By Justin Fedich | The Selma Times-Journal

It was a good day to be a Steve on Tuesday at the Valley Grande Golf Course.

Steve Spivey and Valley Grande Golf Course owner Steve Smitherman posted a 65 18-hole score, the lowest score of the day, at the Masters Games two-man scramble golf tournament. While Spivey and Smitherman, along with other participants, were given ribbons for their achievements, the golfers were thankful for the opportunity to rekindle old friendships and meet new people.

“The guys enjoy it because they see the same people that they have seen every year. It’s kind of like an old friend’s reunion,” said Masters Games board member John Parris.

Parris reunited with old friends, but also enjoyed playing alongside a golfer he never played with and two others he had met that day. Parris and Kerwin Carson earned third place in the 70-74 age group.

Johnny Moss and Albert Southall came in second in the same age group and Ray Hollingshead and Gordon Cargill won the 70-74 age group after shooting a 66.

The 65-69 age group was also won with a 66. Willard Nichols and Neal Chandler won the first place ribbon, tying for second-best 18-hole score on the day. Tommy Irvine and Tommy Hatchett came in second with a score of 70. Jerry Pittman and LJ Rushing won the third place ribbon.

Steve Schmitt and Bill Ledbetter took first prize in the 60-64 age group with a 68. Butch Pickett and Bob Reisener finished as runner-up in the same age group.

Tommie Gilbert and Annye Braxton were the only two female competitors on Tuesday. They combined to shoot 73. Gilbert, Irvine, Pittman, Carson and Chandler all received closest to pin awards, Nichols earned a longest drive award and Gilbert won a straight aim award.

Parris said every golfer who competed in the Masters Games in Valley Grande is eligible to play at the state Masters Games in Oxford from Oct. 5 to Oct. 8. Anywhere from 900 to 1200 people are expected to be in Oxford competing in a variety of events in addition to golf.

Parris hopes to have an even larger turnout next year at the Valley Grande golf course.

“Meeting new people and helping them out is what it’s all about,” Parris said.

Smitherman said his favorite part of Valley Grande’s two-day event was the two-man scramble. He enjoys the feeling of depending on a partner to work together towards a common goal.

“Especially if you’re not doing good, he usually picks you up. That’s the good thing about a two-man scramble. You always got your partner to pick you up,” Smitherman said.

At the end of the day, the golfers gained much more than a feeling of victory at the Masters Games.

“It’s a fun thing,” Parris said. “We win ribbons and we eat a sandwich that’s provided for us, but the fun part is meeting folks that you’ve met over the years.”