Friday’s golf tournament proved to be a hole-in-one for the Jordan Community Center and the Clarendon County community.
From the first tee to the final putt, the inaugural Jordan Community Center Golf Tournament offered more than a day on the course, bringing participants together to build relationships and support the community.
“It was more than just a day on the course — it was a great opportunity to build relationships, fellowship and community while enjoying the game we all love,” said Henry L. Woods, co-host of the tournament.
Golfers came ready to compete, but organizers said the real win was the camaraderie, sportsmanship and support shown throughout the day. There were birdies, pars and memorable shots, but the larger goal was bringing people together for a cause.
Jordan Community Center President CoRetta Dingle said the golf tournament, held Friday, Aug. 7, at The Players Course at Wyboo, and the JCC Cookout, held Saturday, Aug. 8, at Jordan Community Center park, were months in the making.
The events had two goals: to reunite the Jordan community and raise funds to rehabilitate and repurpose the former Jordan Elementary School into an inclusive, state-of-the-art community center for Clarendon County residents.
Woods, who traveled from his home in Georgia, said the tournament served as a reminder that golf is about more than the game.
“It’s about connections, opportunities and giving back, and I’m looking forward to the next event and supporting JCC,” Woods said. “Everyone stepped up to the tee, played their part and helped make the tournament a tremendous success.”
Continuing the golf analogy, Woods described the day as “a perfect drive, a great approach and a putt that dropped right in the cup.”
“It was definitely a hole-in-one for the Jordan Community Center,” he said.
Tournament co-host David Ross, who traveled from Delaware, also praised the event and those who helped make it possible.
“The event scored birdies and eagles, starting with our sponsors, CoRetta and the JCC staff, who provided a great breakfast and smooth registration,” Ross said. “The Players Course at Wyboo staff got everyone out on the course in a timely manner and back on time for refreshments and awards. The participants were excited and talked about next year’s event.”
One player from Team Westinghouse called it “the best golf tournament that I’ve been to.”
Weekend activities concluded Saturday with the JCC Cookout, which fell on the second Saturday in August — the same weekend Jordan Elementary School alumni traditionally held their community cookouts, according to JCC staff member Russell A. Miller.
With the efforts of JCC staff members Kimberly Hilton Lawson, Joye Hilton and Curtis Lee Johnson, the cookout brought residents and church members from the Jordan community together for a day of food, fun and fellowship, along with singing and dancing.
