By NANCY HILER
Sometimes a handful of them may be asked to keep their eyes closed while they walk down a hill and rely on other children for guidance, a lesson in trust. On other evenings, the children are expected to shake hands, introduce themselves and break into teams as a way of building camaraderie.
At every session, for at least a few minutes, the youngsters hold their clubs still and listen to a professional golf instructor discuss stance or focus or, perhaps unexpectedly, responsibility or respect for others.
All this occurs before anyone ever picks up a golf ball or attempts to putt or swing.
What kind of golf instruction is this? It is a golf program that not only instructs children in the fundamentals of the short and long game, but teaches them basic values and social skills that may help them in an even longer game -- life.
Bellmore PAL's latest program
Offered to children ages 7 and up who live in the Bellmores, this unusual golf instruction program is the latest youth sports offering sponsored by the Nassau County Police Activity League's Bellmore/North Bellmore Unit, known as Bellmore PAL. The golf lessons are part of First Tee, a World Golf Foundation initiative that combines golf and character education for young people.
"I'm always looking for a new program, and I always wanted a golf program," explained John Azzata, president of Bellmore PAL, a force in organizing programs and coaching sports for the group since his now college-age kids were toddlers. "I was very impressed with First Tee because they don't only teach golf, they also teach integrity and other values."
That aspect of the program fits perfectly with the long-standing mission of the not-for-profit PAL organization, which, since 1940, has striven to develop law-abiding young people with good values.
Longtime volunteer coach and avid golfer Kevin Black heads the program, which is just in its second year. While First Tee-certified golf instructors provide the lessons, it is Black and other volunteers, including Bellmore PAL office manager Pat Caruso, who make sure that enrollment, scheduling and other aspects of the program run smoothly.
Bellmore PAL charges $100 per child for six weeks of classes and a complementary signature polo shirt. Two 75-minute-long sessions are being held from July 6 through Aug. 10, one from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. and the other from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. A total of 150 children were signed up in late spring, split about evenly between the two time slots.
Teaching the teachers
"We work with the kids, teaching them life skills and core values as part of the game of golf," PGA professional and First Tee Nassau Executive Director Mike Wade Sr. explained during a recent certification training course he gave to youth instructors. "We want [children] to enjoy it, to have fun and share an experience, and maybe learn something in the process."
Wade said the main goal was to convey values to children in an entertaining way. He talked about the importance of a positive attitude. He told the instructors to demonstrate for the children certain core values, including responsibility, honesty, integrity, respect, confidence and sportsmanship, and get the message across that these need to be "transferred from the golf course to everyday life."
Wade runs all the junior golf instruction programs through the First Tee/ABC123Golf Academy, headquartered at Eisenhower Park. Close to 900 youngsters went through his classes last year, "the largest junior program in the state," he said. His son, Mike Wade Jr., is the program coordinator of First Tee instruction, which includes Bellmore PAL golf training.
Skill-based instruction
Instruction is based on a child's skill level, not age, with all levels taught simultaneously. Three training areas are set up at the park. The children move from one spot to another in 20-minute intervals, leaving five minutes in between to get there, as they carry their clubs and talk among themselves a bit, getting to know one another.
At the end of the six-week program, some of the advanced players may move on to one of the park's 18-hole courses, particularly those interested in more lessons or hoping to advance through First Tee certification levels. They progress from target (beginner) to par, birdie, eagle and then ace, which is earned by demonstrating both golf and life skills over time on the golf course.
In a small grassy area, instructor John Liebler teaches technical aspects of the game, the essential mastery of the grip and the stance. He helps more advanced players adjust their posture or refine their wrist action.
Steps away, at a manicured putting green area, several golf pros teach children in groups of three or four how to tap the ball into the cup. "Nice and easy, no big swing," one of the instructors whispers. Each child waits his turn to chip or putt. The instructor praises each child for his or her effort, whether the ball lands in the cup or not. The idea is to subtly convey the virtues of respect for others and good sportsmanship.
Several yards up the hill, at the driving range, children take full swings with youth-sized irons as instructors monitor their progress.
Getting into the swing
At the driving range one Thursday evening in July, coordinator Mike Wade Jr. taught 9-year-old Megan McCarthy of North Bellmore about perseverance, helping her reposition her club to improve her swing. Her father Sean looked on, explaining, "She became interested in golf by watching me practice." He added, "We play around the front lawn."
Minutes later, one bay away, John Rooney of Bellmore adjusted his grip, prompted by instructor Kevin Lawrence. "It's either baseball, lacrosse or golf this summer, I told him," John's mother, Elena, said as she watched her 9-year-old. "Pick one," she said she urged him, "and he chose golf."
Meanwhile, Marissa Croce of North Bellmore remarked, "I love miniature golf." Her mother, Laura, said that the program gives her 9-year-old daughter "six weeks to give it a shot," perhaps to learn the long game. She said Marissa hopes eventually to play on a golf course with her father and grandfather.
Watching her soon-to-be-fifth-grader Noelle approach the driving range, Peggy Connelly of North Bellmore declared, "My daughter is always willing to try new things." About the PAL golf program, she added, "I think this is great."
Not expecting Tiger or Michelle
No one is expecting the next Tiger Woods or Michelle Wie here, Mike Wade Sr. told his youth golf instructors one evening. "The idea," he said, "is for children to give golf a try, to develop social skills, and maybe find a hobby they might enjoy life-long."
Comments about this story? NHiler@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 234.
Photos by Nancy Hiler/Herald
