By Katie Winkler
Review Staff Writer
After attending three clinics, seven golf games and instructions from PGA golf professionals, the Paint Creek Junior Golf program wrapped up their season championship outing last week.
Waking up at the crack of dawn and teeing off as early as 8 a.m., the golfers are dedicated to becoming better athletes and having a good time on the course.
‘They’re fun and I really like to spend time with my Grandpa at [the outings],? ten-year-old J.J. Brackon said. ‘I think my grandpa would be really proud and I want to make him happy.?
The junior golf league is set up so beginners play five holes, intermediate plays six and experts play nine, giving everyone the chance to achieve par.
‘We have it staged so they can be successful depending on their skill level,? program volunteer Greg Kwasek said.
According to the teams mission statement, they ‘provide an opportunity for our youth ages to learn to play the game of golf. With the support of parents and the Paint Creek Golf staff, junior golfers are provided a positive learning environment and instructed in the rules, etiquette, and skill development that will enable them to learn to compete, gain self confidence and have fun, while fostering a lifetime of enjoyment for the game.? PGA professional, Steve Vickery, and assistant professional, Joe Saferian, follow the youth on the golf course throughout the season to give helpful feedback to improve their game.
Marvin Kay has been playing golf at Paint Creek Country Club for the last two years and says that the way the program is set up ‘helps me golf better.?
About 70 youth athletes, ages 7-17, came out to the Paint Creek Golf Course on August 19 to play for the last time before the team’s banquet.
The outing was scheduled to host the five and six holer’s guest day, where athletes bring their friends and family to participate, but was rescheduled to hold the league championship tournament.
The juniors will meet once again for their banquet and awards ceremony, where some, like Devin Goodman, will go on to play golf in high school and while others will prepare for next season in the junior league.