Golf camp offers 'hole' lot of fun

  • Published
  • By Rebecca Amber
  • Staff writer
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Children ages five to 17 gathered July 21 on the putting green at Muroc Lake Golf Course for the annual summer golf camp. The week-long camp covers all aspects of golf, the rules of the game, etiquette, putting, chipping, iron play and wood play.

"I personally take enjoyment in teaching somebody something new," said golf instructor Chelsea Orozco. "Trying to help them out is probably one of the most exciting things for me, watching somebody work at it and accomplish it."

During the week of camp, each student spends one hour each day learning and practicing golf techniques. They are later given the chance to put their skills to the test in a game. The course is a shortened version, starting 150 yards into the 18-hole course on base.

"Golf is not too hard, but it requires a little more patience than most people realize, but it's fun and enjoyable," said Orozco. "It's a game you can play from five years old until your 90. It's one of those you can play with your friends, parents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles - it's so universal."

Priscilla Headd, recreational aide assistant, has worked at the golf course for 20 years and the children's camp has been around even longer.

"It's a long-standing tradition to get the young kids out here, get them into golf," said Headd. "I think they learn patience, how to be competitive. A lot of it has to do with the person themselves, how much effort they want to put into. A lot of the kids you see come back out with their parents on the weekend and play and practice."

Headd shared that she has watched children who started golf at the camp, continue to practice until they outgrow the camp, and by that time, they have become "very good golfers."

"I like golf because it's a challenge and I to try and do better every time," said Noah, 10. "The most challenging is putting. The most important thing to remember is to keep your head down while you putt."

His sister Anna, 7, and Zahria, 9 also enjoy putting.

"It's relaxing," said Zahria.

Anna Added, "I like reading breaks when you're putting. You sit down and you see the hole, then you aim for the higher side because the ball is going to go downhill because it's higher. I'm about 50 percent good at it."

Headd believes that many of the skills learned through golf, will prove useful in everyday life, such as patience and tolerance.

For children and adults who desire to learn more about golf throughout the year, Orozco offers private lessons for all skill-levels.

"Golf is such an individual game - it's all within and it's all personal," said Orozco.

For more information about the golf course or camp, call (661) 275-PUTT.