Gearing Up with The Tournament Director

The tournament committee met recently at Spring Valley Country Club, site of the 2012 Invitational.  For an insider's look at what was discussed, read below.  The Blogette is asking the questions, and The Director responds.

Q:  With warm weather golf just around the corner, what are your thoughts on the upcoming golf season?
A:  Isn't it great to live in a place where you can connect with your friends and play golf year round?  My game is not so good at the moment, but I am looking forward to daily temperatures of 70 degrees, and it will be here before we know it!  I am eager to get started on the GolfWeek Amateur Tour, which begins the second week of February.  Anyone who enjoys playing competitive golf should consider this tour.  Check out our sponsor page at right for more information, and to see how you can join.  I think the name of the game for us all right now is practice, practice, practice!

Q:  I know you recently met with the tournament committee, and you played the course before "getting down to business".  How was that?
A:  What a nice golf course...any time of the year, you will find Spring Valley in great shape!  This particular day was a liitle wet and chilly (like my game), but overall the course was in good condition.  Mike Evans went home with heavier pockets than when he teed off on #1, and Steve Smith continues to become a better golfer. 

Q:  How about sharing the news regarding The Invitational with all of our friends and players?
A:  First of all, I would like to say that the committee is working extremely hard on getting ready for June 18th - the day of the 2012 tournament.  There is no question that this will be an outstanding event.  We are counting on this year's tournament being the best one yet.  Here is a list of "the basics" we have planned for this year:  
*We will get underway with pre-tournament registration from 9:00 - 10:30.
*Tee times will be from 10:00 - 10:48, using four starting holes. 
*Lunch will be available during play to all golfers and volunteers.  We will have similar offerings as in past years, with plenty of soft drinks, beer and bottled water to quench your thirst.
*We are continuing our tradition of the $500 skins pot.  No need to pay in...it is included in the entry fee. 
* For more info, please see page at right -2012 Tournament Info.


Q:  OK - we have covered the basics.  Are there any special tricks up the committee's sleeve with the new venue at SVCC?
A:  All golf courses have signature holes, and Spring Valley CC is no exception.  We plan to take advantage of the 16th hole there.  It is a 195-yard par three over water.  We know there will be those players who step up and confidently pull a club out of the bag and bravely face the incoming wind and ongoing cat-calls, and stick it on the green anyway.  However, any golfer who hits a ball in the water will receive a sleeve of golf balls as a consolation.  Beverages for drowning any sorrows or celebrating anything within the leather will be served by the Pearlz Girlz.  This hole will be the play-off hole in case of a tie for the overall tournament winner, and the on-course leaderboard will be featured here as well.

SVCC #16 - Tee to Green-click on photo

Q:  In the past, there has been some time to kill while players are waiting for all to finish.  Is there anything for them to do while they wait?
A:  We have tried both shot-gun start and tee times in the past.  Because this is a competitive tournament, I have decided to stick with tee times, as this is more in keeping with championship play.  We realize that the first group has time to kill while waiting for their buddies to finish, so we are adding a 6- to 9-hole team putting championship on Spring Valley's large and undulating pracitce green.  We are working out the details and will keep folks posted as we finalize them.  One thing we are sure of...winners of this contest will receive Pearlz gift certificates for their putting prowess.     

Q:  Anything else you would like to share? 
A:  We feel like we are putting together an event that is well-worth the entry fee.  Our tournament has a unique format, and there is nothing like it offered in South Carolina that I know of.  The entry fee of $250 is a fair price for the many benefits that players will enjoy.  There are no hidden costs of buying mulligans or joining in the skins pot at this event...everything is included.  We are greatly interested in donating to our charity, Special Olympics, but we are also commtited to offering golfers a great day of play.

Q:  And....knowing you....is there anything else?!
A:  I want to be sure to thank everyone for following the blog, and stay tuned for more tournament updates!

If you would like to enter a team in the 2012 Invitational,
please contact John Beckman
by clicking here:  johnsara@bellsouth.net
or calling 803-606-0240.