West Hartford has several special programs available for golfers ages 9 through 17.

Submitted photo

Submitted by West Hartford Department of Human and Leisure Services

With its mission to grow interest and participation in the game of golf, it should come as no surprise that in recent years, the PGA (Professional Golf Association) has been focusing efforts on junior golfers.

According to the PGA, “There’s a cultural force that’s starting to brew in junior golf. By blending tradition with progressive attitudes (like having fun on the course), the PGA is getting more and more kids excited about golf, and most importantly, keeping them in the game.”

The PGA pros at West Hartford’s Rockledge Golf Club and Buena Vista Golf Course couldn’t agree more. According to PGA Pro Rich Crowe, who supervises the junior program, “Our goal is to get kids involved in the game at an early age. Golf is a life-long sport, and it’s important for them to learn the basics as well as the etiquette of the game while they are young.”

Over the years, he and his staff have developed a number of instructional and fun programs and events to build their junior clientele.

The Junior Golf program includes special promotions such as spring discounts for middle and high school students on “Golf Wednesdays” – the day that West Hartford schools dismiss at an earlier time, and a two-for-one Sunday program that allows juniors to play for free with an accompanying adult.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the summer, the golf pros at Rockledge conduct a brief golf clinic for juniors, which is followed by a 9-hole tournament at Buena Vista – West Hartford’s 9-hole golf course.

The summer season is capped by the annual Summer’s End Tournament – open to all junior golfers ages 9 through 17 – which closes the summer with pizza, soft drinks, prizes, and trophies.

In addition to the promotions, Rockledge staff offers beginner lessons for juniors with little or no experience and two golf camps for juniors at both the beginner and advanced levels. Both lessons and camps provide golf instruction, sessions on etiquette, strategy and the rules of play, and video taped swing analysis.

The junior program is held at Buena Vista Golf Course, an executive-style course known for its moderately hilly terrain and meticulous maintenance. The course features a layout that’s conducive to junior golfers, while providing just the right amount of challenge for golfers wanting to get in a quick 9 holes after work or between chores, and for seniors looking for a moderately challenging round.

Complete information on all junior golf programs is available at Rockledge Golf Course, the West Hartford Town Hall and all West Hartford Leisure Services facilities, and by visiting http://www.golfrockledge.com/buena_vista.