By Justin Fedich | The Selma Times-Journal

The Masters Games teed off on Monday morning with singles play at the Valley Grande Golf Course. Twenty-one men and two women age 50 and above took to the golf course to try to outplay the competitors in their age group.

While the golfers attempted to hit greens and sink putts in the heat of competition, there were plenty of smiles and laughter. Masters Games participant and Valley Grande Golf Course owner Steve Smitherman said he loves the fun atmosphere the Masters Games provides.

“I reckon just all the guys getting together and having a good time. That would be the biggest thing about it. No real heavy competition,” Smitherman said.

Smitherman didn’t actually have to compete against anyone. He was the only man in his age group of 55-59. However, he wasn’t the only golfer to win a first place ribbon by default on Monday.

Tommie Gilbert won her age group of 65-69 in the ladies’ category after shooting an 80, including a 37 on the front nine. At 82 years old, Annye Braxton also won her age group with a score of 90 that included a 42 on the front nine. The lowest score of the day belonged to Ray Hollingshead with a total of 69. He won first in the 70-74 age divsion.

Other winners included Willard Nichols in the 65-69 age group, Tommy Hatchett in the 75-79 division and John Lovett in the 80-84 competition. Players came from outside Selma to participate in Monday’s round of 18. Lovett came from Montgomery just to play a sport he loves on a course he’s played on many times before.

Another out-of-town participant, Jerry Pittman, played his first time at the Valley Grande Golf Course with a group of men he hadn’t met. By the end of the round, he was joking and laughing with those in his group.

“I enjoyed playing with these guys. They were good. They were nice. I didn’t do very good,” Pittman said with a laugh.

Even the golfers who struggled on Monday didn’t feel out of place. Every golfer managed to stay in good spirits and enjoy each other’s company regardless of what was written on the scorecard.

“It’s always fun playing with the guys our age, makes the competition pretty even when you play with the same age group,” Smitherman said.

The golf portion of the Masters Games continues on Tuesday with the two-man scramble.

As much fun as the players had Monday, most of them are even more excited for the round coming Tuesday. Every golfer has a goal of winning the competition tomorrow, but that isn’t the only reason they choose to compete in the Masters Games.

“Everybody loves to win, but we always have a good time,” Smitherman said.