Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009

Former Columbus State golfer Bubba Patrick head professional at Lakewood

“It’s great to be home,” new Lakewood Golf Course head professional and manager Bubba Patrick said as he took a break behind his desk.

Patrick — nobody calls him “Lenard;” he’s always been Bubba — was hired Oct. 13 to fill the post vacated by former head pro Keith Upchurch. But for the new hire, it has been both a homecoming and an eye-opening visit to a familiar course that has changed so much since his last visit that he seems like a newcomer.

“I started playing here when I was about 9 years old,” the Phenix City native recalled. “Bill Huff was pro here and I bought my first new set of irons from him.

“But it certainly has changed. I hadn’t been out here in 25 years, so all this looks new to me,” Patrick said of the course that underwent a virtual remake over the last several years, including installation of new greens covered with Champions Bermuda grass.

“Two weeks ago, I got in a cart and drove around — and I was blown away,” he said.

After stints as an assistant pro at several local golf courses, Patrick moved on to posts as head pro at a couple of Florida golf courses, including Panama City Country Club, Patrick returned to the Columbus area as an assistant pro to George Cliff at Fort Benning Golf Course a couple of years ago.

When the opening came at Lakewood, Patrick applied, was interviewed and almost immediately hired.

“I’m excited about it. Folks here have been very supportive,” he said. “In fact, I think some of the folks who were playing here 40 years ago are still playing here today.”

While familiarizing himself with the tasks he’s expected to master — including the computer system, paperwork requirements and business management duties — Patrick also is taking note of ways to improve the course and its operations.

“We are going to have to address some drainage issues and infrastructure,” he said.

That became obvious his first day on the job, when the course was hit with 5 inches of rain.

The former Columbus State University golfer said he welcomes all of his old friends and looks forward to meeting new ones in the days ahead at Lakewood.

Special event

PGA Tour veteran Bobby Clampett — winner of the 1982 Southern Open at Green Island Country Club — will give a free golf exhibition at Fort Benning Golf Course at 11 a.m. Thursday.

Clampett, who is also a golf course designer, author and CBS golf commentator, is coming to the Army post to visit soldiers and will play in the Commanding General’s Scramble on Thursday. His exhibition will include instruction, an explanation of his “Impact Zone Golf” method and an question-and-answer session.

After 27 years on the tour, Clampett, who will turn 50 in April, will take his game to the Champions Tour.

Amateurs defeat the pros

Georgia’s amateur team outscored the state’s team of professionals in a two-day match last week (Sunday-Monday) at the Capital City Club’s Crabapple Course in Woodstock.