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Opening Drive
A Hike Worth Taking by CHRIS LANG
Beck Caps Resurgence With State Open Title cont ' d ...
ON SEPTEMBER 22 , a group of VSGA staffers and volunteers are sure to be very sore . But it will all be worth it . On September 21 , the VSGA will participate in Youth on Course ’ s 100-Hole Hike at two sites : The Hollows Golf Club in Glen Allen and The Schoolhouse Nine in Berryville . What is the 100-Hole Hike ? Well , exactly as it sounds , staffers and volunteers will attempt to walk 100 holes in a single day , all in the hopes of raising money for Youth on Course Virginia .
Youth on Course made its debut in the Commonwealth in January 2021 , and as of August 5 , there were 35 participating courses in Virginia . Youth on Course is committed to making the game more appealing , inclusive and accessible to nurture the next generation of lifelong players and lovers of the game . YOC members may play rounds at participating courses for $ 5 or less .
The PGA Tour ’ s Lanto Griffin , who grew up in Blacksburg and played college golf at VCU , has been a huge supporter of the program this year . During The Players Championship and the season ’ s four majors , Griffin donated $ 100 for every birdie and $ 500 for every eagle he made and asked others to make their own pledges as well . As a result , the Griffin birdie-eagle pledge raised more than $ 16,000 for the program .
Want to support Youth on Course Virginia through the 100-Hole Hike ? You can pledge any amount towards any participating golfer for each hole of golf they play . For example , if you pledge $ 1 per hole and the golfer completes 100 holes , that ’ s $ 100 toward Youth on Course . It ’ s an all-day endeavor featuring a lot of miles and a lot of swings , but your support will help keep the participants going .
Of note in this issue of Virginia Golfer :
• The Dominion Energy Charity Classic is back at The Country Club of Virginia , both as a spectator event and as the first stop of the three-event Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs for the PGA Tour Champions . Art Utley takes you inside the field .
• Our instruction editor , Josh Apple , gives some tips on the best way to set up a preshot routine .
• Looking for a good read ? Head to Jim Ducibella ’ s column on page 40 , where he takes you inside the production of Virginia author Michael J . Stott ’ s book Too Much Loft .
As always , thank you for reading . Story ideas are welcome at clang @ vsga . org .
Chris Lang , Editor
Youth on Course is committed to making the game more appealing , inclusive and accessible to nurture the next generation of lifelong players and lovers of the game .
“ There ’ s not as much pressure to play for your livelihood or sponsorships , or whatever . I ’ ve kind of refound my love for golf and competition , and it ’ s been a lot of fun .” — EVA N BECK
“ Winning always feels good ,” said Beck , who posted a final-round 68 at Independence for a three-day total of 201 , one clear of 2020 champion and newly minted professional Mark Lawrence Jr . “ I don ’ t care how old I am , it feels good to hold that trophy .”
He put himself in position with a tremendous approach on the par-4 18th .
“ I was 126 ( yards ) away , up the hill , plus six , and my gap wedge goes about 118 ,” Beck said . “ I was kind of juiced , and the wind was in my face , so I backed off . I didn ’ t want to hit one short and spin it back . The wind died down , I went back in , hit my 118 shot and it came off really nicely .”
In the merged Open era ( 1985-present ), no one has a longer gap between wins than Beck ’ s 11 years . But with a renewed focus on playing competitive golf for fun , it seems like this new iteration of Beck is here to stay .
“ I feel like I play a lot more freely than I did ,” Beck said . “ There ’ s not as much pressure to play for your livelihood or sponsorships , or whatever . I ’ ve kind of refound my love for golf and competition , and it ’ s been a lot of fun .”
CHRIS LANG
6 V IRGINIA G OLFER | S EPTEMBER / O CTOBER 2021
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