Host helps golfer with treatment
Cole Anderson was 1,600 miles away from his home in Camden, Maine, on Tuesday when he had an allergic reaction after being bitten by a fire ant.
Anderson, an 18-yearold incoming freshman at Florida State University, said he knew something was amiss when he reached the fourth hole of his practice round for the 113th Southern Amateur Championship at Chenal Country Club with Seminoles teammate Greyson Porter.
“I was starting to break out in hives around my waist, and my ears were flaming hot,” Anderson said, telling Porter that he could not continue. “Look, I’ve got to go get this checked out.”
Anderson, one of 59 players staying at the homes of Chenal Country Club members, was taken to Baptist Health Medical Center by Ginger King, one of his hosts.
Anderson was treated and released, and King was able to speak with Anderson’s mom, Tia, who was concerned about her son’s condition but couldn’t do much about it from Maine.
“They talked a decent amount,” Anderson said of his mother and King. “I’m sure she was concerned, but she knows the deal.”
Anderson, who is allergic to nuts, recovered quickly, made his opening-round tee time at 8:30 Wednesday morning and managed to shoot an even-par 71.
He came back with a 1-over 72 on Thursday afternoon to make the cut for the tournament’s final two rounds.
Staying with the
King family instead of a hotel room is something Anderson is enjoying.
“It’s sweet, it’s perfect,” Anderson said of staying with the Kings, who live just off the ninth fairway of Chenal’s Bear Den course. “I just walked over this morning. It’s cool, getting to meet new people.”
Host families become instant fans of the players, who come from all over the world to compete in amateur golf tournaments like the Southern Amateur.
All nine of the Australians in this week’s tournament are staying with host families.
“They do become part of the family,” said Janinne Riggs, the volunteer in charge with placing players, just as she did in 2012 when Chenal previously hosted this tournament at Bear Den.
Not all of the families who hosted seven years ago are participating now, but Chenal member Matt Morrison said the relationships built in 2012 are still fresh in his mind.
One of the players the Morrison family hosted in 2012, Australian Antonio Murdaca, played in the Masters Tournament in 2015.
Morrison said he followed closely on the internet.
“Oh, my gosh,” Morrison said of the attachment felt by the host families.
Riggs said it can take gentle prodding to get families on board, but every player who requested private housing has been given a place to stay, and she’s proud of the response from club members.
“They scatter when I come into the club,” she said. “They know what I’m going to ask. But I really think it’s in jest.”