news-record.com

When Chris Graney worked in construction in High Point and then at the newly remodeled Putt Putt Golf Course on North Main, he had no idea he would still be here as the general manager in 2008.

When Graney took that first job at Putt Putt, he was a junior at High Point College. He remembers Putt Putt used to be in the old Kmart lot. Today, a North State communications building is in that spot.

"In the '80s, Putt Putt was located at the end of town. It was a turn-around spot for cruisers," Graney says. "We were a favorite spot for high schoolers then. We have since evolved into a family oriented recreation spot. We strive to provide good clean, wholesome fun. People come here to have a good time."

Graney's son, Matthew, visited Putt Putt when he was only 10 days old. Today he is 14 and sometimes works there to earn spending money.

Graney is from New Jersey and just returned from visiting family there. "I just adapted to the southern way of life," he says, "and stayed on."

Paul Hengeveld has been working as a shift leader at Putt Putt. When he was a freshman at High Point Central High School, his physical education class came to Putt Putt for gym. He applied for a part-time job and has been there ever since -- about seven years. Two changes he has noticed are the changes in many of the games and the new carpet that is frequently put on the golf course.

"We have games for all ages," Hengeveld says. "The most popular games today are Deal or No Deal, Jumping Jackpot, Aliens' Extermination and Young Tuck's Racing. We try to create a friendly environment so that people will have a good time and want to come back."

Sydney Davis, 12, and sister Megan, 10, have been coming to Putt Putt with mom Teresa Davis for years. They enjoy the games, and their favorite is Dance Dance Revolution, Super Nova.

Randy Carter has been playing Putt Putt since the early '70s and working at the course since 1982.

Carter is in charge of the Thursday night tournaments, which usually average 12 to 15 players who return every week. Some participants come from Burlington, Asheboro and as far away as Concord. The men and women keep score and are grouped each week based on the previous week's score. They also invite new players each week and help them learn the peculiarities of each hole.

"Each hole has a different shot. It is helpful to have experienced players make suggestions," Carter says.

"I have been playing since '72," Carter says. "First as a junior, than as an amateur, and now as a professional. Several of the golfers here travel all over and play in tournaments. Our Thursday tournaments are a way for them to keep their game in sync. We enjoy the camaraderie and love to have new people coming in. More people make for better competition. We have people in their early 20s up to 76 years old."

Ray Guthrie worked at Putt Putt when he was 14. He started coming to Super Saturday and is still playing.

"I like the family environment," Guthrie says. "I've been coming for 10 to 12 years now. It's good exercise. I look at it as a hobby."

Don Thompson, in his 70s, has been playing since 1983. He is an accountant and says playing Putt Putt is very relaxing. He sometimes plays six times a week and usually averages 7 to 10 strokes under par.

Jimmy Comer has been playing since '91. "The game is relaxing and helps you forget your problems."

Vanette Block played when she was a kid and started back about three years ago. She plays in the Thursday tournaments. "The people are fun and the competition is friendly."

"I enjoy being outside. It is good exercise. We do need more ladies participating. So ladies, come on out," Block says.

If you have questions about the Thursday tournaments, contact Randy Carter at 869-4273.

You can check the tournament scores at www.mydogghouse.com.

Many of the players traveled to Martinez, Ga., in July to participate in a tournament. They will also be playing in the Southern Putters Tournament Oct. 4 and 5 in Winston-Salem.

Putt Putt still has Super Saturday like Ray Guthrie participated in when he was a teen. Every Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., players get unlimited game tokens and Putt Putt passes, plus a slice of pizza and a drink, all for $6.

For information, contact Putt Putt, 2418 N. Main St., High Point, 869-4273.

Contact Kathy Johnson at mjohnson2@triad.rr.com