Letter: Never too old

When you reach 76 and have been active in community and church life on Hilton Head Island, many of us would slow down. Not so with John Scott.

He had an idea that has become an integral part of Heritage week for 20 years. John felt we needed to invite a Christian pro golfer playing in the RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing to speak to an audience including high school athletes, Boys and Girls Club members and youth groups from throughout the area. They were to be joined by anyone who wanted to attend.

In 1996, John Scott called the clubhouse at Augusta National during the Masters (if you can imagine) and asked for a note to be placed on Tom Lehman’s locker, seeking a return call. Tom’s caddie received the note and thankfully called John. The rest is history.

Since then, PGA Tour golfers such as Lehman and, last year, South Carolina’s own Ben Martin, have spoken. This year Ben Crane will continue the tradition as our speaker at 7 a.m. on April 13 at the Sonesta Resort. Approximately 600 are expected to attend.

John Scott remained active with his beloved event, offering the benediction to conclude last year’s event. John died last summer at 95.

To honor John and his contribution to the youth of the area, his friends are initiating the “Sir” John Scott Memorial Award, to be given during the breakfast to a deserving senior chosen from area high schools.

John Scott proved you’re only as old as your ideas.

This story was originally published April 5, 2016 at 4:34 PM with the headline "Letter: Never too old."