For youth looking to try a new sport, there’s a program starting this summer that could get their hands on a set of clubs.
The Bonnyville Golf and Country Club is offering a mentorship program that pairs 10 to 17-year-olds interested in learning more about golf with mentors.
”We’re trying to attract people to the game,” noted organizer Denis Fagnan. “We hope coupling a youngster with an existing member, they might be able to share... (with) them some idea of the mechanics and method of golf, then some of the rules that affect everybody, the etiquette, and manners that are expected on all golf courses.”
Volunteers from the club will be paired with a new golfer for six sessions on the course. Golf clubs sized to the youth will be supplied at no cost, and each outing will include nine holes.
After seeing a drop in younger players, the Junior Mentorship Program was created as a way to introduce golf to the next generation.
”We’re in a drought period now where there isn’t too many (juniors) for the last little while, and now we’re trying to figure out if it’s just intimidation, people don’t want to try, or need some sort of inexpensive lessons or equipment to at least experience it to know whether they like or it or not,” detailed Fagnan. “This is an introduction to see if we can remove some of those barriers and attract more people to the game.”
Mentor Brian Wittmack believes the program gives young prospective golfers a chance to try a new sport they may not have thought about before.
He said, “Young people are very busy these days so they don’t always have the opportunity. The mentorship program allows the mentor and the individual to schedule a time that’s good for both of them to go out and, hopefully, demonstrate to young people that golf is a fun game. It can be competitive, but for most of us it’s just a good way to get outside, get some exercise, and have some fun.”
The deadline to apply is Saturday, May 25, and there is no cost to sign up.
”(The sessions) will be starting right after that depending on... the youngster and the mentor. Some may get half a dozen sessions in in two weeks; some may take six weeks, depending on their schedules. It’s getting done by the two people, depending on who’s available,” Fagnan outlined.
While they know not everyone who participates is going to enjoy the sport, both Fagnan and Wittmack hope a few decide to head out on the green once their sessions are over.
Anyone interested can call Fagnan at 780-207-7829 or email at [email protected]. Applications can be picked up at the Bonnyville Golf and Country Club.
