City Offers Opportunities For Young Golfers To Learn Game

By Carla M. Collado
Staff Writer

Regardless of putting experience, youth of all ages will get the chance to learn how to play golf from the pros this summer in Long Beach.

The Long Beach Junior Golf program runs golf classes out of Recreation Park 9 and Heartwell Golf Course, some just for the summer and some year-round. Instructors from the PGA (Professional Golfers Association), the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) and the American Golf Corporation teach youth golf basics such as proper grip, stance, swing, putting stroke, short game and etiquette, explained Lisa Georgeson, director of Long Beach Junior Golf.

Junior Summer Camps at Recreation Park 9 are weeklong camps from June through August where youth of all skill levels spend three hours daily sharpening their golf skills. The camp costs about $100, Georgeson said.

Junior Golf classes at Heartwell Golf Course include group lessons and camps year-round, with an expanded summer schedule. Classes cost $55 for basic, four-hour sessions, and $110 for eight-hour sessions (fee includes range balls and golf clubs), according to Georgeson.

The Junior Golf Association also offers league play at Heartwell Golf Course for youth ages 7 to 17 who already have some golf experience. The program, which started in 1992, takes place on Friday afternoons year-round and has more than 700 members (there is currently a waiting list), Georgeson said.

The Long Beach Little Linksters program at Heartwell Golf Course is for youth ages 8 to 13 who do not own golf equipment and who do not have any prior golf experience. In order to keep their provided golf equipment, children must maintain perfect attendance during the weeklong camp. Little Linksters camp will take place from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. July 7-11 and July 14-18. The fee is $85 per child but there are scholarships available to youth who need them, Georgeson said.

To register for Little Linksters or other classes at Heartwell Golf Course, call 570-1272. For classes at Recreation Park 9, call 438-4012.

The Long Beach Golf Little League — which kicked off its inaugural season last month with about 50 golfers — will offer youth a chance to play competitive golf throughout the summer. The summer season runs from June 24 to Aug. 17 at Recreation Park 9 and will include four divisions: the Mini division for youth ages 6 to 8; the Tour division for youth ages 8 to 14; the Champions division for youth ages 14 to 18; and the HOPE division for youth with mental or physical challenges.

Teams will consist of five players each, and there will be up to 25 teams total per division.

Registration for the Long Beach Golf Little League already is open. The $125 per-player fee includes all greens fees, shirts and hats. For more information, call 856-4653 or visit www.lbgll.org.