Menifee Lakes Country Club Hosts Junior Golf Camps Throughout the Summer

Tom Powers smiles as he describes the look on the faces of young golf students when they first begin to catch on.

"The biggest challenge for them is just hitting the ball," said Powers, head golf professional at Menifee Lakes Country Club. "Once they start getting the ball in the air, a light comes on. Then that's all they want to do."

Powers and his staff of instructors will provide that opportunity for area youngsters again this summer with four three-day golf camps as part of the club's new junior golf program. The first camp begins June 19. Each camp has spots for up to 10 golfers, ages 6-17.

According to Powers, campers will learn the basics of the game: grip, stance, posture and swing. After spending time on the putting greens, chipping out of bunkers and on the driving range, the youngsters will actually get to play a few shortened holes on the 18-hole course.

"A lot of the kids have parents who are golfers," Powers said. "Some of the parents just want to get their kids into a different sport.

"This isn't a military school. We've got games for them to do and other things to make it fun. We want to get them to the point they can continue on with instruction if they like it."

In addition to the Menifee Lakes Country Club instructors, the youth will be mentored by Paul and Don Colette, two of the best junior instructors in San Diego County. When the junior golfers get out on the shortened course (150 yards or so per hole), they get eight shots to reach the green.

"If they don't reach the green in eight shots, they pick up the ball and place it on the green," Powers said. "No matter what happens, they love riding in the golf carts."

The final three sessions are scheduled for July 10-12, July 24-26 and Aug. 7-9. Students joining a camp for the second time will be evaluated and moved into a higher level if appropriate.

Cost of the camp is $115 per player. That includes lessons, lunch, on-course play, a hat, bag tag and achievement pins.

Menifee Lakes Country Club
29875 Menifee Lakes Drive
Menifee CA 92584
951-672-4824
www.menifee-lakes.com