One of the great traditions in Austin Golf is the Lions Municipal Spring Partnership. At the event, the feeling of spring and is in the air and golfing friends renew acquaintances. The event contains a serious side of competition and the winners cherish having their name added to the list of fine players that have captured the title. But the successof the event is all about community… See Jay Barnes comments about why he enjoys playing in the spring partnership.
Amoung the 85 teams entered are teams that have been playing together for years and years. Billy Clagett and Tim Wilson, Richard Buratti and Frank Paul, Ron Talant and Johnny Fisher to name a few. These are longtime friendships that started on a golf course and have been solidified through that same venue.
There are several father/son partnerships entered in the field including Jeff and Marcus Opheim as well as Rob and Johnny Ormand. The partnership provides opportunities for some quality family time.
Some teams use the tournament as an excuse to return to Austin and catch up with friends. Mark McIntire, golf coach at the College of Charleston pairs up with Darron Zinnecker. Both have been quality players in Austin during the past and continue to remain involved with the Austin golf community. You never know, there might be some recruiting going on over the course of the tournament.
The staff at Lions enjoy the event even though it is a busy weekend for them. Mike Brent and Luanne Prait say the players enjoy seeing everyone and playing the golf course.