South Carolina Smiles and Places 2008 Official Vacation Guide - (Page 50) By Kasey Loudermilk While I was growing up, I always thought I’d like to learn how to play golf. But my dad thought differently. He seemed to think that my two brothers were the athletes in the family, and that I would, in fact, be bored on the greens. So I simply waited. Several years later, when the opportunity arose for me to learn the game with other women during a beautiful weekend at Hickory Knob State Resort Park in McCormick, SC, I jumped at the chance. The ladies’ golf weekend started Friday afternoon with optional beginner golf instructions where we were taught how to hold the club with interlocking fingers and execute a basic swing. That evening, we enjoyed the social aspects of golf at a reception and welcome event. I met women of all ages and levels of play, and began to realize the diversity of the women who are interested in playing golf. First thing Saturday morning it was back to the golf course. We were split into three groups: beginners, intermediate and advanced. I, of course, was in the beginners’ group having never set foot on a golf course. My group’s first instructor was Joe Stevens, a member of the PGA who also happens to be the head golf pro at Wild Dunes Resort in Charleston. He taught us the details of the short game, including what clubs to use and how to hit the ball. I was surprisingly good thanks to our experienced teacher, and the morning got off to a great start. Next we moved to a hill with tall grass to learn how to chip a ball. David Hyduke, the golf pro from Cheraw State Park, taught this class. This type of stroke was much more difficult, but it was fun to watch the balls go flying as we practiced. 50 South Carolina Smiles 2008
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