Hook a Kid on Golf is like no other junior golf program. Its participants include young people who most likely would never step on a golf course until they are adults. If young people are given the chance to learn the rules, skills and etiquette of golf, just as they are with other sports, we stand the chance to have a new generation of golfers who will understand the rules, respect the course and play the game of golf more efficiently. Hook a Kid on Golf is a comprehensive program, not just an introductory golf clinic.
What is Hook a Kid on Golf?
The mission of Hook a Kid on Golf is to provide our community with a comprehensive youth golf program that eliminates all the obstacles that discourage kids from playing golf, a Òsport of a lifetimeÓ. What that means is that the program provides a community with all the tools necessary to provide an organized youth program. These tools include providing quality equipment, affordable instruction, a way to learn the details of playing the game on the course and, finally, a format for play that includes competition but stresses fun and learning.
The Hook A Kid on Golf clinic is organized and administered in Carbondale by the Carbondale Park District. As part of the clinic, each youngster is provided with a new starter set of golf clubs and other golf items needed to begin to learn the game. In addition to being taught the basic swing fundamentals, there are special presentations dealing with rules, etiquette, drug and alcohol awareness and golf course maintenance. The clinic is one week long and is held at Hickory Ridge Golf Course, generally the second week in June. The applications for participating can be picked up at the Carbondale Schools (1st through 8th grades), The Hickory Ridge Golf Course and the LIFE Community Center in mid March. The age for participating is 8 Ð 14.
The national organizations supporting Hook A Kid on Golf include organizations such as The United States Golf Association, The Professional Golfer Association Tour, The PGA of America, The National Golf Course Owners Association, The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, The National Golf Foundation and the Ladies Professional Golf Association.