News Summary
Stephen Behr Sr., the long-time Head Golf Professional at the Florence Country Club, has announced his retirement after an impressive 40-year career in golf. Behr, who has spent 29 years at the club, is relocating to be closer to family. His contributions to the sport, including fostering junior golf, have been widely recognized, culminating in a resolution from the South Carolina General Assembly honoring his impact. As he steps away, Behr leaves behind a legacy of commitment to the golfing community in Florence.
Florence Announces Retirement of Longtime Golf Pro
Florence, SC – Stephen Behr Sr., the esteemed Head Golf Professional at the Florence Country Club, has announced his retirement after more than four decades in the golf industry, with the last 29 years spent at the Florence Country Club. Behr’s decision to retire comes after deliberation, driven by a desire to move closer to family, particularly his daughter residing in Lexington.
Behr plans to relocate in approximately a month and a half, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in the golfing community. His son, Stephen Behr Jr., a standout golfer from West Florence High and Clemson University, currently lives in Atlanta and forms part of the family move consideration.
A Celebrated Career
With a career spanning more than 40 years, Behr’s contributions to the sport have been recognized on multiple levels. In April, the South Carolina General Assembly honored him with a House Resolution that acknowledged his significant impact on golf in the state.
Throughout his golfing tenure, Behr achieved considerable milestones. He was twice crowned the South Carolina Junior PGA Champion in 1975 and 1977 and clinched the South Carolina individual championship in both 1975 and 1978. His prowess on the golf course extended into college; he was named a first-team high school All-American in 1978 and was a four-time MVP for the College of Charleston men’s golf team from 1978 to 1981.
Impact on Junior Golf
Behr has played a pivotal role in fostering junior golf at Florence Country Club. Under his guidance, the club developed a robust junior golf program that now features the Grant Bennett Florence Junior Invitational, a major event in South Carolina junior golf. Recent tournaments showcased young talents, such as Greer’s Brennan Kelly, who led the first round of the 74th Invitational with an impressive score of 5-under through 17 holes.
However, challenges such as adverse weather conditions affected player performances during the tournament, showcasing the unpredictability of outdoor sports. In the context of his retirement, Behr reflects on the joy of witnessing his son’s growth and potential in golf, highlighting personal as well as professional achievements.
A Legacy of Commitment
As Behr prepares for this new chapter in his life, he expresses mixed emotions, acknowledging the bittersweet nature of retirement. He has conveyed gratitude to key figures within the community, including Representative Jay Jordan, who played a significant role in advancing the resolution honoring his career. Through more than four decades, Behr has not only made notable contributions to golf but has also cultivated a sense of community and commitment among golfers in the Pee Dee and Lowcountry regions.
As the Florence Country Club transitions to a new era without Behr, the legacy of his dedication and service to golfing will endure, encouraging the next generation to take up the sport that has shaped so much of his life.
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