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JBSA News
NEWS | June 22, 2016

Young golfers learn skills at JBSA-Randolph golf camp

Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

Children at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph eager to learn about golf or better their golf skills received expert instruction at the Randolph Oaks Golf Course Junior Golf Camp June 13-17.

Thirty-six children, ages 7 to 14, took four days of lessons from volunteer instructors and played a few holes on the course on the last day of the camp. After the children finished playing on the course, they were treated to a pizza party.

Clay Kauha, Randolph Oaks Golf Course pro shop manager, said camp instructors taught the young golfers a variety of basic golf skills, including the proper mechanics for holding and swinging a club and iron, hitting, chipping and putting, the rules of golf, golf safety and etiquette and sportsmanship.

“They are learning the whole game,” Kauha said.

The Junior Golf Camp is geared toward children who are both beginning and experienced golfers. Randolph Oaks Golf Course members have hosted the camp for more than 20 years.

Kauha said the camp instructors are experienced golfers who play at the course.

“They love helping us out,” he said.

Seven instructors gave lessons to children in groups of 18, with the youngsters rotating between the driving range to work on their hitting skills and the putting green to work on their chipping and putting skills.

Cordelia Downey, 13, said she has participated in the camp several times.

“I feel like I have improved a lot by coming to this camp,” she said.

Downey said she likes participating in the Junior Golf Camp because it gives her an opportunity to practice her skills and because the instructors emphasize golf safety. In addition, she got to be in the camp with three of her siblings.

Downey said she has learned the proper techniques for swinging a club and hitting a golf ball.

“I learned how to tap my feet, how to hold the club and to always keep your eye on the ball,” Downey said.

Jimmy Humphreys, 11, participated in his first-ever Junior Golf Camp.

“It’s good to get out and practice,” he said.

The children competed in a putting and chipping contest on the putting green in which the golfer whose ball was closest to the hole received a prize.

Brian Cannon, lead instructor at the camp, said the students at the camp were willing to learn and work on their golf skills.

“They have been really attentive,” Cannon said. “They are trying their best. As long as I see them give the best effort they can based on their age and physical capabilities, I’m happy.”

By teaching children golf skills at a young age, Cannon said they will enjoy golf more and be likely to continue to play the game.

“It’s the hardest game in the world, but it’s a game you can improve at and play your whole life,” Cannon said.

To encourage parents to play golf with their children, Kauha said the Randolph Oaks Golf Course is allowing camp participants to play for free during the summer after 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Parents will still have to pay course fees to play.

“Practicing is good, but it’s a lot more fun playing,” Kauha said.