Everleigh Baxley, left, and her mother Allysa Baxley, right, show off their prize bag after Everleigh found a specially marked golf ball during the April 9, 2022, Easter Egg and Golf Ball Hunt at the Palmetto Greens Miniature Golf. Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation staff hid 400 eggs filled with candy and toys along with 14 specially marked golf balls. (Photo Credit: Alexandra Shea)

An egg-cellent day for a hunt

By Alexandra Shea, Fort Jackson Public Affairs

Saturday afternoon’s chilly winds didn’t stop more than 35 Fort Jackson Soldiers and their Family members from getting their hunt on at the Palmetto Greens Miniature Golf.

Kids and parents alike scoured the greens in search of eggs and specially marked golf balls.

“The golf balls have a star on them,” said Kristin Roth, business manager of the Solomon Center. “We filled eggs with candy but if they found a golf ball they got a special prize.”

It didn’t take long for the elusive starred golf balls to be found and prize bags to be claimed. Everleigh Baxley, 3-years-old, and Brianna Comins, 12, both received bags full of goodies after finding prize winning golf balls.

“We found out about the egg hunt on Facebook and came out,” said Allysa Baxley, Everleigh and Brianna’s mother. “They each got a prize and were excited. They had a blast.”

Attendees of all ages were treated to cupcakes and boxes of treats in addition to their finds on the mini greens. Roth and her assistants manned tables where the treats and prizes were handed out.

The hunt returned this year after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions and precautions.

“This is probably our fourth of fifth hunt,” Roth said. “We do this every year for Easter to give something different to the community. Hunting golf balls gets them familiar with the golf course.”

Roth said her and her staff hid 400 candy and toy filled eggs and 14 of the marked golf balls.

Squeals of delight erupted from the course as the last golf ball was found and prize bag claimed. Goodies found in the bags included play-dough, slime, coloring books, pool inflatables, and board games.

“Thanks to everyone for coming out,” Roth said. “It was a blustery day.”