Page 76 - South Mississippi Living - March, 2016

SPORTS & OUTDOORS coast golf update
INFull Swing
story and photos by
Michael Sunderman
High School golf
season kicks off
on the Coast
March marks the start of the high school golf season for regional golf teams. This means you will see a lot of young men and women walking the green fairways of area golf courses, practicing their skills, learning the rules of golf and how to play competitively.
Having coached high school golf for five years and being fortunate to lead the team to three consecutive state golf championships,
I have a unique admiration for their dedication and desire to be the best. Anyone who has played golf understands it can be both frustrating and rewarding — sometimes within the span of the same golf hole. And while professional golfers on television make the game look easy by launching 300-yard drives and high, soft approach shots, to the beginner or amateur player, golf can be humbling.
So, when you’re playing golf these next few months, and you see a group of young men or women on the practice range or a local golf course, be patient with them or take a moment to offer a few words of encouragement for taking on this challenging game.
Better yet, donate to a local high school to support their golf programs. Unlike most high school sports such as football or baseball, golf programs are often underfunded and many teams do not even receive golf balls, team uniforms or golf bags. So, next time you are in Nevada Bob’s, think about buying several dozen golf balls for your favorite local high school team.
Like many other sports, the benefit of playing high school golf is to help young people set and work toward goals. Maybe they are trying to play 18 holes without a three-putt or a double bogey or to not incur any penalty strokes. They learn to compete and measure their progress.
The elite high school golfers strive to win a district or state team or individual championship or to earn the title of “High School Major Player of the Year.” It’s about trying to win at every level and perhaps, for a select few, to earn a college golf scholarship.
Golf is the greatest game ever played and for these young men and women, it’s a perfect place to learn valuable life lessons.
76 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • March 2016
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