By Bob Spear:
Special to The State Newspaper
For those who fell short of their shopping goals on Black Friday, fear not. Happ Lathrop comes to the rescue with the perfect gift for golfers… and proceeds fund a worthy cause. “This is an opportunity for you to play golf and for kids to learn, and that’s a great combination,” Lathrop, Executive Director of the South Carolina Golf Association, said in discussing the VIP Value Book that provides access at reduced rates to a multitude of Midlands are courses – including some private ones.
The Value Book, which rebrands the old “Passport” to area golf, is a joint project of the SCGA and the Midlands Golf Course Owners Association designed to promote golf in the Midlands, and most of the funds will go to the South Carolina Junior Golf Association’s scholarship fund.
Since its inception 20 years ago, the SCJGA has given more than $800,000 in college scholarships, and Lathrop said, “Proceeds from teh Value Book will help this program grow even more.” Scholarship recipients for the current year are attending USC, Clemson, Winthrop, Coker, and Erskine
The Gold Value Book sold for $60 provides the opportunity to play at 17 courses three times each, and the venues include Cobblestone, Golden Hills, Crickentree, Golden Hills, Hidden Valley, Oak Hills, the Spur at Northwoods and Houndslake (Aiken) among others. In addition, driving ranges and golf retailers that are participating include Carolina Golf Center, Koosa Golf and Par Tee Golf Center
The Platinum book is priced at $80 and includes the “Gold” courses plus Columbia Country Club, the Country Club of Lexington, the Windermere Club, Mount Vintage Plantation (North Augusta), Country Club of South Carolina (Florence), and the Patriot at Grand Harbor (Ninety Six).
Books purchased by February 1st include a free round at the Mid Carolina Country Club.
“The book is really a win-win proposition for every, ” Lathrop said. “Golfers have the chance to discover different courses, the clubs receive increased exposure and boost revenues, the game itself grows with more people playing and the scholarship program benefits.”
For a complete list of participating courses, go online to the Midlands Golf Course Owners Association’s website at www.scmidlandsgolf.org.
Books can be purchased online at www.scmidlandsgolf.org, at the SCGA office (7451 Irmo Drive) or at the following golf centers: Koosa Golf, Carolina Golf Center, the Spur at Northwoods and Par Tee Golf Center.