Published: October 12, 2008 01:20 am            

Great experience at CBGC

 

This past week I had the thrill of a lifetime as I was able to participate in the Community Bank Golf Classis as part of the Adams Golf Pro Tour Series hosted at Northwood Country Club.

  Being the son of a PGA professional and a current college golf coach, it is understandable that my dream is to play golf everyday.

  As a lifelong Meridian resident, I've always called the golf courses in this area "home." So when the Adams Pro Tour Series decided to add the Queen City to their schedule I was beyond excited and also proud for my hometown as Meridian has a strong, deep tradition in golf.

  It’s not that often that your hometown gets to host a professional event in your favorite sport- but such is the case when Northwood was called upon by the Adams Pro Golf Tour to host the CBGC.

  Like I said I was fortunate enough to get to play in this event and it served as my "baseball fantasy camp," if you will.

  I got to play in a pro event, with gallery ropes, a caddy and the whole bit, it was awesome. I didn't score as well as I would’ve liked but it was quite possibly my favorite experience in golf ever, (and this is coming from someone that won four straight State championships in high school, has been to the Masters, coached his team to a third pace national finish, and has caddied for his dad in a major event).

  This event was that special to me, and to any golfer I would think that gets to play “inside the ropes” with a caddy and all, in a professional event. I was just so much fun.

  I wanted to thank a few people for their hard work with this event and making a dream of mine come true.

  First you must start with the members of Northwood Country Club. If it weren't for them opening their doors this event wouldn't be here.

  Also you have to mention Community Bank. It there was no title sponsor, then this event wouldn't be here and thus the local charities would be missing out. Also kudos to all the sponsors of this event, of which there are too many to mention here in this space.

  The entire tournament staff needs recognition, too. This includes a ton of behind the scenes people from Adams Golf Pro Tour Series, to volunteers to Northwood staff. Everyone from scorekeepers to range staff to folks putting up signs, it takes a team of dedicated people to run this event.

  Can’t go on with out saying a big thanks to the Northwood pro shops/restaurant/greens crew. These are the folks getting up well before the sun comes up and are the last to leave. From the golf professional, Jimmy Gamblin to the greens superintendent, Britt Pollack and their staff, these guys put in a ton of hours just to make sure everything is perfect for this event. Thank you guys!

  Last and not least, the Leading Edges staff that runs all kind of events throughout the week. This group takes care of so many details its not even funny. The event becomes a true "Southern Hospitality" example because of their hard work.

  Oh, and I need to thank my caddy, Clay Bounds. Because of his swing tip I was able to play my final eight holes at even-par. Sorry Clay, I couldn't make the cut. But then again you only had to carry the bag two days instead of four!

  But until next year, thanks to everyone (and those I forgot to mention) in making this golfers dream come true.



Sean Covich

Golf coach, Meridian Community College

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.