The Ball Whackers

The Ball Whacker History

Ball Whackers….a name that was created for the average golfer who ranges from low to high handicapper.  

It started 22 years ago when a small group of 3-4 co-workers developed a friendship for the game.  Playing local course and within a year as the scores dropped then adventure for different courses took over. Traveling as far as San Diego to Northern Ca. 

But one day, 21 years ago, a weekend trip was developed to hit the lights of Las Vegas. It was summer, room rates and food were inexpensive, and golf was very cheap on pristine courses.  So the weekend plan was 2 rounds a day for two days.  We played for best scores and who was the winner over the weekend. The first players were Rob Landers (Scrambler), Mike Rugley (Scout), Brian Smith (my step son), and The Commish. 

Within the next year the stories from that first outing were history and others started to get the BUG. The following year we added to the player count. More stories,  more golf. The weekend turned into three days with two rounds per day. The following year more players more golf. Four days of golf, two round per day. 

Then someone in Las Vegas told us, “if you like playing here, you will love Mesquite golf”.  The following year a round was added in mesquite.  A few years of playing Las Vegas and Mesquite, someone in Mesquite told us, “if you like playing here, you will love St George Utah golf”.  The following year a round was added in St George. 

But we realized 2 rounds a day, back to the hotels after golf and the sprits flowing that 2 rounds a day were tough not only on the game but bodies. So as the years came the 2 rounds a day were reduced till one round a day. But to make up for the loss of the golf we added another day making the Ball Whackers a 5 day event.  Now “practice” rounds are added. Today the week consists of 7 days of golf.

Golf the game started the Ball Whackers. But the friendships developed, the fun of competition, the group stories, is what continues the tradition to this day.  

– Bob Eakins