GOLF

Golf is a frontier full of many different types of challenges.

One that attracts many are the product based scoring markers.

Breaking 100, breaking 90, then 80, and even 70 can be exhilarating for some just to think about. The game tends to inspire “what if” thinking.

For those who like to problem solve and enjoy recreational athletic challenges, golf is quite attractive.

In my early stages of playing, I got mesmerized by breaking score barriers.

I can still remember the first round where I broke 80, my heart was pounding playing the last couple of holes. I remember breaking 70 and it was a rush like nothing I had ever experienced.

It was euphoric.

Before recognizing local achievers who excelled in the Columbia City Championship, there are a couple of players who broke 80 recently.

Keith Kneeshaw, pastor at Grace Point Presbyterian Church in Irmo, got off to a slow start. He was 5 over after 6 holes, but eventually shot 78 at Northwoods Golf Club.

“I had an eagle on the 14th hole and this helped tremendously,” said Knee-shaw, who plays about 25 rounds a year. “My previous best score was 83. My wedges were good on this day and my driving was the best ever.”

Timberlake resident and member Richard McMahan, 75, shot a 79 (40-39) for his best score ever.

“My tempo and rhythm was the best it’s ever been,” he said.

In golf, it’s very possible to improve with age through practice and study.

Angie Duckworth, a certified NASM Personal Trainer and Corrective Exercise Specialist, who works at the YMCA and Timberlake, is introducing a brand new GolFitness initiative to the members and community in August.

“Tsunami Bar Sports LiT” is a “sibling” to “Impact Conditioning.” Duckworth will be the first individual to be certified and endorsed in both initiatives that feature the brand new Flexible Bar Tsunami Bar Technology.

Class dates will be available next week so stay tuned.

In other local golf news:

Zach McLain of Gilbert placed third at the Columbia City Golf Championship.

His final round score of 2-under-par 70 put him position to win, but Jarret Grimes held on for the victory.

Chase Sturkie placed 6th while Dillon Hite and Shaw James both placed in the top 20.

Cary Hite placed 3rd in the Super Senior division.

The SCJGA Tri County Chapter participated at Newberry Country Club on July 18.

These players took home medalist honors in their age divisions:

•Boys 7-9 Division - Trust Winters

•Boys 10-12 Division - Gage Gaskins

•Boys 13-14 Division - Chase Cline

•Boys 15-18 Division - Jack Brady

•Girls 10-12 Division - Mia Andrade

•Girls 13-18 Division Emily Beiers

This week, the Tri-County Chapter will compete at Mid-Carolina Club in Prosperity.