How a group found longtime friendship in the ‘Golf Capital of Tennessee’

FAIRFIELD GLADE, Tenn. (WATE) — Cumberland County is known as the “Golf Capital of Tennessee,” and five incredible courses can be found at Fairfield Glade.

The great thing about golf is that no matter how old you are, it appeals to all ages. WATE’s Don Dare spent time on the Heatherhurst course with a group of senior golfers.

Twice a week, men like 82-year-old Gary Thompson, a retired manufacturing manager, and 85-year-old DuPont retiree Don Johnson play golf together. Johnson and Thompson are the two kids of the group.

“I think for these two guys who are 95 years old, it is the social event of their life. The exercise keeps them going,” said Thompson.

Bill Slover, retired from General Motors, is one of the 95-year-old guys. The other 95-year-old is Charlie Jaap, a Korean War veteran, and jet pilot. They have been playing on this Fairfield Glade course for more than 30 years.

“This was the first hole we built on the Heatherhurst course in 1988. Charlie lived across the water here in one of the first houses, right Charlie?” said Jeff Houston, golf director. He went on to explain how in 1991, Jaap used to swim across the lake.

Today, Jaap and his buddies whip around the Heatherhurst course in powerful golf carts, no walking or swimming for them.

“We are very fortunate at Fairfield, Jeff runs a good show and the courses are beautiful. We go other places and the courses just aren’t as nice,” said Ken Edwards, Fairfield Glade resident.

Whether you’re a highly experienced golfer or are brand new to the game, everyone will agree that the golf course can be an incredibly sociable place to spend some much-needed downtime.

“Well, I think of these guys as my father,” said Thompson.

Back on the course, Edwards attempted a 12-foot putt. To keep them motivated, these guys play for ‘big’ money, it’s called skins.

“We play big money games as you can tell. If you are really playing badly, you could lose a buck and a half,” said Edwards.

“A wonderful bunch to play with. Even though your game goes down the toilet, it is still fun,” said Jaap.

“They’ll still take money from you,” added Johnson.

Jaap replied, “They take money from you and they have not refused that.”

Golf brings like-minded people together, enabling the development of lasting friendships. To find a man’s true character, play golf.

“Oh, I enjoy it. A couple of guys wanted to quit because their game had gone south. But we enjoy the camaraderie. The game is kind of secondary,” said Edwards.

The men will be back on the green next Monday, bright and early, at 7 a.m.

“Oh, it’s wonderful. We have a lot of fun and a lot of camaraderie,” said Slover.

The good thing about golf, no matter your score, the real champions are those who make great friendships along the way. By the way, Edwards won the skins game, he shot a 79. Par is 72, and Edwards is 86.

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