Students who might be yearning to head to the greens but find themselves short of cash are in for a treat. Carter Plantation, a country club located at 23475 Carter Trace in Springfield, La., has decided to extend special benefits to Southeastern students.

Carter Plantation is now offering student memberships for $400 on a semester basis. This is a drastic reduction of over 50 percent of the regular membership fees, which are $2,200. In addition to this, student members will have to pay a small cart fee of $13 that will include the use of unlimited range balls.

This new program is the brain-child of recent Southeastern graduate, current Carter Plantation employee and golfing enthusiast Wesley Ladner, who graduated with a general studies degree in the fall of 2010. After completing his degree, Ladner wanted to give something back to the college and golfing communities and this was the result.

“There were many times when I would be sitting in class and hear about students who wanted to play golf and it was just so expensive on a college budget,” said Ladner. “So now that I’m here at [Carter Plantation] I figured that we could come up with a student rate.”

Further student benefits will include student access to exclusive Carter Plantation golfing merchandise and guest privileges at twilight rates. These special guest rates consist of Monday through Thursday rates at $40 and weekend rates at $49.

Students will have access to Carter Plantation’s full driving range, short game area, two putting greens and staff of professionals who are willing and able to assist members in all of their golf related needs.

Although the semester option is available, Carter Plantation has an annual plan in the works. The company also plans to offer student competitions in the near future.

In the past, the Southeastern golf team has held practices and tournaments at the location. The course is among the top five in the state, according to Ladner.

In light of his program, Ladner offered a few words of encouragement for students who might be interested in picking up the game.

“Golf is something you can play forever. It helps to keep you healthy. For many of the older members out here, golf is something that has kept them going.”

For more information, students may contact Carter Plantation at 225-294-7555.