The Rains Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to the principles championed by Lyndon Rains: scholarship, athleticism, physical vigor, sportsmanship, commerce, entrepreneurship. Inspired by the overwhelming response in donations for a Memorial Scholarship Fund, the family was moved to create the Foundation. 501(c)(3) status has been applied for and legal counsel sees no obstacle to the granting of the tax status that would allow deductibility for donations to the Foundation. Among the projects under consideration by the Foundation are:
- Graduation scholarships for after-high school education in each of the counties in which Lyndon's business operated as well as Pickett County where he was raised.
- A Summer Golf Academy for youngsters to teach principles of athleticism, scholarship, and sportsmanship, self-reliance. An experienced youth golf coach has agreed to head this project.
- Memorial Charity golf tournaments to be held in conjunction with the Golf Academy.
- Tuition help for qualified students who take dual credit courses, that is, college courses taken for credit while still in high school from such institutions as Roane State Community College.
- The Foundation will be continuously seeking new and varied projects consistent with the principles espoused by the Foundation.
All contributors will be kept informed of the work and status of the Foundation.
Why do we play Golf? The game of golf provides the greatest competition in all of sports- it pits the player against themselves. Its challenge is a challenge of perfection on every shot and every shot creates a memory to compare the next shot with. Our brain retains every effort, every success, and every failure only to recall them whenever a new challenge occurs.
Why do golfers Love the game? The game entices the beginner with small successes and gives hope of perfection on every shot. See it plays on short term memory of both success and failure as one successful shot cradles us like a warm blanket and failures are easily blamed on other elements such as Mother Nature.
Why do golfers hate the game? Patience is the evil doer, the game requires it. If you are not a patient person, then this game tortures you. It requires focus and waiting, it requires calmness and calculation. Emotional reaction is your enemy and your friend.
What does the game teach us? The game is complete with standards and rules, it requires etiquette and discipline. The history of the game dictates appropriate dress and style. Certain behavior is scrutinized and honesty is desired. The rules are self monitored and self enforced. Honor is attained and glory achieved, not only by the success we might have but most importantly how we respond to failure.
Why do some golfers become expert and others settle for mediocrity? Golf is a game for all ages, abilities, and desires. It is fierce competition for some and escapism for others. It provides social interaction, yet breathes competition at every instance. Its rewards are self set to meet whatever goals each individual player sets for themselves. In other words, achievement is a target and the target moves to meet the desire of every player.
Finally, golf ignites the senses! Our eyes view the courses that we play within nature's beauty and our mind visualizes the perfect shot over and over again. Our ears hear natures sounds, but focus is drawn to the sound of a well struck shot or the fear from a shout of "FORE" from an opposite fairway. Our bodies feel the warmth of the sun, the coolness of the wind, but remember the vibration of a perfectly struck shot!
So, what is this game of golf? Golf is game that flexes to meet the desires of its players and offers rewards at every attempt to reach perfection.
