Dr. Michael Bennett of St. Petersburg, Florida is one of those who enjoys the sport. When given the chance, he's not averse to playing 18 or even 36 holes on one of the area's several public courses.
But on June 15th, Dr. Bennett took part in the Ironman Golf-A-Thon at the Meadow Oaks Country Club in Hudson, Florida, sponsored by the regional chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Dr. Bennett was one of 18 golfers who participated in this year's marathon and was only too happy to help raise funds for the FCA.
"It was brutal, but it was very enjoyable. When I took this on, I didn't know if I could do it. I figured if I made 72 holes it would be a minor miracle. But FCA is something that I really believed in and I wanted to do something to help."
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is a nationwide youth ministry that encourages athletes to become leaders and role models in their schools. The program is quite active throughout Florida, as FCA participates in every middle school and high school in Citrus County, Florida.
Dr. Bennett's teed off at seven o'clock, donning a visor to combat the already hot sun, and carrying plenty of water. He didn't pause until 51 holes later when he took a 20-minute snack and watering break; then it was on to the "back 49."
"I did pretty good," Dr. Bennett reported. "I had some pars and no disaster holes. It was like guerilla golf; it was you against the course. You knew every hole when you came around before you got to the tee."
The second and third rounds were smooth sailing, but by the fourth round the summer heat began to take a toll. "On the fourth round, I felt nothing was good. It was fatigue, lack of concentration, focus -- just a combination of all the above. I was struggling and I was frustrated."
But by the fifth round, Dr. Bennett regained his stride. "The fifth round was tremendous. I was hitting shots I hadn't hit all day," he said. "I shot about 40 strokes on 10 holes in the last round. The truth is I would have shot 108 and finished the sixth round, but I had to come back home and coach a Little League game."
Dr. Bennett's scores included two 79s, an 84 and an 86. "I was surprised," he said when describing what it was like to play without waiting for other golfers on the course. "You play at your own pace. When you normally play, it's much slower. I hate to tee up and then stand and wait for the people in front of you or to hit a shot and go stand and wait. Playing that way (mostly in solitude) was wonderful."
Dr. Bennett's efforts on the golf course have raised more than $1,700 for the FCA, and he's already looking forward to participating in the golf challenge again next year. "I like what FCA stands for and the ministry it presents within the schools. This is something I've supported all along through the years and I'll continue to support."
If you are interested in making a donation to the FCA or finding out more information about the Ironman Golf-a-Thon, please contact Dr. Bennett's office at (352) 563-6471.
Chiropractic at the Law Enforcement Games
DCs Help Police Officer Set World RecordDCs Hobie Furshman and Larry Weiner of south Florida recently donated their time to provide care to the athletes of the 1998 Law Enforcement Games. Participants included police and correction officers throughout the state of Florida. Throughout the week-long competition, the doctors provided stretching, spinal adjustments and emergency treatment for the competitors. In all, Drs. Weiner and Furshman delivered care to nearly 400 athletes at the games.
During the weightlifting portion of the games, an officer from Orlando had apparently been suffering from chronic shoulder pain. Prior to the contest, he noticed that other participants had received chiropractic care and decided to get an adjustment. The officer then received an adjustment to his ailing shoulder. Not only was the officer able to compete after receiving treatment, but he won the bench press competition.
Besides weightlifting, this year's Law Enforcement Games included softball, football, karate, track and field, and a "toughest cop" contest.
Many of the athletes are already under regular chiropractic care in their home towns and expressed their sincere gratitude for the availability of chiropractic during the games.
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