Today is the registration deadline for a new program with the Greene County Youth Athletic Association.
GCYAA President Travis Warnke tells Raccoon Valley Radio they are starting a season of youth golf in July in conjunction with the Jefferson Community Golf Course. He explains that this has been one sport that they felt has been a need in the community for youth to explore.
“What one life skill do you use the entirety of your life for the most point? And golf was always the one that came up. We always thought, ‘you know, it’d be pretty neat to be able to find a way to do that.’”
Warnke says they purchased the program First Tee that is sponsored by the Professional Golf Association (PGA). He points out because this is the first year for golf, the program is for 5th-8th graders and next year they hope to add kindergarten through sixth grade. Warnke notes that this program teaches kids the fundamentals in a way that allows kids to grasp the individualized sport.
“When you’re coaching golf it’s very difficult with a small ball and a small club to see what’s going on. Now they (First Tee) have a bigger, modified kind of type of plastic head that’s bigger (on the club) and then they hit a tennis ball. Then they have targets that are then almost like velcro that allows the coach to see how the ball is being hit so they can help them with their hand adjustments, their swing adjustments.”
Registration ends today and the season is from July 11th-22nd. There are two sessions, including a morning session from 10am-noon and an afternoon session from 3-5pm. There is a $60 registration fee and participants don’t need to bring any equipment. Click the link below to sign up.