January 2011 - Parks & Recreation - 59

have to see what you can afford and
what your resources are. If you can
help the environment and it helps you
remain profitable, then do it. Take one
bite out of the elephant rather than trying to swallow the whole thing. "

Increasing accessibility
Not only are today's golf courses
trending greener, but they are trying to attract a broader audience. In
the past decade, women have been
the largest growing demographic in
the sport, in part because of industrywide initiatives to open the sport up to
those who have never played.
Programming on the course, including lessons, clinics, group classes, and tournaments have exposed new players to the game. Mona
says that most golf courses can be configured to accommodate both the beginner and expert golfer.
He explains, " You can have golfers play at different lengths, or you configure the tees differently.
Create different angles and force golfers to play a
particular way. "
At Cranberry Highlands, Shuster's course partners with the Cranberry Township Department of
Parks and Recreation to provide programs for youth
and course access during day camps. He also holds
an open house every year that is widely attended by
the community and invites scout troops to try the nature trail and course.
Ritterbusch says that with a little land, " any park
and recreation official who wants to preserve that
green space and provide a recreational opportunity " could create a course. He gives the example of
a course outside Milwaukee called Doyne Park on
which he used to play with his own kids.
" It was probably constructed for next to nothing-it is nine holes and can't be more than 25
acres, " he explains. " But this course has provided
an avenue for people to learn about the game and
for families to take their kids out to golf. They hit the
ball around and try it out-people are having a wonderful time out there. "
In addition, he agrees with Mona that an existing
course can be made to accommodate a beginning
golfer. " You can design a course with all players in
mind, " he says. " Architects can place bunkers in a
particular way that it might look intimidating, but it's
easier than it looks. Or water hazards that force golfers to get the ball up in the air can be removed so
beginner golfers can play through. "

Singing
Sticks
for Kids
Praises

As a program partner of NRPA ,

the Golf Course Builders Association of
America Foundation attended the recent Congress to catch up with agencies who already participate in the
Sticks for Kids Program and also to
spread the word about the many advantages to agency, course, and comBy Annette Kracke,
munity to be had through the program.
GCBAA Foundation
Tara Tower, CPRP, of the Lincoln
and Woodstock (New Hampshire) Recreation Department was excited to share with
us how well received Sticks for Kids is in her community. The agency has four seasons of Sticks for Kids under their belt and has refined how they run the program to fit their needs. In addition to
the equipment provided through the Sticks for Kids grant, Tower
was also able to secure additional junior clubs with the help of a local parent who operated a golf tournament as a fundraiser.
" We run the program as eight weeks of free lessons on Wednesday evenings in July and August for 8- to 14-year-olds, " says Tower. " We assign the kids that need clubs a numbered bag that
they are responsible for returning at the end of the season. "
Tower's approach is to have participants keep the clubs for the
entire summer to use at home, the driving range, and the course
to practice with their parents what they are learning in lessons. If
space is available on course, you may consider leaving clubs there
to be available to any youth coming to play, she explains. Tower also shares the value of partnering with a local golf course.
" We partner with the Owl's Nest in Campton, New Hampshire, and their pro teaches the lessons on course at no cost
to the participants " Tower says. " About 40 youth participate in the program each year, and we have several golf parents who
that help
help with
with the
the instruction
instruction on
on aa weekly
weekly basis. "
basis. "
The Sticks for Kids Program is succeeding in introducing golf to an audience who may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience golf.
But it doesn't stop there-participants also learn important life skills like
etiquette, discipline, honesty, teamwork, and environmental stewardship. These skills have made a positive impact on their success at school.
The program is also creating a new interest in golf for area courses.
Charles Wheeler, managing professional at Owl's Nest Resort and Golf Club, hosts the Sticks for Kids Program. " The Lincoln Recreation Department once again showed up in strong
force and with youthful exuberance, " says Wheeler.
During the eight weeks of sessions, kids worked on swing fundamentals such as, grip, stance, and alignment then worked into the full swing
with both iron and woods. The short game (chipping and putting) was
also a point of focus for the kids. The clinics culminated with the kids
playing on the course in a scramble format with parents
parent walking
walkingalong.
along.
" 2010 was another great year for Junior Golf at Owl's Nest Resort and
Golf, " says Wheeler. " Fun was had by all-kids, parents, and instructors! "

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JANUARY 2011

Parks & Recreation 57

January 2011 - Parks & Recreation

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