kentucky Wildcat junior from West Columbia, who just won the largest amateur women’s event on planet earth.

In men’s golf, our world’s best is Dustin Johnson who grew up in Chapin.

I was in a conversation with one of Dustin’s neighbors just before submitting this column. He referenced how he and Dustin had a “neighborhood par 3” they created when Dustin was a kid.

“We went from mulch beds through trees and on occasion, may have smacked a mailbox,” laughed the neighbor named Stan.

Dustin Johnson got his competitive start in the Tri-County Chapter of the SC Junior Golf Association. Castle, along with sister Jalen, also got their competitive starts in the SCJGA Tri-County Chapter.

Buddy Bostian, former Ponderosa Country Club head pro who is now retired, was on hand for the 2021 Tri-County Final Day. He brought out pictures of these players and had this to say.

“Seeing these kids enjoy the game just does it for me,” chuckled Bostian. “That’s why I love keeping these pictures around.

On a series note, Gage Gaskins from Lexington won the boys 13-14 while Alexis Hodge won the girls 13-18. Matthew Roff won the boys 10-12 and all 3 were from the Tri-County Chapter.

When the All Stars win, that’s pretty special.

Speaking of special, all 3 local recreational entities have golf developmental o ptions this fall. The Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission each has a junior program that ties fun with the fundamentals. Visit icrc.net to find out more.

The Lexington Recreation and Aging Commission and Richland County Recreation Commission have a family golf developmental program that has parents. grandparents and guardians learning both swing motor skills and play skills with their kids.

The 1st half of the season is devoted to technical skills with the last half focusing on playing skills. Children ages 4-9 are the target ages but not excluding ages 10-13.

For more information call (803) 603-1718. For registration, visit:

http://richlandcountyrecreation.com/fall-golf-programs-at-linrick-golf-course/

https://sports.bluesombrero.com/lcrac .

Be sure to tune in next week for a preview of girls high school golf with local coaches.