Jim Gardner possesses two demeanors – his on course one and his off course one. Never shall the two collide.

 On the course, Gradner is stoic and focused and intense. Off the course, he is laid-back, humble and reflective.

 Both of them serve him well.

 On Sunday at Lebanon Valley Golf Course, it was Gardner’s personality which helped him capture the title at the 61st annual Lebanon County Amateur Championship. It was the fourth of Gardner’s prestigious local amateur golf career.

 Gardner fired a final-round, even-par score of 71, that coupled with his first-round score of 63, gave him a total of 134, which was four shots better than the rest of the field. Gardner’s second round included five birdies, five bogeys and eight pars.

 Over the weekend, Gardner established a couple of new Lebanon County Amateur records. His opening round score of 63 on Saturday was the lowest ever posted in county amateur competition, and his two-round total of 134, or eight-under par, was also a new record for the event.

 Gardner’s four Lebanon County Amateur championships is a total only surpassed by the legendary Bob Page.

 – Jeff Falk