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| SPORTS - July 27, 2010 |
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Ian Kucerak Photo
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| Both recent and experienced golfers got the chance to play golf and learn a bit about another generation during the annual Paddle River Golf Course’s Wally Tharp Young and Old Twosome tournament last Wednesday. From right to left are David Lee, Bob Lee and Keith Sheehan, who were three of the 30 golfers who played on July 21. |
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| Golf tournament strengthens bond between generations |
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Ian Kucerak
Leader Staff
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At Paddle River Golf Course last Wednesday, golfers under 16 and over 55 got the chance to play in a memorial tournament that builds bridges between the generations.
Fifteen teams, composed of one younger and one older golfer, took to the nine-hole course in Barrhead on July 21. They played in the 18-hole best ball scramble format.
The annual Wally Tharp Young and Old Twosome tournament has been going strong for years since the tournament’s inception in 1999, pro shop manager Peggy Fitzgerald said.
The tournament’s initial organizer, Tharp, died that year but his legacy continues to live on at the tournament that bears his name, said Fitzgerald.
"It involves the kids with the senior generation," she said, sitting down in the pro shop while carts filled with younger and older golfers drove past outside.
Each group learns different lessons at the tournament. For the older generation, one that has seen their own children grow up and leave home, they gain an understanding the kids of today aren’t really any different than they were at a similar age, she said. For the younger players, they learn a lot of the etiquette and techniques necessary to be successful in the game of golf while learning a similar lesson of understanding towards a generation born more than 40 years before they were, said Fitzgerald
"It’s my favourite tournament here, of all the tournaments in Barrhead," said Debbie Carson, after sitting down with Fitzgerald.
Her co-worker agreed, adding they’ve seen seniors return year after year since the early days of the event, putting a portrait on their mantle following each year’s round.
"Maybe everybody learns a little bit of patience," Fitzgerald added.
James Rasmusson played along his younger teammate Brad Bujold in the tournament. He said he enjoys the tournament because it gives him an opportunity to golf with a new crowd, so to speak.
"I think they need to get some experience golfing with people. It’s good for both, it’s a win-win," Rasmusson said. Bujold was in the tournament for the first time last week due to the positive feedback from his friends who had entered in previous years. His best shot after seven holes was a decisive tee shot on Hole 9.
"It was very good, his drives are his best shots right now," Rasmusson said, complimenting the younger golfer.
Jerry Urlacher was playing in the group alongside Rasmusson and Bujold. The long-time golfer was teamed up with Nathan Schmidt for Wednesday’s round.
For Urlacher, 2010 is his third Young and Old tournament, while Schmidt was playing for the first time. Schmidt was having a good round on Wednesday.
"I like golfing and I’m doing good today," he said.
"It’s well-organized, it’s well-looked after and the course is in about the best shape it’s ever been that I can remember," Urlacher added.
He laughed when asked about how he could help Schmidt improve his game.
"He’s showing me how to golf," he said with a grin. "He’s golfing better than me."
The next tournaments on the horizon at Paddle River Golf Course are the Tracy Pess youth tournament, on Aug. 18, as well as the Jock Slaughter memorial tournament, which runs on Aug. 28. |
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