It’s hard not to find a smile on the golfers at Paint Creek Country Club on Friday mornings.
That’s when between 60 and 80 golfers ages 7-17 tee ’em up as part of the club’s Junior Golf Program.
‘Our attendance has been consistent and the weather’s been great every Friday,? said Head Professional Jeremy Lathwell. ‘Everyone seems to be having a good time and improving.?
The program was started in the mid-1990s by current General Manager Steve Vickers, according to Greg Kwasek, who is in his 10th year volunteering with the program.
Kwasek said his first year helping out involved about 40 youngsters.
‘So it’s doubled in size, at least,? he noted.
The current enrollment of about 80 golfers is a good number for the staff, according to Lathwell, but also calls for plenty of parent and grandparent involvement, which both Lathwell and Kwasek called ‘essential,? as well as ‘outstanding.?
The program began with some clinics in early June and the Friday morning golf began on June 19, running through the end of August. Later this month will be a junior club championship, a junior guest day and a special banquet.
Groups on the course are divided based on age into five-hole, six-hole and nine-hole groups, and all have a good mix of boys and girls.
About 25-percent of the golfers this year are in the nine-hole category, the highest percentage to date, according to Lathwell.
‘It’s fun to see that group, as they get up to the nine-hole level, stay together,? he said. ‘You’re hoping to make connections so that they’ll come out and play together.?
‘There are lots of different sports to get into and vacations and all of that,? he added. ‘So to have a high retention rate this year is just great.?
The nine-hole players will play from either the red or white tees, while the five- and six-hole golfers tee-off a little closer, making par ‘an achievable goal,? according to Kwasek.
Lathwell’s assistants, Kyle DeMeritt and Jake Tarzia, are new to the program this year and work closely with the younger players.
‘They go to each hole and work with the kids as they come through,? Lathwell noted.
All three said their biggest goal is to make sure the kids have fun, so that they’ll come back to the sport.
‘It’s mostly about introducing them to the game and letting them have fun,? DeMeritt said. ‘That’s our main goal.?
That’s not to say learning isn’t involved, though.
‘Each week, we have a different topic that we cover,? Tarzia said. ‘It’s amazing how the littlest thing can help them.?
Of course, none of it would be possible without the support of the club, Lathwell said.
‘I’m always thankful to the membership and the owners who give Friday mornings to the juniors,? he said.
‘We have a wonderful golf course out there and the kids do a great job taking care of it.?