Last Friday I had fun playing in a pro-am with my college coach, Robert. He has been a mentor, boss, and now a friend over the years. He has served golfers for over two decades now as one of the best golf instructors in the country. The pro-am benefited the Triad Youth Golf Foundation. In its eighth year, TYGF, has helped spread the game of golf to youth in the area.
[youtube=httv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v25swuKEnQU]
Golf is one of the few sports that incorporates character and competition. I believe it is a game that provides an environment for youth to develop the principles of integrity, perseverance, and a strong work ethic that are often proportionate to success in life. Thanks to Chris, Mike, and Jonathan for all the hard work investing in the Traid’s juniors.
The event was held at Bryan Park Champions Golf Course, located in Browns Summit, NC, and was recently awarded to host the USGA’s 2010 Amateur Public Links Championship. This Rees Jones Design, is consistently ranked as a top public course in the country, boasting some of NC’s best designed holes.
Golf is largely an individual sport, but pro-ams offer team oriented competition. Our team consisted of one pro, Robert, and three amateurs; Elton, Kathleen, and me. The format was one best ball gross and one best ball net (with handicap). Our team had a cumulative handicap of 7, thus having a slim-to-none chance at winning and a great chance for fun. We did finish fourth thanks to Kathleen putting together a four hole birdie streak.
One of the best ways to enjoy competition and play team golf is in pro-ams like these. Typically for about $100, one can play good golf courses (a lot of times- courses not open to the public or non-members), meet some new folks, and get the competitive juices flowing in true team golf. It is also a great opportunity to play along side a professional, and learn course management skills valuable to your development as a player. Golf is largely an individual sport, but pro-ams offer a team oriented approach.
Ask your local club pro or teacher about any pro-ams you might be able to get into.