(WPDE) — Dr. Gregory McCord is now the author of two books, titled “Augusta Municipal Golf Course: The Patch” and “The Cabbage Patch Kid.”
McCord has nearly 30 years in education, working as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent.
He felt a need to continue to help motivate and inspire children.
“It was important for me to do something more than what I was doing; I’ve been enjoying myself in the semi-retired life. I’ve had some opportunities to explore different avenues of work in Florence One Schools. And part of that has been around elementary-age students. And I can’t tell you how much joy it brings me to be around elementary students, but also knowing that there are some ways that I can contribute to helping make sure that our kids are getting the type of conversations that they need to be successful in life. And so, I thought about how I can best do that. And writing a book has given me another chance to be involved in young people’s lives.”
“The Cabbage Patch Kid” tells the inspiring, true-to-life story of McCord’s life, growing up in Augusta, Georgia.
He said he discovered his purpose and discipline on the local municipal golf course known as “The Patch.”
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He said he was raised by a strong, loving mother in humble beginnings and learned early lessons about hard work, respect, and perseverance.
“I come from a single-parent home. I lived in 14 different government-assisted housing developments. During my time growing up. And so, I wouldn’t be the candidate that most would think would go off to get a golf scholarship and graduate from college. And it happened. It happened because of the golf community. The Cabbage Patch, the people there were amazing. The things that I learned there helped me understand that my life might be different in some ways, but it’s the same in a lot of ways. And I would not have had that. Had it not been for the game of golf.”
He added that a chance encounter with the course manager, Mr. Douglas, enabled him to trade “mischief for mentorship,” and he began working at the golf course.
McCord said he was unaware that it would shape his entire future.
“I think about what helped change me and helped change the trajectory of life for me. And that’s the game of golf. Now, when you talk about golf with someone who looks like me is kind of unseen and unheard, that this is something that’s available. And so having a chance to tell my story and share it with young people gives them yet more exposure or some exposure that’s going to give them the light bulb that comes on that says, hey, this is something that I want to pursue.”
He said both books reflect how he discovered that golf is more than a game, but a “teacher of patience, focus, integrity, and resilience.”
“Golf is a part of me every day. I think my time in Augusta. Really, when I think about Augusta, because we moved so much, I don’t really have a place that I can genuinely call a neighborhood home. The Patch is what I call home because I can walk in any time, any day. And I know everyone who’s there and everyone there knows me. That was again, just afforded to me. Just because of circumstances. And that’s in the book. Without revealing too much, you have to read the book to see how it came about. But it’s a very unlikely story with a very positive ending, one that has allowed me to share, more and more every day.”
McCord plans to have a book signing next Saturday, Jan. 10, at Lil Jazzi’s Cafe from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. on 163 North Dargan Street in Florence, as well as golfing events for youngsters.
He said he and the Golf Pro Mike Porter at Traces Golf Course plan to hold several golfing events for children in the community.
“This is another extension. Again, I’m just happy that Florence One has given me the chance to be around so many young people at the elementary level. I’m a high school person. Background has always been secondary. But because of the likes of schools like Savannah Grove, Greenwood, and Wallace Gregg. I just see so many young people who have so much life and energy that remind me so much of what I was like when I was their ages. And I said, ‘Hey, this is how I can give back to them and continue to do what I enjoy most,’ and that is serve young people. ”
