New golfers welcome!

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Antonio Gonzalez
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Barksdale's Fox Run golf course is implementing new events to expand the game of golf to a wider audience.

Single Airmen golf days and clinics are part of a player development program that will provide single Airmen great deals and instruction on the game of golf.

"We're recognizing the cost of golf may be a deterrent, so we're trying to mitigate the cost and open the game to new players by making golf something that is much more affordable," said Gary Blake, head golf professional and director of tournaments and instruction at the Fox Run golf course.

A typical round of golf with clubs and cart for an E-1 through E-4 costs $23.75. During a single Airmen golf day, Fox Run golf course knocks the price down to $5.

"We started doing this recently in the spring, and based on the turn out, we're looking at doing single Airmen golf days more often," said Blake. "Anyone from an airman basic to an officer who is not married can attend; it's primarily targeted toward the younger enlisted side, but we're not going to exclude anyone."

The Fox Run golf course also offers free single Airmen golf clinics for people who are new to the game.

"We have people who don't know the difference between a tee box and a putting green," said Blake. "We want to make sure we ease them into it and take away the intimidation factor. I'll give them a tour of the club house and a short tour of the course. We talk about rules, etiquette and terminology."

Blake admits intimidation was something he personally had to overcome before getting comfortable with the game of golf.

"Intimidation is one reason people don't get involved with golf," he said. "I was the same way when I was much younger; I was very willing to go to the range and beat golf balls all day, but I was scared to death to get on the course. I thought I didn't belong until I finally realized that most of the players on the golf course were just as bad I was."

Once new players realize they aren't worse than anyone else on the course, the intimidation factor goes away and they participate in the game, he added. The clinics get the new golfers more comfortable with going out, and teach them not to worry what people think of them.

According to the PGA tour website, the best golfers hit the fairway off the tee 75 percent of the time, which means one out of four shots, from the best in the world, misses the fairway.

"I try to let my students know, if 25 percent of the best golfers in the world can't hit the fairway off the tee, why get mad at yourself," said Blake. "You're not going to hit every shot right. You're dealing with the laws of physics. It's ok to make mistakes, it's ok to laugh at yourself and have fun with it. This is a difficult game, but don't give up."

For upcoming single Airmen golf days and clinics, visit the Fox Run webpage at www.barksdaleservices.com under the recreation tab or their facebook page at www.facebook.com/FoxRunGolfCourse.