Golfers put down clubs, pick up hammers

When the Fair Oaks Ranch Golf Course is closed on Mondays, a group of golfers roll up their sleeves, put on their carpenter belts and swing hammers instead of irons.

And instead of worrying about handicaps on their score cards, the members of Golfers Fore Others – a group of about 15 Fair Oaks Ranch golf club members — build handicapped ramps for needy members of the community.

“All 15 of us are retired, we all have grandchildren, and we’ll have 6-8 guys available for a particular Monday,” said Fred Martin, the group’s founder. “I send an email out on Tuesdays asking, ‘Who’s available next Monday?’” Now in its 22nd year, Golfers Fore Others provides free home repair and renovations for low-income homeowners.