18 holes in memory of Dale Sweatt

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Junior golfers who have enjoyed the last eight weeks of training at Oakdale Country Club sharpening their skills were rewarded last week with a cookout, tools for the game and participation trophies. The 1st Annual Dale Sweatt Junior Golf Benefit Tournament, to be held on September 15, will help keep the program funded. (Times photos by Cherri Crockett)

MEXICO- Golf students ranging in age from eight to 16 have spent the past eight weeks learning the basics of golf and sharpening their skills at Oakdale Country Club with the help of club-member volunteers.

“This program would be nothing without our volunteers,” noted manager, Carol Mitchell. “I would have a heck of a time keeping this program organized without them.”

Volunteers spent two days each week with their charges through this summer’s heat and this past week played their last game with them, followed by a cookout and awards benefit.

Participants received a goodie bag which included new golf balls and a club shirt, all while enjoying a nice cookout under the pavilion with their friends and family.

First-year-student, Dakota Tompkins, noted, “It’s been a really cool summer. Golf is pretty fun. I want to do a lot of sports, but I really like golf.”

Ian Jacques, a fifth-year-student, noted, “I enjoy it. My dad got me into it and I think I’ll keep doing it for a long time.”

Members of the junior club were pleasantly surprised to hear the news of the 1st Annual Dale Sweatt Junior Golf Benefit Tournament that will be held on September 15. All funds from that day will go toward the junior program. Mitchell noted that she is in hopes to purchase more tees, nets and other tools to help the children learn the game.

“Dale Sweatt was the most giving person,” shared Mitchell. “His big focus was our junior golfers. He was always there for them and told us all on several occasions that the juniors are the future of the club. All of us at Oakdale agree.”

Mitchell hopes that the juniors will encourage their families to form teams in order to participate in the upcoming tournament. Tickets for various raffles will be on sale beginning September 8 at the club for those unable to attend on the day of the tournament. Juniors are also encouraged to volunteer during the tournament with various efforts.

For more information and to register your team, please contact Carol Mitchell by calling 364-3951.