Features Editor

Jan. 8, 2000 10 PM

With spring-like weather, hopefully, just around the bend, many thoughts are turning to "tee" time.

One warm day had golfers and duffers alike pulling the covers off the clubs and "putting" around in the backyard in hopes "fore" an early round or two.

And, the American Cancer Society is getting in the swing of things by offering a golf pass that entitles golfers to play some of the most beautiful courses in the state at discounted or free rounds.

Jeff Bentley, a member of the Pike County Chapter of the

American Cancer Society board, said the American Cancer Society Golf Pass is valued at more than $3,000, but it can be purchased for just $25 through the American Cancer Society.

"I can’t think of anything better for a golf enthusiast," Bentley said. "The golf pass is valid during the 2001 calendar year."

Bentley said the pass encourages golfers to play some of the area’s most challenging courses.

Sometimes golfers get in a rut, so to speak, and just play one or two courses.

"They miss the enjoyment and challenges of other nearby courses," Bentley said. "The golf pass is an invitation and an opportunity to play these courses."

In Pike County, Trojan Oaks Golf Course in Troy and the Brundidge Country Club are included on the pass. Troy Driving Range is also on the 2001 pass.

"The golf pass takes care of the green fees at the clubs and that is a huge savings for golfers," Bentley said. "The golfers are responsible for cart rentals, but getting a free round of golf on a great course is an outstanding deal."

These outstanding deals include one free round at Brundidge Country Club when playing with a member, eight free rounds at Trojan Oaks, one free round at Luverne and, at Troy Driving Range, golfers purchase one bucket of balls and get the second free. "And that’s unlimited," Bentley said.

The golf pass is especially good for retirees who can take day trips and enjoy playing at several area courses.

Lakepoint at Eufaula, Magnolia Country Club and Lagoon Park in Montgomery offer two free rounds. Auburn Links offers four rounds; Indian Pines, Auburn, two rounds; Evans Barnes, Andalusia, two rounds; Dolphin Island Country Club, two rounds; Panther Creek, Ozark, two rounds; Quail Walk, Wetumpka, one round; River Run, Montgomery, four rounds; Willow Oaks, Ozark, three rounds; the University of Alabama Golf Course, one round; and unlimited rounds at Headland Country Club and Montgomery National. The Back Nine Pitch-and-Putt in Montgomery also offers one round there.

Other area courses include Gobbler Hollow Golf Course, Greenville; Green-Hill Golf Course, Dothan; The Dothan National Golf Club; Kolomi Golf Course, Montgomery and Lakeside Golf Course, Tallassee.

The American Cancer Society Golf Pass entitles card holders to play a total of 250 courses throughout Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee.

Bentley said the golf pass in a great birthday gift idea or one that would make a wonderful surprise for any golfer on Valentine’s Day.

And what’s wrong with a golfer treating himself/herself to up the $3,000 in free green fees for only $25? Especially, when it goes to support such a great cause.

American Cancer Society Golf Passes may be purchased from Bentley at Troy Bank & Trust on Highway 231 or, for more information about the American Cancer Society Golf Pass, call 1-800-ACS-2345.

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.