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Wednesday,
April 21, 2004 |
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Golf
class a part of history at old course
An
historic golf course in Fort Worth is home to TCU’s
golf class.
By
Erin Clark
Staff Reporter
For ninety bucks, TCU students can touch golfing history
and play at Fort Worth’s oldest — and arguably
— most traditional course.
Peter Goeken, a senior economics major, said he sees the
golf class at Glen Garden Golf and Country Club as a good
opportunity to get back into the game.
“It’s nice that we can play and practice out
there as much as we want,” he said. “I’m
getting a lot for my money. It’s really accessible.”
Students pay $90 for unlimited use of the driving range
and course play during the week, as well as instruction
during class.
Collins said the fee is not only for teaching students,
but is also good revenue for Glen Garden because the golf
economy is down right now.
Glen Garden is not only home to TCU’s golf classes,
but is also where a few professional golfers got their
start, said John Collins, a member of the board of directors
and instructor for the golf class.
Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson and Sandra Palmer started their
careers at the club, Collins said.
One of Ben Hogan’s 11 in-a-row tournament wins was
at Glen Garden, said Wendell Waddle, a club member.
Collins said Hogan and Nelson started as caddies, while
Palmer chose a different route.
“The club knew about it, but allowed it to happen,”
he said.
Collins said golf is based on etiquette and the honor
system, but that a lot of that is forgotten today.
“There are so many things in today’s society
that lose track of history and tradition,” he said.
The honor in golf includes protecting and preserving the
game of golf, courtesy to the individual and no intentional
cheating, Collins said.
Collins said he loves teaching golf to TCU students because
of the satisfaction and fulfillment.
“It is a tremendous benefit,” he said. “It’s
great to see bright young minds and bright young people.”
Collins said the class is also a satisfactory arrangement
with TCU.
“It’s the greatest golf bargain you’ll
ever get in your life,” he said. |
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