GP Junior (Jun-July 18) Digital (June-July 18) | Page 28

Instruction
The game of golf is experiencing new life as youth are discovering the excitement of a day
at the course. New facilities that offer children affordable access to play the game are being
constructed throughout the country and the world.
his article is written for parents to
offer tips on how to attract their
youngsters to play this “game for
a lifetime”. Ideally, your son or
daughter will approach you one
day and express an interest in learning to
play golf. You may have to cultivate that
interest in them because you appreciate
the qualities that golf embodies and want
your children to share those experiences.
No matter, because you, the parent, are
the person who will provide access and
offer encouragement to your children.
One of the keys to getting your child
interested in golf is ¿ nding a program
where they can get started. Select a
program that nurtures their interest and
stresses having fun. A visit to www.
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GolfPlus Junior June-July 2018
worldgolffoundation.org is a good place
to start. This site has information on the
latest junior golf initiatives. Included are:
• THE FIRST TEE : www.theſ rsttee.org
• LPGA-USGA GIRLS GOLF : www.girlsgolf.org
• DRIVE, PITCH, AND PUTT CHAMPIONSHIP:
www.drivechipandputt.com
• PGA JUNIOR LEAGUE: www.pgajlg.com
The abovementioned programs cover
all aspects of junior golf. The First Tee
was an initiative started back in 1997 to
provide affordable access to the game
and also stress core values off the course.
The First Tee has local chapters that have
aligned with local golf courses to provide
instruction and playing opportunities
along with a year round curriculum.
The LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Clubs
have grown tremendously over the last
few years and have over 300 sites while
introducing more than 300,000 girls
to the game. The Drive, Chip and Putt
Championship is a free competition with
local quali¿ ers in all 50 states and the
¿ nals held at Augusta National Golf Club.
The PGA Junior League is a fairly new
idea that brings the team aspect to golf.
Played with a fun scramble format, the
juniors play as a part of team and even
get a golf shirt with a number on the
back just like other sports. This program
has seen great growth since its inception
in 2011 with 170 players to over 36,000