By BOBBIE GREEN
The Progress
The Mesquite Senior Games held its Spring Golf Celebration on April 5-6 under the beautiful sunshine of Mesquite. It proved to be a social, fun-filled and friendly competition for all involved.
Beginning on Monday, the events included an 18-hole putting tournament at Sun City Recreation Center with Event Director Paul Kinahan, This contest had a total of 34 participants, ten women and 24 men.
The long-drive competition at the Mesquite Sports Complex was led by Event Director Herb Calhoun. This event had 32-men participants and 12 women. The notorious Mesquite wind kindly blew in favor of the golfers that day.
This year there was participation from representatives of the Huntsman Senior Games in St. George, Utah.
“We had such a good time last year here in Mesquite, we decided to come again!” said Huntsman Golf Social Director Lil Barron.
Suzanne Leonelli, Director of Relations for the Huntsman Games said, “Mesquite games are so inclusive and friendly, I love it.”
On April 6, The Oasis Golf Club hosted the Closest to the Pin (KP) contest with Event Director Herb Calhoun. There were twenty men and seven women participating in this contest.
The 9-hole Tournament, with Event Director Adam Schwartz had eight women and 20 men participants.
All the Senior Games are divided into 5-year increment age divisions. Awards were given by event and age.
Local chef, Matthew John, of the Oasis Grill restaurant, put on a small but tasty buffet to the enjoyment of all attendees.
Mesquite Senior Games Director Amy Bradshaw handed out 91 different medals with the help of Comedian Captain T.C. Morgan.
Carol Wainman, competing in the 80-84 division, took home two gold and one silver medal from the tournament. Wainman said that she was surprised but pleased.
Keith Thorp competed in the 85-89 age group. He took home a gold medal for the long drive contest.
Thorp has competed for the past nine years taking the gold each year. He was pleased to add another medal to his collection with his longest drive at 223 yards.
“I love coming out here and competing,” Thorp said. “It is fun. But I know that a year is coming when I won’t make the gold.”
These two, along with many others, seemed to represent what the senior games are all about.
Bradshaw eloquently expressed gratitude to everyone involved in helping to make the Senior Games possible. These included The Palmer, Canyons, Oasis, Sun City, Conestoga golf courses; and the Mesquite Sports Complex. She also thanked the many sponsors and volunteers.
Aravada Springs Ranch was a sponsor for the games. Ranch owner Denise Houston was present at the banquet and gave a short talk about the ranch. She welcomed everyone to come stop by.
For two days in April these seniors athletes were smiling, joking with one another, and enjoying themselves.
“Starting at the excellent putting course at Sun City Mesquite, to our City’s world class driving range, and ending at the wonderful Oasis Golf Club – a good time was had by all of our competitors,” said Bradshaw. “There were lots of smiles, a few sunburns, and some even won a medal or two. But everyone went home a winner. I can’t wait for Oct 18-19 when we do it all again!”
