W e thought February was going to be a difficult issue to put together , but it turns out , there ’ s plenty of golf going on . And it ’ s not just because the weather has been mild here in the Gulf States .

People are passionate about juniors in our area . We had tons of interest in the junior golfer of the year challenge that was inspired by the good character of a junior in our area in 2015 . We are so proud of Henson Sharpe . We have links to his trick shot Instagram accounts , and we look forward to the feedback from this challenge .

We also couldn ’ t pass up the opportunity to recognize other juniors in the area , publishing in full what felt like a letter from our PGA colleague to his son . Don ’ t miss that nomination .

We even had interest from outside the section and just had to recognize a kiddo from Texas who proudly boasts the traditional knickers . Check him out !

The future of golf in the Gulf States is just good .

I ’ m excited that it ’ s college golf season ! In just a couple of weeks , Jakes team heads off to Texas for the first tournament of the year . I can ’ t wait to get my camera out and follow those guys around and watch some golf . So much fun !

And we ’ re also proud that our son Shayne has joined the Backspin effort on more of an

ongoing basis . Shayne has been a copy editor for a while and just started working on stories and taking pictures . Now , he ’ s involved in just about every aspect of the publication . Check out his stories and listen for his name on the other end of the phone as he ’ s seeking out stories . Thank you , Jimmy Headrick and Richie Tomblin , for working with him this month .

Work off that winter rust and find the clubs . The next issue is March , and you know that ’ s when those tournaments start . Send us your events !

Jake and I in December with Dinah Shore , the first lady of golf .

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