June 18, 2018 at 12:56 p.m.
Young golfers learn about the game at camp
Young golfers learn about the game at camp
Some youngsters just learning what it's like to hit the links learned that lesson on Friday when Mother Nature intervened.
Northwood Golf Club's five-day junior camp was supposed to conclude with a chipping and putting contest on the course's practice greens but as heavy thunderstorms rolled through the area camp instructors improvised, turning the clubhouse's Whipsaw Bar & Grill into a nine-hole miniature golf course.
"This is the first time we've had an indoor putting tournament, but they're happy, we're happy," said Carole Zierden, RHS junior varsity golf coach and long-time teacher at the camp.
Twelve kids, ranging in age from 8 to 17 took part in this year's camp in which the were introduced the basics of the game of golf.
"Monday we focused on just putting and golf course etiquette," explained Kyle Christian, first-year head professional at Northwood. "Tuesday was chipping. Wednesday was chipping as well as longer shots. Thursday we started teeing it up and hitting woods. Today it rained so we're inside doing a putting competition."
Zierden said the time for the camp makes sense as it leads into the seven-week junior golf league at Northwood. What's more, golf was already top-of-mind with the U.S. Open taking place - coverage of golf's second major was on the TVs in the Whipsaw Friday as the putting tournament took place.
"It's the first week they've got out of school, so before they get involved in all the other activities, it's something for them to do," Zierden said. "Hopefully they'll continue to come to the driving range, putt, chip and maybe play."
If the kids do that, it's a sure sign that they had fun during the camp, which Christian said was his top priority for the week, in which he hoped to help cultivate a new generation of golfers.
"We want them coming out here, having fun and knowing they're welcome to keep coming back and coming with their families and friends."
Junior golf will continue at Northwood throughout the summer with a pair of programs for children age 6-17. The Linksters program on Wednesdays will be tailored toward those players age 14-17 looking to improve their game for high school competition. A separate Little Linksters program will be held on Thursdays for age 6-13 which will build upon the fundamentals covered during the mini camp. Inquiries about these programs can be made by calling Northwood Golf Club at 715-282-6565, ext. 2.
Jeremy Mayo may be reached at [email protected].
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