The junior golf program at Paint Creek Country Club expanded this year to over 65 players, up from the 50 that participated last year.
The program is available to Paint Creek members, and is supported by golf professional Steve Vickery, and assistant golf professional Marc Vickery.
Program volunteer Greg Kwasek said the program started about 11 years ago. The junior golf program is open to kids ages 7-16.
The program includes four flights based on skill level: Three-hole, six-hole, nine-hole and nine-hole advanced. Each group tees off from different points on the course, which is blocked off when the program is in session.
New for this year was the Green (beginner) and Yellow (intermediate) tee markers, placed on the edge of the fairway, consistent with US Kids Golf Design standards.
The markers allowed every golfer the opportunity for an achievable par.
Kwasek said the strength of the program comes from enthusiastic kids, strong parental support and a dedicated professional golf staff at Paint Creek.
Junior golf started May 27 and will end on Aug. 30. The program includes three clinics, covering golf etiquette, rules, putting, chipping, and full swing instruction.
Also included are nine weeks of course play, and golf format includes stroke and scramble play. Special events include the Drive, Pitch and Putt National Competition, Junior Club Championship and Junior Guest Day, in which 100 junior golfers are estimated to participate.
An estimated 125 golfers, family and friends are expected to attend the Junior Golf Banquet at the end of the season.