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Escarpment Magaz ine Spr ing 2012
ESCARPMENT KIDS
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out on the range
Golf
is a great way to prepare and teach children
about life. Not only is it a sport kids can involve themselves
with competitively, but it is also a sport that influences their
complete character development. To be apart of a junior program is an educational opportunity
that contributes to the total development of an individual – socially, physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Healthy social skills are acquired because golf is played in a safe environment with others yet as an indi-
vidual. Physically golf is not overly intense but does require a person to develop muscle repetition to repeat
the golf swing consistently. Emotionally golf can become very frustrating and juniors learn to control emo-
tions such as anger and disappointment to continue on with their game. Mentally golf demands focus, vi-
sualization and positive self-talk to manage success and overcome failure.
A good junior program will emphasize the individual’s personal development thus contributing to the
lifestyle of the student as well as skill development. Technical aspects of the game will come as the junior
gains more experience. Sportsmanship traits such as courtesy, respect, and emotional control are learned
and nurtured. Values such as honesty, responsibility, and patience are required and expected.
There is no special athletic ability required to perform the basic fundamentals and motion of the golf swing.
Therefore golf is a very user-friendly sport for any age or ability with an assortment of positive learning ex-
periences. It’s a sport kids can enjoy with family and friends, as well as an activity to enjoy for the rest of
their lives. Golf offers continuous real life lessons and influences. So no matter how old your junior is, or
how coordinated or uncoordinated an individual may be, golf is a sport for all of us to learn and enjoy.
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Kids
&
golf
www.madriver.ca
BY SARAH JANE HORNES
