Cameron Scitern became the Pro at Devine Golf Course on June 1, succeeding Kevin Yanity, who was the Director of Golf for over 35 years. Scitern played golf collegiately at Tennessee State University where he was a four-year starter and three-year team captain, earning Ohio Valley All-Conference honors after his 2013 senior season.
Cameron’s short-term goals include increasing memberships and coordinating more tournaments that will feed into his long-term goal of improving the course; the putting greens in particular. “I have been around golf my whole life and I consider myself a problem-solver. My main goal is to see Devine Golf Course restored to its glory days,” Scitern stated. “Big money tournaments and people driving into Devine from San Antonio and surrounding areas to play regularly is what I am trying to accomplish.”
Membership has fallen off in recent years due in part to the decreased number of oil field workers in the area. When the oil field was peaking, memberships and green fees were at an all-time high. Fewer overall members renewing their affiliation and a reduction among daily players led to a financial shortfall to maintain the course adequately. Lawn mowers, brush cutters, weed eaters, fertilizer and spreaders along with fuel and manpower to operate necessary equipment are musts for a golf course to maintain and utilize for a course to be presentable and playable.
“It takes money to operate a business and to make improvements,” Scitern continued. “I am eager to begin membership drives and coordinate tournaments to get more cash flow into the course so we can make the improvements necessary to put Devine’s golf course back on the map. I am excited about the opportunity to erase the negativity that has developed regarding the conditions of the course.”
The 1st Annual Lone Ranger/Scramble Classic sponsored by Endurance Lift Solutions on Saturday, July 22 is Cameron’s first big tournament. Guaranteed payouts of $800 for 1st place, $400 for 2nd, $200 for 3rd, and $100 payouts on select holes provide substantial motivation for people to participate. On each hole, one player from the foursome will be designated the “Lone Ranger” (player A on the 1st hole, B on the 2nd, C on the 3rd, D on the 4th, and so on). The Lone Ranger score will be combined to the other three players’ scramble score to determine the teams score for that particular hole. Scitern is helping players avoid the South Texas heat by providing a 10:00 am shotgun start.
Cameron recently implemented a $24.99 All-You-Can-Play on Fridays. That low price includes the use of one of the brand new 35 gas-powered carts that are equipped with two USB charging ports. This special rate will continue throughout the summer and beyond.
“Devine has really good, talented adult players that come to the course regularly,” stated Scitern. “What I would like to see is more kids taking up the sport and more families being involved by learning the game and becoming members. In order to do that, I feel I have to think outside the box a little bit in trying to get more players through our doors regularly.”
To inquire about becoming a member or to sign up for the Lone Ranger/Scramble, call Devine Golf Course at 830-665-9943 or Cameron at 512-760-3366.
Golf Provides Significant Benefits
There are many reasons, especially for young people, to take up golf. Not only is golf a sport that requires honesty, integrity, and proper etiquette, it is a sport that one can enjoy and continue to play throughout a lifetime regardless of gender, ethnicity, political beliefs, or skill level. Golf is not only a way to practice personal responsibility as you score your round, it is about building lifelong relationships and learning to control emotions. Golf doesn’t allow one to play the blame-game with fellow teammates; each person is responsible for their own shot and their final score as the weather outside and conditions of the course are identical for everyone.
As teens grow into young men and women, and as young men and young women enter their adult career or profession, golf provides an opportunity to develop positive, productive working relationships with clients, business associates, and co-workers. Ladies and gentlemen who haven’t played in years or have never played, it’s not too late to get on the course. Golf is a gateway for families to spend time together away from smartphones, computers, TVs, and other daily distractions.The game hasn’t changed; habits and how one devotes their time has.
Golf undoubtedly provides its share of highs and lows, just as life does. If you are considering taking up the game or just want to play more often, expectations to become a Jack Nicklaus or a Jordan Spieth right off the first tee box should be tempered. Playing golf from time to time will give one a healthier perspective of how to handle not only a roller coaster of a golf game, but how to better manage the ups and downs of everyday life.
By Jerel Beaty
Staff Writer