COLUMN: Golf teaches more than how to chip
For the past three summers, I have worked at a Junior Golf Clinic at Windy Hill. Many of the kids showed interest in the sport when either a parent or grandparent took them out to the course with them.
When I was younger, my dad tried taking me out but I was not looking to play the sport at all, which is why I stupidly didn't begin until my freshman year ... however, I was still introduced to the sport and it made an impact.
I could sum up this column quickly and just tell you to take your kid to the course but I'm going to give a few reasons why you should.
First, most kids love trying new things. This is just an observation I've made through working many junior camps and babysitting.
Something they love even more is being given the opportunity to go out and do an activity that someone they look up to does (i.e. parent/grandparent).
Second, it is one of those sports that teaches them skills and lessons they can use in their everyday life, such as how to keep a level head or even something as simple as how you can never give up because all it really takes is one really good shot to put yourself right back into something.
Another great thing golf does is to trick kids into exercising without them really knowing they are. Walking on a golf course doesn't sound as if it requires as much physical activity as running on a track or in a gym does, but it'll be almost as healthy.
Golf teaches a kid to be more self-reliant. They won't have a team to try and lay blame off on and instead will have to keep themselves in a round, make decisions, then act them out.
Lastly, a golf course is a wonderful place for a child to grow up.
The atmosphere, people, and world of golf is something that is safe and rewarding for a kid.
They don't call it a "gentleman's sport" for no reason and although we have advanced from only the wealthiest of families being allowed on the course, we have not lost the respectable character that players must possess.