It was a bridging of the eras in golf!
The par-three extravaganza organized by the Bahamas Golf Federation (BGF) obviously served the purpose of President Craig Flowers and his executive colleagues. At the Blue Hill Complex on Saturday past, they came out in good numbers, the young and the old. There were those who focused primarily on the novelty contests, the putting, driving and rounders.
Others appreciated the opportunity to interact with those of the sports fraternity who seldom communicate otherwise. For instance, there was Daphne (Stephanie) Carey, who assists the BGF with its programs. There she and I were, two 60-somethings who grew up in the same neighborhood, together, again, with golf as the forum.
Larry Black was on hand. We started at St. Augustine's College together in 1962.
Charley Smith, all 84 years old of him, showed up and waxed nostalgic with the likes of fellow octogenarian Sam Hall, his brother Peter, Jim Newbold, George Turnquest, Glen Archer, Harcourt "Coins" Poitier, Zorro Stubbs, Sterling Quant and others.
Clifford Rahming, the secretary general of the Bahamas Basketball Federation was present. So was John Adderley, a sports buff from years back. Nutritionist Dr. Pattie Symonette made an appearance. Director of Sports Tim Munnings was there, representing the Ministry of Sports.
He had high praise for the BGF.
President Flowers had with him a large bag of historic material, newspaper articles, magazines, tournament programs and photos. He, along with such as his Vice President Ambrose Gouthro, BGF Secretary Oswald Moore and Director Wilfred Horton, closely looked over the items, during a pleasant trip down memory lane.
Most importantly, though, was the presence of the young swingers, Ethan Taylor, Arthur Johnson, Evaleana Johnson, Devon Cooper and scores more of their ilk. They are the future of golf and, presently, the foremost Bahamian female professional, Georgette Rolle, is working with them and doing an excellent job.
The air was charged with the kind of excitement that was once commonplace for golf.
"This is fantastic," said Sam Hall, when reminded that 40-plus years ago, he was one of those who were a part of that second wave of pioneering golfers who contributed to taking the Bahamian game to the top of the Caribbean region and the Americas.
"I never thought of it, but it is the truth. We did our part. Man, it is a joy to still be around all these years later and to see the sport coming alive, once again. I like what I see with these youngsters and it is exciting. I'm just very happy to be here," he said.
Indeed, it was that kind of an occasion.
Flowers took it all in, and obviously liked the scenario.
"This is just what we want to do, bring a big focus back to golf. We have to recognize, however, that we must spread this program out all over The Bahamas. We must have a presence in other areas of The Bahamas. I'm thinking that, first off, it would be good to single out a facility in Grand Bahama that can serve as the base for the Federation. This is the sort of thing we have to do to bring the game back throughout the country," noted Flowers.
It is all sounding very good.
Bahamian golf is certainly on the rise again!
oTo respond to this sports feature, kindly contact Fred Sturrup at sturrup1504@gmail.com.

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