“We can’t do any of this without the help of people,” said Wheeler. “It takes money. We have to have someone like Alan (Schmidt, owner of Rangeline Golf) and Garry Lee (who operated Garry’s Golf Center until earlier this year) who are willing to give up their facilities and allow us to use their golf balls without charge.

“People want to help kids. I’m convinced of that. If they’re allowed to do it on a volunteer basis and shown respect for doing that, they will come out.”

That much is obvious on Monday mornings as more than 100 kids bang golf balls on the driving range under the supervision of two dozen or so volunteers and instructors who are donating their time and expertise to give the youngsters an introduction to a game that can last a lifetime.

On the road

A key addition to the Joplin Golf Foundation’s program this year has been the enclosed trailer donated by one of the volunteers. It has been adapted to hold up to 500 golf clubs in racks. The clubs are graphite-shafted and specifically built for juniors for varying sizes and ages.

Having the trailer and clubs may allow the Joplin program to expand into other communities. Wheeler hopes to take the trailer to Monett where a couple of former Missouri Southern golfers will put on a clinic for youngsters and allow them to hit golf balls.

Twin Hills Invitational

There is a new flight being introduced for the 57th annual Twin Hills Invitational, a 36-hole seniors division for players 55 and older. The seniors field will be limited to the first 32 paid entries.

The format calls for all regular field players to compete in a 54-hole event Friday, July 24, through Sunday, July 26. Seniors will play Friday and Saturday, July 24-25. Prizes will be awarded in the senior division after completion of 36 holes of play.

Entry fee for the 54-hole championship, one of the oldest in the area, is $275. Four horse races, including one for seniors, are scheduled Thursday, July 23.

Garrett Logan, Las Vegas, Nev., will be attempting to become the sixth back-to-back champion in the tournament’s long history. Others are Rodney Horn of Kansas City (1965, 66, 67), Boyd Downey of Joplin (1990-1991), Wayne Fredricks of Springfield (1992-1993), Robert Russell of Joplin (1995-1996) and Rick Bell of Norman, Okla., (1999-2000).

Best-ball event

Entries are being accepted for the fourth annual 2-man best ball tournament on Aug. 8-9 at Peoria Ridge Golf Club.

Entry fee is $260 per two-man team. Teams will be competing for $10,000 in prizes, including a set of irons per player for first place in five flights, based on a full field. Other prizes include drivers for second, $200 gift certificates for third, $150 gift certificates for fourth, $100 gift certificates for fifth, Titleist Vokey wedges for sixth, $50 gift certificates for seventh and Titleist duffel bags for eighth.

Entries and payments should be mailed to Peoria Ridge Golf Course, 10301 S. 600 Rd., Miami, Okla. 74354. The entry deadline is Aug. 6. Tee time requests for the first day of the tournament will be honored in the order of paid entries. More additional information, call (918) 542-7676.