By Mike London
mike.london@salisburypost.com

CHINA GROVE — Everyone gets that perfect Christmas gift at some point.

For Carson senior Patrick Street it came early, at age 3.

“A set of Snoopy golf clubs,” said Street, grinning at the memory. “Golf has been my favorite sport since then.”

For the record, the Peanuts Snoopy Junior Golf Club set contains three clubs — driver, iron and putter. Those clubs are accompanied by  a colorful miniature golf bag, tees and balls.

That was enough to get Street started. Now he’s taken golf to the point where he’s proficient enough to play in college. He’ll continue his education and athletic career at Pfeiffer. He’ll probably major in business.

The opportunity for Street to be part of the Pfeiffer golf team came about in early January. His friend Parker Chavis, a senior standout at South Rowan, also is headed to Pfeiffer.

Pfeiffer coach David Gianferante has put together a strong program. In September, Pfeiffer won the King Invitational in Bristol, Tenn., the program’s first victory in six seasons.

The Falcons compete in about 10 matches per school year, with the schedule split between the fall and spring. The upcoming Pfeiffer Invitational will be played at the Tillery Tradition Country Club in Mount Gilead.

Pfeiffer will begin a transition period from Division II to Division III athletics next fall.

“They’ve got a practice facility at the school for chipping and putting,” Street said. “I liked the coaches and it’s a strong program. They’ve got four seniors, so there will be some opportunities for freshmen next fall.”

Street’s senior season with Carson is upcoming.

His junior season was successful, as he earned All-Rowan County and All-South Piedmont Conference accolades.

His low round is a 70 at McCanless, but he believes the best round he’s played came in last spring’s Rowan County Championships at Warrior Golf Club.

“I was playing with (East Rowan star) Nick Lyerly and Parker Chavis, and I shot a 73 with my mom there,” Street said. “I wasn’t playing that great, but then I started making a lot of putts.”

Street made a string of impressive birdies on No. 17, No. 18 and No. 1 and finished tied for third with Lyerly.

That was no accident. Putting is Street’s strong suit. He says it’s in the genes, that his father is a great putter.

“Driving the ball is the weakest part of game right now,” Street said. “I can hit it a mile, but it doesn’t always go where I want it to.”