This is my favorite time of the year.
The Irmo-Chapin Winter Youth Tour is getting ready to kick off it’s 28th season. This program is all about families spending time together chasing the golf ball around on the course. 
Brand new players ages 7 to 18, along with college prep, are eligible. Parents and grandparents are invited to participate as caddies, course guides, forecaddies and fans. It’s truly a family recreational program.
Approximately 16 different courses in the Midlands have supported the program since 1994. The season runs December, January and  February. The play day is Sunday and players tee off for 9 holes at 3 pm.
It is a recreational developmental opportunity to learn and develop the game while playing on the golf course.
Dr. Morris Pickens, sports psychologist for the Sea Island Golf Learning Center and coach of several professional major championship winners, established educational and developmental guidelines in 1996 for the Winter Tour and remains as its Educational leader.
To register or for more information, call (803) 781-2063.
On another youth &   family golf note, Lexington County Recreation and Aging Commision is bringing a brand new Youth & Family Golf program to the community for 2020. 
BJ Belville, Assistant Athletic Director, is ushering in a Grow Golf Now Curriculum where the park actually holds the majority of the program.
“We are hosting the program at our new facility, Barr Road Complex,” Barr said. “We have a multipurpose field laid out for soccer, but it can be used for lacrosse and other sports, and in this case, golf. Bar Road has got indoor options for inclement weather and plenty of meeting room space.”
This golf program will target the very young, ages 4-7 years old, and, like baseball and soccer, parents will be on the field coaching. Charwood CC, Daniel and Rock Lucas will serve as host site the last few weeks of the inaugural program.
There will be more information available soon. If interested in volunteering for this brand new golf program, please contact Belville at (803) 359-4048.
Molly Hardwick of Lexington High School has had a remarkable year and most recently won the 2019 SCJGA Players Championship. Next week, Molly will be the spotlight. So stay tuned.