Elks Club gives local kids a chance to learn the game of golf
Garden Heights third grader Elijah Schuening was one of 30 area children to participate in the Moses Lake Boys & Girls Club junior golf clinic at the Links of Moses Pointe. The event was sponsored by the Columbia Basin Elks Club No. 1930.
Park Orchard fourth-grader Gavin Sayers lines up his putt on the 17th green at the Links at Moses Point Thursday morning.
MOSES LAKE — Garden Heights second-grader Steve Moses stood over the ball on his approach shot into the 17th green Thursday morning at the Links at Moses Pointe Golf Course.
His stance was a little more like standing in the batter’s box, his grip indicated a little baseball training. But it was all good as he put the club on the ball on a lofted shot that cleared the greenside bunker and landed softly on the green as a cheer erupted from his fellow session mates at the Moses Lake Boys & Girls Club junior golf clinic. It’s not how, but how many and the Moses Lake 8-year-old was hooked. Like catching that first fish, that shot is one he’ll remember almost as much as getting to drive the golf cart back to the club house.
“I watch golf on TV all the time, but this is the first time I’ve ever been out on a golf course,” he said. “That was so cool hitting it over the trap on the green. I think I’d like to play more now that I know how.”
The two-day clinic was sponsored by the Columbia Basin Elks Lodge No. 1930 to give local kids a little exposure to the integrity of the game and give them a chance to take a few swings.
“We secured a $2,000 grant from the Elks National Foundation, which allows us to do something worthwhile for children in the community. This is the second year we’ve done this (junior clinic) in conjunction with Moses Pointe,” Jan Lindsey with the Elks Club said. “I feel that golf is a life sport. It teaches them respect, it teaches them patience and lets them know they don’t need a team of five to play a sport. A lot of this helps them become a better person.”
With a little guidance from director of golf Bill Porter, who showed a little of that learned patience, some 30 kids got out on the course over the two days. Some in the morning session (7- to 10-year-olds) were just a little taller than the clubs they were swinging. For most, it was the first time with a golf club in their hands.
“This is so cool. I’ve never been on a golf course before,” 9-year-old Dezji Williams said. “It’s kind of tricky, but they showed me how to hold the club and I’m starting to figure out how to hit the ball.”
For others like Orchard Park fourth-grader Gavin Sayers, it was a chance to get out and play with his friends.
“I’ve been out on this course a lot,” the 9-year-old said. “It’s fun getting a chance to be out here with my friends. I like hitting the ball the most. Putting is fun, but I like seeing the ball and hitting it.”
The older group of 11- to 13-year-olds also had a chance to enjoy the game with their friends in the afternoon session.
The clubs used during the junior clinic were purchased by Elks Lodge No. 1930 and donated to the Links at Moses Pointe. They are available to junior golfers to play or practice with. Check in the pro shop for the availability.