Children take full-swing on improving golf skills

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brittany Y. Bateman
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
Barksdale AFB, La. --  The Fox Run Golf Course concluded its once-a-year golf lesson program for children ages eight to 17 years old June 26. 

This year there were two sessions with 27 children in each class. The clinic was a two-week long basic course held from June 15 through 26. Participants ranged from children who were just beginning to play to experienced children all attended. 

"I decided to take the golf lessons because I haven't played in a while," said Niathan Simpson, 16, son of Maj. Paul Simpson, 2d Medical Group. "My game was getting rusty, I usually play at least three or four times a year and these lessons really helped improve my game." 

There were 10 students to a teacher which allowed the students to receive a more personal understanding of basic golf techniques that were taught using the United States Kids Golf Personal Tee Learning program. 

Headquarters Air Combat Command subsidized the program based on the number of children enrolled, with a maximum number of 50 students. 

"The ACC/US Kids Golf Program is the program we just completed," said Larry Busch, general manager of the golf course. "It includes full swing, pitching, chipping, sand shots, putting and etiquette. Five days were spent on the practice range and one day on the golf course." 

Members of the golf course staff, individuals from the Northwest Louisiana Kids Golf Personal Tee Learning program and volunteers from the local golfing community helped teach the lessons, which gave the program a well-rounded balance of experts. 

"It continues to be an outstanding program," said Mr. Busch. "The program was intended to provide the kids the basics of golf, we did that."
Although the program is held only once a year, Airmen and parents can get involved by signing up once availability is announced in April and May by 2d Force Support Squadron Marketing. 

"Our long range goal and hope is that we have stimulated their interest in the sport and that they will consider becoming golfers," said Mr. Busch. "A sport that they can play for the rest of their lives." 

For more information, call Larry Busch, general manager of the golf course at 456-2263.