OPINION: Why is Quixote Club sending business out of Sumter?

Quixote Club is coming to Sumter!

Wow! Congratulations to Gregg and Lewis Thompson. (Those two guys are the best.)

This club will put Sumter on the golf map with Myrtle Beach and other clubs around the state.

Even though it will be a "private club," players from around the state and country will be coming to Sumter, which will be of benefit to the club (city) and to the local economy of Sumter. It's always good to have people (guests) to visit Sumter from the surrounding areas and across the state, maybe other states.

It's a very good way to show off the advantages of living, working and playing golf in Sumter. Where else can you go in the middle of February with the temperatures in the 60s and 70s?

I came to Sumter in 1968 - played most of my golf at the old Pocalla Springs Golf Course. Really because it was close to my work at Campbell Soup. I decided to retire in Sumter (as most would say). I loved Sumter and the great people.

I really don't understand why the Quixote Club has a reciprocity agreement with golf clubs in Columbia and Florence for their members to play while Quixote is completed (one year). My question is, why send your members to play golf 50 miles away when Sumter has two of the best courses around? Lakewood and Beech Creek, both in tip top shape, with outstanding owners and management - Lakewood, Jimmy Huggins (owner), Jay Huggins (superintendent) and Kaye Huggins (staff) and Beech Creek, Ken Rosefield (owner).

My concern is I was under the impression to support your local businesses. Well these two courses are local businesses, who pay local taxes, same as your other local businesses. Why send business out of town? As a member of Lakewood since 1989 (31 years), it's in the best shape ever. Local businesses need local support!

Hope this doesn't offend any of my friends at Sunset, now Quixote.

Keep up the good work, Gregg and Lewis. Hope I can play your course one day!

SID G. McGHEE

Sumter