By Justin Fedich | The Selma Times-Journal

The golf portion of the Masters Games of Alabama will tee off on Monday, Aug. 10 at the Valley Grande Golf Course. The two-day tournament, in its 25th year, is open to men and women aged 50 and older. There will be a singles tournament on Monday and a two-man scramble on Tuesday.

Former head of the Selma recreation department, John Parris, has helped put together the tournament for years. Parris said some tournament participants travel a long way to be a part of the Masters Games in Valley Grande.

“It’s a great way to meet people, and we’ve met some people from all over the state of Alabama,” Parris said.

Most of the golfers in attendance will be older than 60. Parris said many men and women in their 50s have to work during the week and therefore cannot attend.

But that doesn’t mean the level of golf slows down any.

Ed Brown is a man from Montgomery in his 80s who is legally blind. He can’t drive a car, but he can drive a golf ball far enough and accurately enough off the tee to compete in the two-man scramble at the Masters Golf Tournament.

“He can see the ball when he tees it off, but he can’t follow the ball,” Parris said.

Golf is one of the few sports that can be played throughout a lifetime as some tournament participants will be as old as 89. According to Parris, one 89-year-old man who plans on attending is still shooting rounds in the 70s.

While the golf tournament is just around the corner, the Masters Games include many other sports and games. Bowling, horseshoe, tennis, shuffleboard and even a 5-K run are all some of the events included in the Masters Games.  Parris said the Masters Games have been a great way to get the older crowd, some of whom are living in senior homes, out in the community being active and meeting others.

“All year long, they’re doing sit down stuff,” Parris said. “All this is for men and women in their age group.”

The tournament cost $77 for two days and the entry fee includes a cart, lunch and one free practice round.  While the golf tournament will be all fun and games, there is a prize at stake.

The winners qualify for the state tournament in Oxford on Oct. 5 and 6.

For entry forms or more information contact the Selma Parks and Recreation Department at 874-2140 or the golf course at 877-4433.