Before recognizing local golf performances a quick reminder. The Palmetto Championship at Congaree, the 5th world class professional event within 100 miles of the Midlands, is underway. You can still get tickets on pgatour. com in the $70 range.

Congaree is a scenic low-country venue complimented with colonial style club complex.

It’s the first time any of the PGA tour players have competed on the course and no 1 will have any history on their side to ignite confident feelings.

Because it’s the week before the US Open, a few of the world ranked veterans will take a week off. World’s number 1 Dustin Johnson and Brooks Keopka are both entered.

Now it’s time to address John Rahm’s forced withdrawal because of a failed covid-19 test from last week’s Memorial Tournament.

The game of golf does not require close proximity in competition and Rahm could have easily played alone, carrying his own bag during the final round. It boils down to 1 simple concept that most of our games leaders are enamored with, making everything as complicated as possible.

In local golf, the Stephenson sisters had good weekends, but on different coasts. Lauren Stephenson placed 30th in the US Women’s Open, while Hannah placed 1st in the 3rd flight of the WSCGA Amateur at Columbia Country Club.

Karlee Vardas finished 1 shot back. The Stephensons and Vardas all are former Lexington Lady Wildcat golfers.

Another Lady Wildcat, Molly Hardwick, recently qualified for the USGA Junior championship.

Gage Gaskins of Batesburg-Leesville, Wade Harrill of Chapin and Charlie Bierers of Lexington all recently earned spots in the SCGA Junior Championship at Forest Lake Country Club scheduled next week.

Call the golf shop for spectator details and go check out future PGA Tour stars.

Our local recreational commissions have a special golf option available this summer. It’s called the Family Junior series which offers a “generational education component”. It opens the weekend of June 18-19.

The Lexington Recreation and Aging Commission & Richland County Recreation Commission both encourage grandparents, great-grandparents and parents to both attend and participate with their juniors. Both programs begin with skill building and end with playing on the course. The entire family learns and plays together.

It’s a 6-week program, so check these websites for specifics:

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