b'GOLF ALASKAwill come in after the round and have a beer or some snacks to talk golf or just get to know each other, Collum says. I couldnt wait to get back to Alaska because it was a different feel. They play and socialize with each other. Ive been around and played golf in a lot of places, but Ive never seen anything like Alaska. This is the most social golf scene Ive ever seen.Collum continues to build upon that social scene by offering opportunities for the next generation to take up golf and become enamored by what makes the game so great. Through the Palmer Invitational, held every year at the end of July and drawing professionals and top amateurs from within and outside Alaska, the golf course puts on a free clinic for all kids that want to participate. At the Palmer Invitational we do the free kids clinic on the dayAbove: George Collum (middle) handed out the hardware before the event, and Jason Kimmel from Peppercinis Cateringlast July at the Palmer Invitational, with Beau Forrest (left) caters the event, Collum says. We give the kids a hat, and theywinning the amateur division, and former PGA TOUR player get a couple hours on the driving range or the putting green withRyan Hietala (right) taking the pro division. Forrest and Collum had teamed up last summer to tie for first in the the professionals and some of the top amateurs in the state. TheState Farm Skins Game held at Birch Ridge GC in Soldotna. first year we did it we had 100 kids. That was always one of my big things about the Palmer Invitationalhere is a great vehicle forBelow: Every year for the past six years, Palmer GC has introducing the game to a lot of kids, maybe to a lot of kids whoplayed host to a U.S. Open local qualifier, and will again would have never considered golf. this year on May 19. Pictured is the 570-yard par-5 third As customers begin to arrive for Christmas shopping, Georgeshole, looking out towards the Chugach Mountains. attention turns back to being golf course manager. While helping patrons shop for the golfers in their life, he leaves us with a motto that seems to be ingrained into the DNA of anyone who lives or visits our beautiful state.Youll never forget Alaska.8 GOLF ALASKA| MAR 2025'