Golfers learning game without breaking bank

Jul 1, 2009 — Aiken Standard

Noah Feit

Jul. 1, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Every time a child took a swing during the Aiken Hook a Kid on Golf clinic Tuesday, it was a can't-miss situation. Although many of the balls struck didn't end up at their intended targets, the fact that many kids had the opportunity to learn and play golf was better than if they each hit a hole-in-one.

"They're having fun and being introduced to golf," said Joseph Spencer, president of the Aiken Junior Sports Association, which is running Aiken Hook a Kid on Golf for the eighth year. "Our emphasis is on giving a broad range of skills, not creating great college golfers."

The program was designed to offer children from ages 8 to 14 the opportunity to learn how to play golf. In eight years, the program has grown from approximately 50 kids participating to 240. Although the clinics are open to all, they were created especially for youngsters who otherwise wouldn't have the chance to play.

"We address an area for kids who aren't country club members," Spencer said of the clinics, which are held at area country clubs. "We aim the program toward kids who won't get the experience to play golf."

Apart from the opportunity to play at participating clubs (Palmetto Golf Club, The Golf Club at Cedar Creek, Woodside Plantation Country Club, The Reserve Club at Woodside and Houndslake Country Club), the best part of the clinics is the

affordable price. For a fee of $50, participants are provided with clubs (putter, driver, 9-iron/wedge, 5/6-iron and 7/8-iron), bag, balls, tees, bag tag, shirt, hat and a rule book.

"The actual cost is $140 per child," Spencer said of the program that is financially supported by the City of Aiken, civic clubs, the business community, individuals, the golf clubs as well as members. "The whole program costs about $28,000."

Since the program targets youngsters who don't have the opportunity to play golf, it offers financial support to those in need. The AJSA offers scholarships, and Spencer said approximately 10 to 15 percent of this summer's participants have received full scholarships.

"We don't want any kid not to participate because of financial reasons," he said.

This summer, the AJSA will offer six golf clinics in addition to a croquet program. The golf clinics are primarily for beginners, with five of them referred to as Tee Level. The Tee Level clinics focus on learning the fundamentals of golf, such as putting, chipping and full shots.

"Our biggest emphasis is on safety," Spencer said. "We teach the basics of hitting and swinging."

Whereas the Tee Level is primarily focused on instruction, the sixth golf clinic, known as the Green Level, is more about playing. The Green Level is for players who have golf experience or have previously participated in a Tee Level clinic. Participants learn the importance of the basic rules, etiquette and course management techniques needed to be successful on the golf course.

"We want to teach technique and etiquette," Spencer said. "Golf has so many good lessons, and it's something you can play for the rest of your life."

The program tries to teach its participants life lessons in addition to the fundamentals of golf. Each of the five-day clinics includes special programs that focus on issues such as nutrition, seat belt safety and the dangers of abusing tobacco, alcohol and drugs, among others. The programs feature speakers from the Aiken Center for Alcohol and Drug Services, the Tri-Development Center and the Aiken Department of Public Safety and its canine support teams.

"On and off the course we're teaching character and respect," Spencer said. "These special programs are an opportunity to help kids transition to their teenage years. We reinforce the messages of taking care of yourself, working hard and getting an education.

"It's a fun program and provides great satisfaction. We're teaching them a message and creating an opportunity for kids to play golf."

Contact Noah Feit at nfeit@aikenstandard.com.

BREAKOUT

Although this summer's remaining Aiken Hook a Kid on Golf clinics are full, applications for next summer's programs are available at www.aikenjuniorsports.org.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0324-36146566