Anyone who thinks golf is just for retirees should drop by the driving range at Bradford Highlands Golf Club any weekday morning during the summer.
That is where you will see golfers as young as seven using their drivers like pros to send balls flying down the fairway, as part of the club’s Junior Golf Camp program.
Every day, campers between the ages of seven and 15 receive two ½ hours of instruction with a Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) of Canada professional, then enjoy lunch provided by Bradford Highlands before heading out to play nine holes of golf.
“The kids love it. We have a lot of fun,” said golf pro Ryan Lamb. “This is my 15th year doing it.”
Lamb is joined by two counsellors to keep the ratio of instructors-to-golfers low.
The lessons include stance, grip, swing and follow-through, working on both their long drive and short game, and adding in chipping practice and iron play.
There’s also a focus on ‘safety first,’ said Lamb. This includes everything from checking to make sure the way ahead is clear before taking a swing, to applying plenty of sunscreen under the summer sun.
On Monday, there were 16 kids signed up for the week’s sold out junior golf program, nine of them from the same Bradford Bulldogs hockey team.
Eleven-year-old Ryan, who has attended golf camp for the past three years, was introduced to the game by his grandparents.
“I liked it, so I came back,” he said. “It’s satisfying when I hit the ball. I like putting and driving.”
Luke, seven, is back for a second year.
“I can hit far,” he said, while admitting to “a little” slice. “You can hit with all kinds of clubs,” Luke said, but his favourite is the driver.
Eight-year-old Miles agreed. Also returning for a second year, he was hitting long drives straight at the flags, enjoying camp “because I like doing the Happy Gilmore with my driver.”
Lamb sees plenty of talented junior golfers at the day camps, some of whom have made the sport their own.
“Over the years I’ve had a bunch,” he said. “They get into a membership, go on the Junior Golf Tour. A couple of them end up working here!”
Lamb added: “Some show promise. It’s all about commitment.”
“As we chip more, as we putt more on the green, we’re definitely going to get better. It takes practice,” he told the young golfers.
For more information, visit bradfordhighlands.ca or call 905-775-3239.
July’s Junior Golf Camps are largely sold out, but there is still room in August. They cost $299.99 per week.
Camp hours run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily.
Extended before-and-after camp care is available for an additional charge. Golf clubs can be provided if needed.
