| Kids tee it up at Forest Hills
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| Hannah Beaulieu, right, watches as her putt heads towards the hole, during the 20th-annual Junior Golf Camp at Forest Hills Country Club. — Photo by Jack Carrerow |
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By Jack Carrerow, Staff Writer
Forest Hills Country Club held its annual junior golf camp last week, where 16 kids ages 7 to 16, learned the fundamentals as well as the etiquette that is part of the game of golf.
“Our main goal is to teach the kids the basics in both skill and behavior,” Forest Hills Head Pro Kevin Wheeler said. “But most of all, we want them to have fun and enjoy the game. That’s the only way to keep them interested.”
Wheeler, in his ninth year at the club, said that when he first supervised the clinics, there were more than 40 kids to a class.
“I know that we’re losing kids as families move out of the area,” Wheeler said. “But I have to admit, the smaller groups make it easier for us to teach and keep the kids’ attention.”
For Reedsport resident 11-year-old Shania Flores, playing at Forest Hills is old hat to this five-year veteran.
“It’s the only course I’ve ever played on,” she said. “I got started because my grandpa and dad are both golfers.”
Like most golfers, Flores enjoys blasting tee shots and, also like most golfers, her least favorite part is the short game.
“I hate putting,” Flores said without hesitation.
While Flores voices her disdain for putting, eight-year-old Hannah Beaulieu, who has played since the age of four is more specific.
“I hate hitting over the creek,” Beaulieu said.
Taylor Marchant, the elder of the group at 15, said he hopes to compete for the North Bend High School boys golf team next season.
I’ve been playing for about seven years and it’s my favorite sport,” Marchant, the resident of North Bend said. “I love it because you’re not confined to a small playing field. You’re outside on a beautiful course.”
Asked what he likes the least about the game, Marchant almost echoed Flores.
“I hate missing putts,” he snapped. “That really messes me up.”
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