RICHMOND — Last Friday at Gibson Bay, sixty players took to the links in the first-ever Madison Central Alumni Golf Tournament. This was the brainchild of Central coach Tim Stephens, former coaches Raymond Ross and Mike Crafton and a couple of other former players who wanted to get the old gang together again.

It was a very competitive day of golf with some teams composed of present and past team members and coaches on the same team. The winning teams were: First place – Stuart Witt, Brad Newman, Brandon Sanslow, and Jared Elkins with a 19-under par 53; Second place – Rob Congleton, Brandon Saylor, Josh Winkler and Mike Crafton with a 54. In the special events Josh Winkler won both long drives.

Wow!

To outdrive some of those bombers twice gives you bragging rights.  

The rest of the article belongs to coach Tim Stephens and in his own words: “We had a full field and a lot of fun. We had four of the past coaches attend — Buddy Roberts, Raymond Ross, Ed Miracle and Mike Crafton. Coach Roberts coached in the 60s, Coach Ross in the 70s, Coach Miracle coached in the 80s and 90s. Coach Crafton Coached in the 90s & 00.

We had players from the five decades that were members of the Madison Central’s Golf Team. And yes Jim Carr was the oldest player at the tournament.

I would like to thank Jimmy Masters, a past player who helped out with the prizes for the event, Bill Shafer with Edward Jones & Associates and John Rader with Farm Bureau of Richmond for help sponsor the event.

And always Jack Burford Chevrolet & Home Lumber which always help the Madison Central golf team year after year.

I want to also thank Jason Eberle and all the staff at Gibson Bay for helping make everything run so smooth.

We had a great meal after play and were catered by Jenny Stephens from the Heritage House Bed and Breakfast. The great food made up for all the bad shots that took place. Great weather, great friends, great golf course and great food made everything a success.

This was the first-ever Central Alumni Tournament and we are excited about the second-annual Tourney and hope to have it the same time next year. Thanks, Tim Stephens”

First Ladies

Invitational at Berea

Saturday at the Berea Country Club, the ladies teed it up in their First Ladies Invitational Golf Tournament. It was a wonderful day made to order for golfers.

Playing some great golf was Barbara Belcher with a (Wow!) even-par, 72, to win the championship. Louisa Summers was the champ in the Net Division with a net 53. Closest to the pin winners were No. 2, Louisa Summers, and No. 5 Brandy Smith.

After play the players enjoyed a delicious dinner. It was a great day of golf and a good time was had by all. Special thanks to Barbara Belcher, Tournament Chair, for the info.

Golfing realities

Golf balls are like eggs. They’re white, they’re sold by the dozen, and every week you have to buy more.

A pro shop gets its name from the fact that you have to have the income of a professional golfer to buy anything in there.

It’s amazing how a golfer who never helps out around the house will replace his divots, repair his ball marks and rake his sand traps.

Golf is the perfect thing to do on Sunday because you always end up praying a lot.

Upcoming Events

Saturday at Battlefield – The Annual Marine Corps League Golf Tournament - $60 entry fee, lunch included.  Registration at 8 a.m. and shotgun at 9 a.m. These volunteer Marine Corp Veterans in Madison County offer military services for deceased veterans and a lot of other good causes in this county. For info call Clay Hamrick at 624-8005.

Saturday at The Bull – The Second Annual Ty Lucas Foundation Scramble.  Entry per team $300. Registration 8 a.m. with shotgun start at 9 a.m. Entry fee includes golf, cart, lunch and one mulligan per player.  $1,000 to first-place winner.  New car provided by Jack Burford for hole-in-one. Register at www.tylucasfoundation.com or call 314-4680. The Ty Lucas Foundation was established in April 2010 in honor of the life of Ty Franklin Lucas, who passed away due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome at the age of seven months. The goal of this foundation is to help with the needs of children and pediatrics here in Madison County, while also raising awareness for SIDS.

June 30 at Battlefield – The Humane Society.  Entry fee $65 per person or $260 for team of 4.  Hole sponsor $50.  Registration 9:00 a.m. with shotgun start 10:00 a.m.  Entry fee includes green fees, cart, food and drink.  Proceeds go to benefit Humane Society A.L.L. which is working for a low cost spay and neuter clinic in Richmond which can serve Madison and six surrounding counties. They want to stop the 65% of our community animals that were euthanized in the local shelter. For info or to register www.hsallgolf.info or Gillum’s Sports Lounge or call 623-2335.  You can mail entry fees to Jan Barnes, 126 Bel Air Dr., Richmond, KY  40475

Final thought

Laziness travels so slowly that poverty soon overtakes him — Benjamin Franklin.

Until next time ... live, love, laugh and learn.