Southern Charm Street Golf Challenge
A Whimsical Tradition in Settlers Rest, Sweetwater, and Southern Charm
By Susan Slater
The first rays of sunlight peak through the clouds,thirteen residents, broom in hand, are not out to sweep away the dust, but to partake in one of the most interesting traditions, Street Golf. Dale Sanders, Activities Assistant,cheerfully guides residentsin this unique challenge.
A tennis ball and broom are their tools, and the dustbin is their target. Players take to the streets to test their wits—and their wrists. The aim is simple: sweep a tennis ball into a dustbin with as few strokes as possible. The street is transformed into a winding course, complete with natural hazards and obstacles that would put even a professional golfer in a tizzy.
Mary Swierad, the defending champion, and her chief rival, Sue Elred, were in a sudden death tiebreaker the previous week. Each player now had to beat Mary’s score of five. The game is not just for adults. Grandchildren, like Royce and Olivia Rendon, aged ten and twelve,participated, too.
As the morning progressed and the heat intensifies, each player worked hard to beat thatfive score. Phil Foster and Edwin Swierad find themselves locked in a sudden death round tying at five after eleven golfers had their hand at the championship.
Meanwhile, Edwin, whose initial stroke set him off to a strong start, is betrayed by the unpredictable twists, turns, and an incline.He finishes with eight strokes.Phil’s first stroke lands near the golf carts. His second stroke closes the gap, yet the third finds the grass, but champions with a score of five.
Last Thanksgiving forty-four residents participated in a night golf session playing by streetlight ending their Turkey Trot with a lot more fun. As little as nine people have shown up to play.
Winners are awarded with gift cards presented by Dale Sanders.
