by Trev McDiffett
It only took a few steps past the clubhouse at Friend Country Club June 28 to realize there was something unusual going on. A little before 9 a.m., a group of elementary school-aged boys was working on their short game on the practice greens. Another group of children gathered around a table.
The Werner Golf Academy was on its third and final day of junior golf camp. In the second year of the camp’s existence, 16 area youth golfers attended the camp ranging from 5 to 12 years old.
Before the campers hit the course, they gathered next to the clubhouse in front of a white board. In red marker, the camp’s three main rules were spelled out: 1) be respectful; 2) be responsible; 3) be safe. The campers talked about the importance of showing respect and the agenda for the day.
“I want them to obviously understand the game of golf in a way they can come out here play and enjoy it,” Werner Golf Academy owner Briana Werner said. “I also want them to take away how to treat each other and how to treat people. Golf is not just about being physically good at golf or athletic, it is about being in a good spot with yourself.”
The first activity let the campers’ imaginations run wild. Campers split into groups and constructed their own putt-putt course on the practice green. Everything from pool noodles, to golf tees, to tree bark were used to make obstacles.
“It involved them applying what they learned on the first two days of camp with putting and chipping in a fun way,” Werner said.
Following the completion of the course, the campers determined what par each hole would be and then tried to conquer their course. To give an idea how difficult the holes were, one group decided their hole was a par-8.
The campers went from working on their short game to breaking out their drivers. Werner gathered the group and explained the difference between a driver and a 3-wood. Her instruction also included the proper swing technique to use when driving the ball and how to tee the ball up. Soon a barrage of golf balls filled the driving range – and some of the area outside of it.
Camper Eanika Smith, 11, of Friend said she benefited most from the putting and driving activities the most.
The most excitement from the campers seemed to emerge from the day’s last activity– golf-baseball. Instead of a ball and bat, a plastic club resembling a driver is used to hit a plastic baseball. The regular rules of baseball are used.
However, a no base stealing rule was put into place by Werner after a disagreement among the players.
Gracie Vyhnaleck, 9, of rural Friend said this was the best activity of the camp even though all the activities were fun.
Another activity the campers enjoyed was held on the previous day. The game resembled billiards and was called “putting pool.” Four cones and four different colors of golf balls are placed on the practice green. The campers are split into groups and designated a color of ball to hit into the hole. After clearing off the colored balls, the first team to sink the “8 ball” won.
Eight-year-old Bob Milton of Friend enjoyed this game the most. According to Milton, the continued success of his team added to the excitement.
Wins and losses will only go so far with the campers. Werner’s goal for the campers stretches far beyond the activities.
“I like seeing smiles on their faces when they have success,” she said. “I love them so much, I love seeing their faces and watching them have fun.”
*This story was part of the Advanced Reporting class work at the Seward Independent. To see the online version of this story, visit https://www.sewardindependent.com/friend/news/camp-teaches-kids-how-to-golf/article_bd28ccb8-7eea-11e8-80b3-27f0c4315025.html.