The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Lowcountry and The Golf Club at Hilton Head Lakes have partnered together to introduce golf to children in Beaufort and Jasper counties.
“Golf is for everyone,” David Wilding, director of golf, at the Golf Club of Hilton Head Lakes, said. “It doesn’t matter who you are, where you are from — I want to make the game available for as many people as I can.”
The Golf Club of Hilton Head Lakes invited the club members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head Island and Jasper County to practice their golf at the driving range for five consecutive weeks. On Monday, August 1, which will be the fifth week, the pros at Hilton Head Lakes will present an exhibition and clinic. The club members will then be able to play the par 3, six-hole course.
“This is a great way for the young members of our clubs to learn and get excited about a sport which is so much a part of our community and culture,” Jan Gourley, vice president of resource development and marketing, said. “You never know the talent and excitement which may spark by the opportunity for the kids to practice and play at Hilton Head Lakes.”
Many of the club members are encouraged about discovering the sport.
“It’s a surprise to me, “Eduardo Moreno, 10, of Jasper County, said. “I am proud of how much I am making contact with the ball.” Eduardo said he makes contact with the ball so much that “his arm hurts.”
David Wilding said golf also involves a lot “teachable moments,” in patience, personal appearance and respect for the game and other players.
Whitney Uva, 11 years old, of Jasper County, said her lesson in golf was learning not to be afraid and trying to improve.
Last year, she was hit by a golf club at another golf outing and it produced a big welt on her face.
“Of course, I came back to golfing,” Whitney said. “I keep trying over and over again.”
