Junior golf lessons start today at Souris Valley.
The lessons will cover all phases of the game of golf from etiquette to rules to swinging the golf club. The lessons for kids age 5-12 will be at 8:30 a.m. until 10 a.m. The lessons for the boys and girls from 13 to 17 will be from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
If your kids do not have golf equipment that is fine as we have plenty to use during the lessons. The cost is $10 and will go for four Fridays and we will have some special events to follow in July.
For you non-golfing parents please do not feel intimidated by bringing your kids to the lessons. Maybe we can get your kids hooked and you can start to play also. The lessons will be held at Souris Valley and we will be hitting balls on the range, putting and chipping and covering the rules.
We want the kids to learn a game that is healthy and they can play their entire life. If the kids have to miss a Friday during the session, that is fine. Some of my OTA golfers are going to help with the kids lessons and they are great with the kids and I cannot thank them enough.
Now about the First Tee. The First Tee of Minot uses the game of golf to teach a young person life skills. They have to pass life skill tests and golf skill tests along the way starting at the Par level and going from Birdie, to Eagle and finally to Ace.
We are going to maintain our First Tee students and are also considering adopting the Player level, which is a new level started this year by the First Tee. The resumption of the First Tee will start the 3rd week in June.
Some very exciting news is that Charles Strand, the Our Redeemers golf coach has agreed to handle the junior golf operations this summer. Charles is a true gentleman and will work superbly with our young golfers. I am very excited that Mr. Strand has agreed to take on this challenge.
And also I would like to mention that we have one of the best oppurtunities for youngsters to learn the game with Minot having the Jack Hoeven Wee Links. This facility is second to none in the nation and if you never have seen it please let me know and I will give you a tour. We charge $1 for the kids to play and 50 cents to rent clubs.
Today at the Jack Hoeven Wee Links is the Youth Golf Day. This is a day sponsored by the Minot Area Dollars for Scholars. This wonderful foundation sponsors one free round of golf for youth ages 12 and under. It includes free club rental and a free golf ball. So for you parents this is a great oppurtunity to get your kids to the Wee Links to try it for free. This will start at 8 a.m. and go all day.
Upcoming events: Youth Golf Day June 5, 2009 at the Jack Hoeven Wee Links; Monday June 8th Youth For Christ Golf Scramble at Souris Valley Golf Course
Tip of the Week: When putting remember to keep your head still and try and imagine the ball path to the hole. Try and roll the ball along that path. When you are above the hole play the ball on the toe of the putter to put less mass behing the ball and hopefully take some speed off of your putt.
Rule of the Week: 18-1 BY OUTSIDE AGENCY
If a ball at rest is moved by an outisde agency, there is no penalty and the ball must be replaced. The Rules of Golf can by found at the USGA.org
Quote of the Week: "Joe probably was the greatest single factor in destroying the color line in golf - merely by the force of his skill and his personality" Shirley Povich - From the book "Joe Louis 50 Years and American Hero," McGraw-Hill Book Company 1976
Etiquette Rule of the Week: Every golfer must have their own set of clubs when they are playing a round of golf.
(Steve Kottsick is the head golf professional at Souris Valley Golf Course. His column appears in the Minot Daily News during golf season. He can be reached via email at sports@minotdailynews.com)