Before recognizing local juniors for their golf accomplishments, a few interesting facts about the game of golf.
First, golf is a unique game that allows one to enjoy a high level. Even world class or Olympic levels of performance, for short periods of time, can play into the GOLDEN YEARS of life.
Golden years are in caps because I do not want you to miss the point. There is no other sport that allows one to feel the authentic, athletic, adrenaline rush that is exactly what the game’s elite athletes experience in their element while performing in a true game situation as golf does. 
Take this recent example. This past week at the Country Club of Lexington, member Phil Canders, 77, hit a perfect shot on the same Sunday V.J. Sing, 56, played his way into the last group of the Honda Classic on the PGA Tour. 
Until the 17th hole, he was contending. On the same Sunday, 62-year-old Mark O’Meara won on the Champions Tour. Canders got a taste of exactly the same feeling of euphoric fun that the other 2 experienced players had on the same day. 
A great shot is a great shot. 
“It was a solid 7 iron and the distance was 142 yards, a high draw that landed about ten feet short and then rolled into the cup,” explained the excited 77-year-old super senior. 
I made a decision to get into the business of golf right after I witnessed a couple in their 90s playing in a two-some, teeing off at Camden Country Club many years ago. They were enjoying each other’s company while both enjoying the game.
In addition to the golf fun, giving one the option to stimulate the emission of endorphins and adrenaline through contact impact of a perfect shot, there is a fitness component. During a 9-hole round riding or walking, it’s easily possible to burn between 150-375 calories riding in a cart, using an electrical or manual push cart or carrying the bag on the shoulder. 
More GolFitness facts next week.
And now, to recognize players on the ICRC Winter Youth & Family Golf Tour for “Commitment & Loyalty”. This was the first most important award given because golf is an all-weather sport. Playing in tough weather is the only way to earn this award so check all these names: Caroline Hardwick,Tessa Kalish, Henry McNeice, Campbell Sanderson, Delaney Wilson, Ava Dampier, Daniel Davis, Wade Duncan, Kat Furie, Hutson Hinrichs, Riley Hunt, Adysen Longdale, Brett Riddle, Ethan Budden, Charles Denny, Braeden Haller, John Jackson Jr, Adam Knight, Mia Andrade, Bella Bernagozzi, Lilly Reed Black, Anna Christina Cary, Giselle Hadwin, Ellie Hardwick, Alexis Hodge, Ryann Samuel, Logan Farhat, Charles Floyd, Dylan Grant, Alan Hopkins, Nicholas Patterson, Chancellor Chavous, Chase Cline, Collin Marshall, and Taylor Thomas
The “George Elfering SportsmanShip Awards” are voted on by the players. So congratulations to: Caroline Hardwick, Adysen Langdale, Wade Duncan, Charles Denny, Meredith Price, Ashton Brown, Collin Marshall
In the Pitner Orthodontics, Herndon Chevy and Jerman Personnal Competitive divisions: Chase Cline and Bella Bernagozzi won Player of the Year and Taylor Thomas and Alexis Hodge were runners-up and top low stroke average.