Comment - A tournament that’s much more than great golf

A few weeks ago I attended a really good golf tournament. Although the tournament operated under the USGA rules of golf, this tournament was amateur in the purest sense. The Seahawk Invitational brought together thirteen local and regional high school golf teams.

Friday night was just fun golf with a get to know other high school players theme. A random draw produced teams comprised of kids representing different schools. Each team had a number 1-player through a number 6-player. They played a 9-hole captain’s choice format. Although mostly strangers for the first few holes, they quickly got to know each other and proceeded to have a good time.

Saturday was serious competition that ended in a 2-team tie and play off. An outstanding Columbia, SC team prevailed over an excellent team from the Charleston, SC area. The golf was great and I thoroughly enjoyed watching some very skilled athletes. However, there’s a much deeper story line than simply good golf.

Friday night after dinner, I sat on the clubhouse patio and watched 25-30 kids on a large putting green. A rainbow of colored golf shirts represented different high schools. I could not help but think that it’s 7:00 PM and somewhere there’s a high school kid headed for trouble this evening. However, right here there’s young men doing what they love and staying a long way from trouble.

The other part of the event that impressed me was the generosity of the golf course owners. With school budgets being cut drastically and many high school golf programs in peril, the only way a tournament of this nature could be done is with major contributions.

One of this area’s most popular courses the Avocet at Wild Wing Plantation was closed to play for a full Saturday in April, so these young people could compete. In addition the course pro directed the tournament with assistance from a very good staff. Water stations throughout the course and a nice cookout after play was all provided. The course was in great shape. I hope you’ll show your support of high school golf by playing the Avocet on your next Myrtle Beach golf vacation.

Please take a few minutes to find out what’s going-on with high school golf in your hometown. Get involved and help keep golf in the schools. Picking up the cost of a few dozen of the team’s preferred golf ball, or a contributing to the expense of the team shirts will certainly be helpful and appreciated. These young people are the future of the sport we love. Let’s give them every opportunity to enjoy all golf has to offer.