After a few years of not having a program, Marion Junior Golf concluded its summer session on Thursday, June 22nd. The resurgence of Marion’s Junior Golf program has been one of the bright spots of the summer. The strong turnout and warm reception points to a good future for the pro- summer. The strong turnout and warm reception points to a good future for the program and for golfing in Marion as a whole. Coach Scott Brewer is certainly optimistic about the future.
“It went great. I would say it was a huge success. The kids enjoyed it, the other coaches enjoyed it and I know I enjoyed it.” Coach Brewer said. He emphasized the importance of the help he got from his fellow coaches, all of whom had been involved in the program in the previous years. Coach Brewer’s mother Linda Brewer, who has been involved in junior golf for a long time, came back to help coach, as did Carol Hughes, who also has a lot of experience in coaching junior golf.
Knox McMillan, Henry Webb and Grayson Brewer, all veterans of the program, came back as well, this time on the coaching side. “They were kids I had coached from a young age and they had been in the program for years. I knew they were all still in golf so I went to get them to help.” Coach Brewer stated that all the assistant coaches had done a great job and that the cycle of experience coming back into the program had always been a foundational piece of junior golf’s success and longevity.
Thursday was a celebration for coaches and players alike as the program held its awards day. The Stone Hodo Award, given to the player displaying the highest level of golf etiquette, morals and integrity, was given to Annabelle Detamore. It was presented by Mrs. Lynda Brewer, who has been in the program dating back to when Stone Hodo was in charge. The Ginger Richardson Award, presented by her grandson Henry Webb, was given to Palmore Tolar. William Ayers won Best All-Around Player. Jackson LeCroy, John Morgan Holladay and Tanner Baker, Savannah Anderson and Brody Johnson were the Closest Chipping Winners.
When asked about the newly created Stone Hodo and Ginger Richardson Awards, Coach Brewer stated that it just made sense to honor two of the women who contributed so much to the program. “Morals, integrity, playing the game the right way; those are the way they did things and it was how they played the game.” he said. Hodo coached the program from 1994 until a few years before her death and her role in the program fostered the devotion for golf that is evident in so many that played Junior Golf. For something to grow, it must stay connected to its roots and Coach Brewer has done made sure that is the case for Marion Junior Golf.
