Head coach Tim Baldwin and the Lions golf team were present during their Seventh Annual Kickoff Scramble on Friday, Aug. 26. The four-person scramble was a fundraiser for Lions Athletics, sponsored by First Guaranty Bank.

First Guaranty Bank was the title sponsor, but other sponsors included North Oaks Health System, Hampton Inn, Hammond Daily Star, La Carreta Restaurant and many more. Baldwin spoke of the event’s success in recent years, marking it as a popular event for both Southeastern Athletics and the local community.

“It’s a fundraiser for all of the athletic programs, both men and women. We’re anticipating 92 players,” said Baldwin. “My golf team will be on about five or six holes, hitting shots, and to assist the teams as they are playing through the day.”

Out on the greens of Carter Plantation were not only Baldwin and his team but also Southeastern Alumni, business leaders of Hammond and Assistant Athletics Director for Media Relations Matt Sullivan. Sullivan was quick to deem Baldwin as one of the event’s key coordinators and an excellent coaching connoisseur.

“Tim has been here since the mid 80s; the job he has done and work has been exceptional,” said Sullivan. “He has a program that’s ranked in the top 50. He’s done it the right way, kids graduate and some go on to play on pro tours.”

Under Baldwin’s leadership, Southeastern has seen 42 All-Conference players and has acquired a 64 percent winning percentage under his tenure. Internationally, Baldwin brought the United States a victory at the 2000 World Junior Golf Team Championship in Kobe, Japan.

Carter Plantation is located in Springfield, Louisiana, which first opened in 2003. The General Manager, Andy Loving explained that Carter Plantation’s rich history and serene scenery attracts many players.

“Carter Plantation is the first signature golf course by David Toms,” said Loving. “We’re proud to be associated with his name: local guy, played for LSU and PGA Championship winner. Carter Plantation is a championship golf course that plays a little over 7,000 yards. We have four to five sets of tees so it’s very playable for everybody and one of the things we pride ourselves on is the condition of the golf course.”

Loving also explained the layout of the course was created by Toms, who was the 2001 PGA Champion and US Ryder Cup team member in 2006, that integrates the surrounding live oaks, an upland pine forest and cypress wetland.

For more information on Carter Plantation or its available amenities call (225)-294-7555 or go online at www.carterplantation.com/.