Golf camp gets kids ready for the links

Golf is one of the most beloved summertime activities in Bigfork, and thanks to the Eagle Bend Junior Golf Academy the interest is also spread to the children of the community.

This year 76 kids participated in the seven-week program, which was held on Wednesday mornings from mid-June through last week. The golfers-in-training were allowed to attend as many, or as few, of the sessions as they wanted to, and each one cost $10.

Eagle Bend Golf Club's Assistant Professional Tom Seaward, who recently relocated to Bigfork from Southern California, ran the program for the first time this year.

"It's a lifelong sport," Seaward said of golf. "They can play from eight to 80. It's a wonderful way to socialize with your friends. It's a nice, clean sport."

He and his instructors tested the kids, who ranged from seven to 16 years old, on the first day of the clinic to determine which ones were course-ready and which ones would benefit from some additional instruction prior to being sent on the course. Those that were deemed ready were put in groups of four and sent out to the club's Lake Nine course, where they played in tournament conditions without supervision other than a course marshall who drove through twice a game for safety.

"They went out by themselves and that was very important because you can't teach someone to be self sufficient if you're with them all the time," Seaward said. "They had to learn to keep up, to keep score and to take care of themselves. It taught them to be responsible."

Those that were not course ready stayed at the practice area and worked on their skills through instruction and games. Each week those that had not passed the course-ready test were given the opportunity to do so. Seaward added some motivation to the kids by upgrading the tan hats they received at the start of the academy to a red hat when they were course ready, and then a blue hat if they won their division while playing the Lake Nine. On the first day there were 12 kids who passed the test, but by the end of the program 28 were course-ready and all had shown significant improvement.

"The course-ready kids are much calmer on the course than when they started," Seaward said. "They play much more matter of factly. Before, they weren't ready to play in tournament conditions and now they are. That was one of the biggest things. We wanted to get them to where they are comfortable in that. Their scores have improved too, but mostly their demeanor."

Seaward added a few other new twists to this year's academy to keep the kids engaged and having fun. He set up a five-hole mini-course and a putting course for them to hit "almost" golf balls on, which are intended to not go as far. He also put a pirate ship in one of the ponds for the kids to use for target practice, and he had them play several different games that also taught them golf skills.

"We took it to a whole new level," Seaward said. "I brought things that are done in Southern California and applied them here."

Even though they didn't make it on to the course the developing golfer group improved greatly as well.

"They learned to play golf and to follow their ball," Seaward said. "They played the mini-courses and learned the rules. Plus they had instruction on things like shifting, swinging and holding their clubs. They all really improved their swing."

Following his Wednesday morning academy, Seaward also taught a class for four to six year olds each Wednesday afternoon.

"We just have fun," he said of the group. "You can't do a lot of instruction. You just can introduce them to golf and show them that it is a fun sport."

Although the summer academy is finished for the year, young area golfers still have a few other opportunities to play. Eagle Bend will host the annual Flathead Valley Junior Golf Championship next Thursday, Aug. 13. Participants need to sign-up at the club by Aug. 7 and pay their $25 registration fee.

Also, Seaward has started teaching junior group lessons for the month of August. A 9-10:30 a.m. session will be held Wednesdays for those looking for assistance in practicing their swing, short game and putting. The cost is $20 per session and the classes are limited to five students. Those who are more advanced can participate in Seaward's class, "On Course Play with a PGA Pro," which is held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays and will cover course strategy, rules and swing and shot suggestions. Each of these classes is limited to three students and costs $35, which includes green fees. For more information, call 837-7310.