The “Golf Index” is a number used in golf that reflects a golfer’s skill level. Lately I have entered into several intriguing, but rather technical conversations on the topic of math and statistics. The next few weeks my intention is to explore some numerical basics.

Math can be used constructively or destructively and my intention is to help improve your game.

Speaking of numbers and games, Sam Jackson of Pelion fired an 8-under-par 64 to easily earn medalist at the South Carolina Golf Association State Amateur qualifier at the Spur at Northwoods.

Stan Rawl of Lexington placed second with a 3-under-par 69.

Jackson graduated from Presbyterian College just a few years ago. Hopefully, he will pursue a career in professional golf. He has never played better.

Rawl pursued professional golf back in the middle 80s and is well over 50 years old. The reason I have this information is we pursued our golf goals playing professional golf all over this country during the same era, the middle to late 80s.

Another reason to tune in next week would be to pick up a very short simple, but funny golf story that happened in Knoxville, Tenn. at Whittle Springs Golf Club that featured Raw.

Two other locals advanced at this site. Chase Sturkie of West Columbia and Jake Montgomery of Irmo both qualified by shooting 1 under par 71.

Travis Cashion of Irmo shot 5-under-par 67 at Santee National to place 2nd in the field and earn a spot in the 2020 State Amateur to be contested at Columbia Country Club Aug. 6-9.

One of the toughest things to do in golf is to play to a number or score. What makes the State Amateur qualifier so difficult is everyone usually knows before teeing off what the number will be and this adds tension and pressure.

The mind has numerousways to negotiate with these variables and will address such tactics next week, so tune in.

The Lexington County Recreation and Aging Junior Family Program restarted this past weekend. This is a program that involves the entire family so all can play together.

The first few weeks will be training and developmental facilities to prepare for the last classes to be conducted on the actual golf course.

It’s a learn through play curriculum that offers playing and method based instruction.

Just as most recreational Youth League sports rely on volunteers to coach, the Lexington Recreation and Aging Commission Family Golf program will be seeking volunteer coaches for this Fall.

The “JrFamGolf Coaches” will be combination “Third base-coach-starter-ranger”. Please send B.J. Belville an email if interested at bj@lcrac.com .

The Irmo-Chapin Recreation Center will be conducting summer camps the last 2 weeks of July. Contact Seven Oaks Park or Crooked Creek Park at (803) 772- 3336 for more information.