Golfzilla and Velcro suits made for an unforgettable Junior Camp at the golf course

The 2017 Junior Camp was held from July 11 to 13 at the Whitecourt Golf and Country Club. With two age groups, four to six and seven to nine, young children were given the opportunity to learn a bit about golf.

The camp began in 2014 and has been well attended each year with 22 registered this year. Equipment from SNAG (Starting New at Golf) was used by the children which included a ball the size of a tennis ball but with the weight of a golf ball and bigger clubs for better handling.

Instructor Spencer Vrolson said the camp gives children a great opening to golf. “We start doing the basics of golf: swing, grip, putting, and chipping. We do lots of games and races and make sure the kids are having lots of fun at the golf course. We also walked them around the course and talked about what a tee box is, what a green is, and sand traps.”

Children spent one hour a day for three days learning beginner techniques and having a bit of extra fun, too. How extra? How about a big 20-foot inflatable Golfzilla? On the final day of the camp, the golf course was a little greener as children were invited to aim at certain targets on the big guy. Another fun part was when the kids shot Velcro balls at the instructors who were wearing stylish Velcro suits to see just how many tennis balls they could stick on them.

“It seems to be getting better and better each year,” said Spencer adding that he looks forward to it each year. The best part? “Seeing the kids have a lot of fun and wanting to be down at the course.”

Nathalie Black was one of the parents at the course as her two boys, four-year-old Peyton and his big brother Oakland, took part in the camp. “We love coming. This is our third year with our oldest. The kids have so much fun. They learn a lot and they have a good time.” Golfing as a family is a big fun deal for the Blacks as both boys were holding clubs shortly after their first birthdays.

Another camp is planned for August and spots are expected to fill up quickly. Visit www.whitecourtgolf.com for contact and event information.