WESSON — Ed Norwood could be known as Dr. Golf. The 85-year-oldhas an unquenchable, enthusiastic spirit for the game of golf, plusa wealth of knowledge which he willingly shares with whoever hecomes in contact.

Probably best known as Mr. Ed, he has become a fixture at theWolf Hollow Golf Club’s pro shop. He also is an institution at theBrookhaven Country Club, volunteering countless hours of communityservice and promotion of the game since 1948.

Naturally, a golf tournament named in his honor, The Norwood Cup,is appropriate. The Norwood Cup, featuring two 20-member teams,will take place Saturday at the Wolf Hollow Golf Club, located onthe Copiah-Lincoln Community College campus.

It’s a 27-hole format, open to club members and non members.Honorary captains are Alton Greenlee and Tony McInnis. Matches willbe paired according to handicap. There will be no agedivisions.

Action begins that morning at 9 o’clock. The first 18 holes willfeature simultaneous 4-ball and individual matches. The 9-holeafternoon finale will be alternate shot competition. The entry feeis $80 for members and $100 for prospective members. It includes aFriday night dinner and banquet for each player and their guest,plus plaques and prizes for the winning team.

“Mr. Ed has a great knowlege of golf,” said Ross, a certified PGAprofessioinal. “He can spot slips in your golf swing and help youout when you’re struggling.”

Most importantly, Ross said, Norwood is an ambassador for the gameof golf. “He is great for business. He makes everyone who comesthrough that door feel welcome.”

Looking back on his early days in golf, Norwood said he relished hememories of conducting youth golf clinics in Brookhaven. “You startyoungsters playing golf at an early age. You can play golf yourwhole life.”

Norwood still remembers his early days at Wolf Hollow, then knownas the 9-hole Co-Lin Golf Club in the 1970s. He volunteered to workat the pro shop, helping Ricky McInnis and Greenlee.

“I met a lot of people and made some good friends,” said Norwood.”I’ve been a great big supporter of Co-Lin golf for manyyears.”

For Norwood, golf is a way of life, shaping character and attitude.”Golf is a big part of society. It’s a lot of opportunity foryoungsters, too.”

Asked about his teaching skills, Norwood admitted, “I’m no pro butI can teach it and see the little things that affect yourswing.”

Dealing with the public is his forte. “You have to be a diplomatwhen you deal with people,” said Norwood. “I will know your name ifyou come through the Wolf Hollow doors twice. People are amazedwhen I remember their names.”

Norwood believes area golf courses can benefit from mutual support.He said members from each club should be hospitable and makevisitors feel welcome. “You always are looking for newmembers.”

He and his wife, Bess, have two daughters, Beverly Redd and DebraStrong. They have 8 grandchildren and 8 grandchildren.