Golf resorts customize golf-learning programs for juniors, families
CARMEL, California – Three top golf resorts around the country have class in session this summer, much to the delight of visiting parents. Whether it’s a golf camp, clinics, or private lessons, these resorts put clubs in hands and get youngsters into the swing of things in no time.
The Sea Pines Resort, South Carolina
On Hilton Head Island, The Sea Pines Resort offers two-day camps for ages 6-9 throughout the summer. According to lead instructor Marcus Hunt, sessions cover the FUNdamentals of the game, including long- and short-game technique, rules, etiquette, and athletic skills with a maximum of six students per group.
The resort features plenty of fun family activities—on the beach, on horseback, on a bicycle, or on the water in search of the dolphins in Calibogue Sound. And don’t miss three, 18-hole courses, including the famed Harbour Town Golf Links, a Pete Dye masterpiece that has been a mainstay on the PGA TOUR for more than 50 years.
The Sea Pines Resort also offers golf clinics and programs for Future Stars and Elite Golfers, as well as Mental Performance Coaching for all golfers.
For the full list of offerings, access the website at https://www.seapines.com/golf/learning-center/junior-programs.
Reynolds Lake Oconee, Georgia
Conveniently located between Atlanta and Augusta, Georgia, Reynolds Lake Oconee offers cottage, condominium, or hotel accommodations at The Ritz-Carlton, all with access to customized junior instruction through the world-class Kingdom at Reynolds Lake Oconee.
Junior programs focus on long-term athletic development and extensive skill building and can be a feeder system to the newly introduced Reynolds Elite Performance program, designed to help students achieve their full potential.
First Move Junior Golf
A fun, supportive, and positive learning environment for future players, the First Move Junior Golf blends physical movement with the skills needed to play golf well. There are two levels of First Move: Little Rippers (ages 4-7) and Rippers (ages 8-10)
Project Scratch
On-course instruction in a low-stress environment. Led by instructors Blake Adams, Taylor Crosby, and Ryan Rios, this program is designed to teach students of all abilities how to score from a “Green to Tee” perspective.
Pod Training
This is a cost-effective group instruction program, suitable for a group of juniors or their families.
Surrounded by more than 350 miles of majestic shoreline on Lake Oconee, this golf destination resort community also features six championship golf courses by a who’s who of golf course architects—Tom Fazio, Rees Jones, Jack Nicklaus, Bob Cupp, and Jim Engh.
Call 866-499-5366 for additional details.
Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake, Minnesota
At Minnesota’s popular family resort, Cragun’s on Gull Lake, a dedicated team of instructors has created a half-dozen junior learning programs, from S.N.A.G. (Starting New at Golf) up to USA Junior National Team instruction and every level in between.
Logan Jackson, the PGA professional who oversees junior instruction, employs a graduated, developmental learning philosophy, where boys and girls are introduced to playing the game and to key movement fundamentals, including athletic movement skills, golf fundamental movement skills, and overall sports skills.
From there, students learn key concepts, including grip, stance, alignment, scoring, etiquette, and chipping, pitching, and putting. Students can progress from one level to another during their stay at the resort, or from season to season.
In the second level of instruction (Developmental II – ages 10-14) one hour of instruction is followed by an hour and a half of supervised, on-course play.
Cragun’s Resort has a nine-hole Par 3 Course, which offers the perfect place to work on short irons or to introduce a beginner to the game. A 5,500-square-foot practice putting green is popular for after-school practice, in addition to the resort’s 36 holes of championship golf.
For additional information, access the website at https://www.craguns.com/golf/.