For the 11th straight year Hook A Kid On Golf sites from across the United States hit the links at the Traditions of Golf Challenge, a one-of-a-kind competition that stresses the importance of golf’s rules, etiquette and history, along with playing skills.
This year’s competition was held at the Kellogg Golf Course in Peoria, Ill., July 31 – Aug. 2.
The team representing Cascades Golf Course in Bloomington, Ind., managed to capture this year’s title despite valiant efforts from the other seven teams. The team from Prospect Heights (Ill.) finished in second place for the second straight year and the team from South Suburban Home School and Gym Group (Ill.) was third.
“It was my first year involved with the Hook A Kid On Golf program and I was very impressed with the format and the manner in how the tournament was run,” said Jason Calhoun, golf facilities manager for the City of Bloomington and a PGA golf professional. “It’s great that it doesn’t just force the kids to learn the game but enforces the history and rules of golf.”
Along with Cascades Golf Course, Prospect Heights and South Suburban Home School and Gym Group, this year’s participants were teams from West Palm Beach (Fla.), South Shore Junior Golf Association (Ill.), Peoria (Ill.), Brock Social Services (Ill.), and Naperville (Ill.).
“The Traditions of Golf Challenge was a huge success yet again,” said Katie Gholson, program director for Hook A Kid On Golf. “Our only regret each year is that we can’t have all of our Hook A Kid On Golf sites participate.”
Teams consisted of two coaches and eight youngsters. Each team’s score from their round was combined with their “Traditions of Golf” score to determine the overall champion of the two-day tournament.
“Traditionally in the tournament our team has done well playing-wise but have not been good with the questions,” Calhoun said. “So we made an effort to step up in that area and it showed. Kids helped each other in the hotel room the night before. I really liked that portion of it. You can go from city to city and find kids who are good at golf, but most don’t know the proper rules and etiquette.”
Cities were selected to participate in the Traditions of Golf Challenge based on their commitment to utilizing the entire Hook A Kid On Golf program to introduce children to golf who may not otherwise have the opportunity. Sites then choose eight participants to attend, ranging from ages 10-14.
“We selected kids who have been a part of our junior program for a long time who we know would appreciate the experience and have been chomping at the bit to attend,” Calhoun said. “The preparation was a really good process and learning experience for everyone.”
Although the weekend was full of golf-related competitions, participants still managed to have additional fun. On Saturday night Challenge winners from Cascades and the team from Brock Social Services enjoyed an impromptu game of dodgeball involving both adults and kids.
“It was a lot of fun, kids and grownups participated and that all came about because of golf,” Calhoun said. “That’s what this program means to our kids.”
Despite some bad weather on Saturday, participants still made the most of the trip.
A believer in the power of golf instruction to instill valuable life skills, newcomer Calhoun was extremely pleased with the first year with Hook A Kid On Golf and his first Traditions.
“Golf teaches them patience, it teaches you a lot about expectations,” he said. “Improving your talent level helps you raise your expectations so I think golf teaches you about setting goals and playing by the rules. Hook A Kid On Golf focuses on what your part is, but also the team aspect.”
Hook A Kid On Golf – a National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS) program – is an innovative youth golf program that eliminates the obstacles that often prevent many youngsters from enjoying the game.
