Summer 2016 | Sea Island Life Magazine Spring/Summer 2016 | Page 42

Golf provides family time for Suzy Whaley, PGA director of instruction, and her daughter (left).

PGA Junior League Golf
The PGA has also been looking at ways to
promote and grow the game of golf at all
levels. Today it’s behind dynamic initiatives
such as Get Golf Ready, geared toward adult
golfers of all skill levels, and PGA Junior
League Golf, which appeals to golfers ages
13 and under. The two programs have been
hugely successful at reinvigorating lapsed
golfers and attracting people who have never
picked up a club before. Because of the synergy between the initiatives, family golf is
emerging as an exciting area of growth for
the sport.
“It builds confidence and character and
encourages perseverance, determination
and hard work,” Whaley says. “Ups and
downs on the course teach sportsmanship
and etiquette, and there are the obvious
health benefits. When you’re playing on a
beautiful course, it doesn’t matter if you’re
the best or worst athlete out there, you’re
engaged in an athletic activity and it’s going
to be enjoyable.”
Whaley’s husband, a PGA instructor, and
two daughters, who play collegiate golf, are
prime examples of a family that has bonded
together over the game and the many lessons it teaches.
Teaching these valuable life lessons is one
of the core aspects of the PGA Junior League
Golf. The initiative aims to attract younger
generations to the game by likening it to other
recreational youth sports. Participants wear
numbered jerseys and play on teams with
their peers. In addition to learning the basics,

they also have the opportunity to sharpen
their skills with PGA and LPGA professionals
and to put those skills to use at competitions.
“As PGA professionals, we’re always trying
to grow the game,” Whaley says. “Obviously,
the youth program is a key component, as
[the participants] will be our consume