The book can be purchased on-line at www.collegegolf.com.
Be careful, however, when comparing high school and college scores.
Whereas high school girls typically play from the red tees, college women must play at least 5,800 yards.
Scholarship Money
Not only are there ample opportunities to play golf at the collegiate level, scholarship money is also available. While full golf scholarships are rare, partial scholarships are common.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association allows each Division I men's golf program 4.5 scholarships and each Division II program 3.6. For women, 6 scholarships are available in Division I and 5.4 in Division II. Schools that participate in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (e.g., Georgetown and Campbellsville) also give athletic scholarships. NCAA Division III schools (e.g., Centre and Transylvania) do not give athletic scholarships, but they do offer academic scholarships and need-based financial aid.
In this regard, another helpful book, though not restricted to golf is "How To Win a Sports Scholarship," by Penny Hastings and Todd D. Caven.
Similar to the PING Golf Guide, this how-to book also gives suggestions for building your sports resume kit, which includes a cover letter, sports resume, letters of recommendation, match and tournament schedule, and newspaper clippings. A secondary benefit of communicating with the golf coach is that he or she will often fight for you in the admissions and financial aid office.
Unused Scholarships
Sadly, not all golf scholarships are used. I have seen estimates that as many as 250 women's golf scholarships go unused each year. At Union College in Barbourville, for example, Montgomery County's s Dudley McKenna is the only player on the women's golf team.
Yet, scholarship money is available for at least four more players.
Golf Rules Test Question
A ball is "lost" if: (A) The player declares it lost, (B) A provisional ball is played, (C) Five minutes have elapsed in the search, or (D) Both A and C. See answer below.
Mr. and Miss Golf
Lydia Gumm, a sixth-grader who plays for North Hardin High School, has been named Miss Golf for Kentucky, the youngest winner ever. Gumm finished second in the recent state tournament and won the honor by compiling the most points in designated invitational, regional, and state tournaments. Owensboro Catholic senior Cameron Carrico, who tied for second in the boys' state tournament, was named Mr. Golf.
Answer: D. The ball is lost if you re-tee or drop without declaring the ball a provisional or if a five-minute search has expired.
Hole-in-One
Alvin Hampton had a hole-in-one on the 170-yard 11th hole at Southwind Golf Course with a 4-iron. Witnesses were Earl Lyons, Barry Whitley, and Don Webb.
Until next week, keep your head down and follow through.
Graham Johns can be reached at 745-2265 or by e-mail at gjohns818@yahoo.com.
