Alexandria, LA – For Carl and Bill Carstens, life has always been about precision, patience, and shared experiences, whether on the golf course or in the jewelry store. The father and son team behind Schnack’s Fine Jewelry in Alexandria have spent decades crafting more than just fine jewelry. They have built a bond through their work, their family, and a shared passion for golf.
Carl Carstens, who has been swinging clubs for 85 years, sees golf as “an enjoyable and challenging hobby” that keeps him active and connected. His son, Bill, describes golf as a way to spend meaningful time with his father and friends. For the Carstens family, the game is more than a pastime. It is a tradition that spans generations, with Carl’s parents, Bill’s children, and even nieces and nephews sharing in rounds on local courses.
Their first round together remains a cherished memory. At Natchitoches Country Club, a shotgun start had them on the second hole, facing a 350-yard fairway with water and out-of-bounds lurking. Bill, nervous and shaking, sent his first shot out of bounds and the second into the pond. Carl calmly followed, hitting a precise 7-iron to 30 feet and sinking it, helping them shoot 69-68 and win first flight. “Boy, I thought this would be easy!” Bill recalled with a laugh.
Over the years, the Carstens have played courses from Oakwing to Pebble Beach, collecting memories more than trophies. Carl, now 95, continues to enjoy the game three times a week, with Bill describing his father’s play as “inspiring and amazing.” Golf, he says, teaches honesty, patience, and perseverance. “Cheaters never win in the end,” Bill reflects, a lesson he values both on and off the course.
Golf is also a natural extension of the Carstens’ life in jewelry. Bill grew up traveling to shows with his parents, learning the craft, and now cherishes finding or creating the perfect piece for a client. Like golf, it is about attention to detail, patience, and the joy of shared experiences.
For Carl, the game has evolved with technology and longer distances, but the joy remains the same. He hopes for that “good shot” every time he steps on the course. His proudest moments include making two hole-in-ones at Streamsong. Yet, when asked who is the better golfer, Bill says with a grin, “Show me someone better than a 95-year-old gentleman who plays three times a week. Not me.” Carl simply replies that his son is better, a gentle nod to their lifelong connection.
From fairways to fine gems, Carl and Bill Carstens have crafted a life defined by passion, dedication, and family. Their story is a reminder that the most meaningful victories are the memories made along the way.
About the LGA
The Louisiana Golf Association (LGA) is a mission-driven organization dedicated to unifying the golf community across Louisiana. Since its inception in 1920, the LGA has expanded its scope to offer a variety of championships, including the Junior Amateur Championship and the Louisiana Junior Golf Tour. The LGA is committed to providing exceptional services in Championship Administration, USGA Handicap System oversight, and Rules of Golf authority, ensuring fair play and integrity throughout the state.
The LGA supports golfers of all levels through its Course Measuring and Rating services, comprehensive tournament management, and educational seminars on the Rules of Golf and Amateur Status. By partnering with entities like the Audubon Golf Trail and Gulf States PGA, the LGA fosters growth and inclusivity in the sport.
As the authoritative body for amateur golf in Louisiana, the LGA maintains the WHS Handicap Index, crucial for assessing individual performance, and continues to uphold the game’s traditions and values. For more information, visit LGA.org or contact us at 337-265-3938.
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