2023 Junior Golf Manual

Junior Golf Clinic Dates / Times

April

Saturday, April 1 Online Registration Begins

Sunday, April 16 Junior Sports Expo / Ice Cream Social 5:00 - 7:00 pm

Sunday, April 30 Online Registration Closes- Penalties Begin for Late Registration on 5/1

May

Saturday, May 6 Placement Evaluation for Golfers New to Junior Golf - 9:00 am

Sunday, May 21 Mandatory Parent / Scorer Orientation Meeting 4:00 - 5:00 pm

Sunday, May 21 Mandatory Privilege Card Holder Meeting 6:00 - 6:30 pm

June

Tues. - Fri., June 6-9 Clinics- Skills, Short Valley 4 & Long Valley 5

Thursday, June 8 Jr. Golf Play Day: Skills, Short & Long Valley 9 on the Valley Course

Friday, June 9 Jr. Golf Play Day: Short Valley 4 and Long Valley 5, Champ Groups

Tues. - Fri., June 13-16 Clinics- Short & Long Valley 9, Junior Champ & Champ 9

Thursday, June 15 Jr. Golf Play Day: Skills, Short & Long Valley 9 on the Valley Course

Friday, June 16 Jr. Golf Play Day: Short Valley 4 and Long Valley 5, Champ Groups

Thursday, June 22 Jr. Golf Play Day: Skills, Short & Long Valley 9 on the Valley Course

Friday, June 23 Jr. Golf Play Day: Short Valley 4 and Long Valley 5, Champ Groups

Wednesday, June 28 Junior Member - Guest (Championship & Valley Course)

Thursday, June 29 Jr. Golf Play Day: Skills, Short & Long Valley 9 on the Valley Course

Friday, June 30 Jr. Golf Play Day: Short Valley 4 and Long Valley 5, Champ Groups

July

Thursday, July 6 Jr. Golf Play Day: Skills, Short & Long Valley 9 on the Valley Course

Friday, July 7 Jr. Golf Play Day: Short Valley 4 and Long Valley 5, Champ Groups

Thursday, July 13 Jr. Golf Play Day: Skills, Short & Long Valley 9 on the Valley Course

Friday, July 14 Jr. Golf Play Day: Short Valley 4 and Long Valley 5, Champ Groups

Saturday, July 15 Parent Child Tournament (9-Hole Championship & Valley)

Sunday, July 16 Parent Child Tournament (18-Hole)

Thursday, July 20 Junior Golf Two-Day Tournament for Championship Groups

Junior Golf One-Day Tournament for Skills, Short & Long Valley 9 Groups

Friday, July 21 Junior Golf Two-Day Tournament for Championship Groups

Junior Golf One-Day Tournament for Short Valley 4 & Long Valley 5

Junior Golf Awards Banquet, 5:45 pm

August

Thurs. - Fri. Aug. 3-4 Junior Golf Bonus Week (only applicable if dates are canceled due to weather)

Junior Golf Mission & Key Tips

The Board of Directors of Forest Hills Country Club considers our Junior Golf Program one of the cornerstones of our Club and one of the best in the Midwest. The high quality of the Junior Golf Program is part of the identity of Forest Hills.

The Mission:

1. To have our young people learn to play by the rules, learn proper etiquette, develop a good attitude, and make friends while learning to play the game.

2. To have our young people learn the skill sets needed to improve their play.

Key Components:

1. Clinic week provides a foundation and skill set needed to achieve the set goals to move forward in the program.

2. Juniors will play with a group skill level that fits their current ability, and will advance as they meet the goals.

3. Parental involvement is essential to operate this program so every junior group has a scorer to keep score and monitor behavior.

4. The awards banquet at the end of the year will honor each junior golfer, tournament winners, exceptional effort and improvement by juniors, and will name the Junior Boys and Girls Club Champions for the year.

To Parents:

If all you do is drop your child off for Junior Golf, and there is no additional practice, play, or lessons, then they will tend to develop very slowly. Here are some suggestions:

1. Talk with your child about their golf and look at the score sheets at the end of play on Thursday or Friday to see what area (putting, bunker, driving, etc.) needs practice, and then plan time to let them practice before the next week.

2. Ask the professional staff, and encourage your child to ask the professional staff, what and how to practice.

3. Set up a private ½ hour lesson for your child.

4. Seek out their golf friends and schedule other times for them to play.

5. As their skills and desire improve, sign them up for outside junior golf tournaments that are held throughout the area. If you need some guidance, the professional staff will be happy to help.

Remember that the game of golf is fun, and it is difficult. Even following all of the suggestions, it takes time to develop the skills, strength and desire to have a good golf game. Allow plenty of time for these attributes to bloom in your child.

Introduction to Junior Golf

The Junior Golf Program is for children of Golfing Members between the ages of 7 (as of 7/31) and 19, as long as they are in their senior year of high school and have not attended college. No exceptions will be made to this rule.

The fee to participate in the program is $185.00 for Skills to Championship 9, and $110 for Championship 18. Registration dates are Saturday, April 1 through Sunday, April 30, 2023. Failure to register during these dates will result in being assessed a $75 fee per late registrant.

The program is designed to advance the child as skill level improves, thus keeping the child motivated throughout all phases of development. Beginning golfers will be automatically placed in the Skills Challenge Group without evaluation. Juniors new to the program who have golfing experience should be evaluated for proper placement. Children will advance through the program when their scores and etiquette on the course are consistent with the criteria. Parents will be made aware of advancements by the chairperson of each group.

Children playing in the Skills Challenge, Short Valley 9 and Long Valley 9 groups will play on Thursdays. Those children placed in Short Valley 4 and Long Valley 5, or playing on the Championship Course, will meet on Friday mornings.

Tee times are scheduled by the group chairman, and are sent out via email to the parents. It is the responsibility of the parent/child to check the tee time(s) for those playing on the Valley Course and Championship Course prior to Thursday’s and Friday’s play. Golfers must arrive 10 minutes prior to their tee time or risk not being able to play. Juniors in Skills Challenge are to be outside the Golf Shop no later than 7:45 a.m. Please be on time to prevent delaying the entire group.

Juniors that violate the rules, show poor sportsmanship, or are disrespectful to other golfers, scorers and committee volunteers are subject to review by the Junior Golf Committee and Golf Chairman with penalties of suspension or expulsion from the program.

Remember the Basics

One of the Junior Golf Program’s goals is to be educational, but everyone having fun is important too! Here are a few reminders that will ensure the program progresses smoothly and that all participants have an enjoyable experience.

• Be respectful of other golfers and committee volunteers and show good sportsmanship.

• Come to Junior Golf appropriately dressed. Club dress code is in your Golf Rules.

• Be on time! Arrive on the tee 10 minutes ahead of your tee time.

• Maintain “ready golf” and keep play moving.

• Help others find their ball.

• Remember Golf Course Etiquette.

• Repair divots & ball marks, rake sand bunkers, and replace flags.

• Obey the golf cart safety rules.

• Honor your scoring commitment.

Parent Scoring Responsibilities

As with any successful children’s program, parent participation is essential. Parents are a child’s best teacher, coach and mentor. Our program at Forest Hills is successful because of the active participation by the parents. With each child enrolled in the program, a parent is required to score three times throughout the season and one time during the season ending tournament Your options for scoring are listed below:

Scoring Yourself

• If electing to score yourself, you must attend the parent/scorer orientation meeting where you will learn to keep score for the various skill levels.

• Parents will receive each of their scoring dates early in the week on the week in which they are assigned to score. Assignments will be based upon the availability provided on the junior golf registration form.

• Parents will not be scoring their own children.

• Parents may also do a combination of scoring and obtaining a paid scorer. See the ‘Getting a Paid Scorer’ section for more information.

Getting a Paid Scorer

• If you need any of your four scoring dates covered, the option to obtain a paid scorer will be available. The Golf Shop will assist in acquiring a paid scorer, but you will need to give a minimum of 48 hours notice to locate a scorer by emailing scoringjrgolf@gmail.com in addition to the group’s chairperson.

• You must drop off the cash payment for a paid scorer at least 24 hours in advance to the Golf Shop (see paid scorer rates).

• A penalty of $20 will be billed to your account if the Golf Shop does not receive cash 24 hours in advance of the scoring date.

Buying-Out

• A buy-out option is available, which allows the parent to forgo all four scoring dates, paying a $160 fee, which will be applied to your member account prior to the beginning of the season. Select the buyout option upon registering your child on the website if you choose this option.

Families often want an older child or family friend to score in their place and pay this child separate from the program. This scorer must be preapproved by the Golf Shop 48 hours prior to the scoring date. The replacement scorer must check in with the Golf Shop and chairperson at least ten minutes before their tee time, must be knowledgeable of the Junior Golf Program’s rules and must adhere to the dress code. Failure to pay your scorer in a timely manner could result in suspension/expulsion from the program.

Failure to fulfill your commitment as a scorer will result in a “no show” fine of; Skills/ 9-holes- 1st $75, 2nd $125, 3rd $200 and 18-holes-1st $100, 2nd $150, 3rd $200, billed directly to your Club account, and the possibility of your child’s suspension/expulsion from the Junior Golf Program.

If you or your dependent(s) are interested in being a paid scorer for the summer program, we ask that you email Jeanne Flowers at scoringjrgolf@gmail.com for a link to a Google document to provide your contact information and availability.

Parent Scoring Responsibilities

Paid Scorer Rates

$30 Skills & Valley 5-Hole Groups

$40 Valley 9-Hole Groups

$40 9-Hole Champion Group

$40 18-Hole Champion Group*

$40 Junior Champion 9-Hole Group (*per 9 holes)

$40 Junior Champion 9-Hole Group

Mandatory Meeting for ALL Parents & Scorers involved

in the Junior Golf Program

Please note, this meeting will be hosted in person at the Club.

Sunday, May 21st 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm

This meeting and Rules of Golf training session is mandatory for all parents and scorers in the Junior Golf Program. We will discuss the Rules of Golf in general, and how they apply to the holes that you will walk at Forest Hills. We will also discuss helpful ways to keep the pace of play and the spirits up with these young people as they learn the game of golf as well as recent changes that have been made to the program. Additionally, this meeting will be a great refresher for all parents and provide clarity to help minimize any confusion regarding the junior golf program.

It is very important that the scorers are consistent and accurate as they lead a group of juniors through a morning of golf. It is not just about the scores, the rules and the great shots– it is also about the culture and the tradition of the game.

Forest Hills Country Club has always had one of the finest junior golf programs in the Midwest, and this is because of the army of parents who take the time to be involved. We can answer any of your questions about the program at this session. This information will not just help you on the morning of junior golf, but it will also help you to better enjoy the many rounds of golf that you will play with your children over the years. The etiquette of golf, where the golfer calls a penalty on himself or herself, and where you help and encourage your playing partner, are very different from many other sports. This is what makes golf a special sport, and teaches our juniors life lessons, along with great sportsmanship.

This meeting is mandatory for all parents and paid scorers in the program.

Playing Levels & Criteria

The following score requirements, the Junior Golfer’s sportsmanship and display of etiquette, and the size of various groups from week to week are factors the chairmen use when determining advancement of a child into the next skill level. Qualifying scores can only be obtained on junior golf play days.

Tee times are scheduled by the group chairman, and are sent out via email to the parents. It is the responsibility of the parent/child to check the tee time(s) prior to Thursday’s and Friday’s play. If you register each child separately, you will receive an email notifying you of your child’s scheduled tee time with the email you provided during online registration. Please note– it is the parents’ and/or child's responsibility to be aware of their tee time and to also show up at least 10 minutes early to the proper location.

Skills Group: This is the entry-level group into the program. Skills Challenge has six stations; putting, irons, woods, chipping, bunkers, and playing a hole on the Championship Course. The group starts promptly at 7:45 am on Thursday mornings. A child will advance once they have a score under 70 two times or under 80 four times. This group will play a one-day season ending tournament.

Short Valley 4-Hole Group: On Fridays, this group plays Holes #9, #1, #2 and #3 from the black junior tees on the Valley Course. Once a child shoots a score of 33 or lower three times, they will advance to the next group. This group will play a one-day season ending tournament.

Long Valley 5-Hole Group: On Fridays, this group plays from the red tee markers from Holes #5 - #9 of the Valley Course and plays Hole #7 as a par 3. Children advance to the next group when they score 35 or lower three times while in this group. This group will play a one-day season ending tournament.

Short Valley 9-Hole Group: On Thursdays, this group plays the red tees, starting at Hole #1. Hole #7 is played as a par 3. Once a child shoots a score of 55 or lower three times, they will advance to the next group. This group will play a oneday season ending tournament.

Long Valley 9-Hole Group: On Thursdays, this group plays the white tees, starting at Hole #1. Hole #7 is played as a par 4. The boys must shoot a score of 55 or lower three times to advance to the next group and the girls must shoot 60 or lower three times to advance. This group will play a one-day season ending tournament.

Junior Championship 9-Hole Group: On Fridays, this group plays the Championship Course Holes 1 through 9 or 10 through 18. Both the boys and girls play from the same junior tees. The boys must shoot a score of 55 or lower three times to advance to the next group and the girls must shoot 60 or lower three times to advance. This group will play a two-day season ending tournament.

9-Hole Championship Group: On Fridays, this group plays the Championship Course Holes 1 through 9 or 10 through 18. The girls play from the red tees and the boys play from the white tees. The boys must shoot a score of 55 or lower three times to advance to the next group and the girls must shoot 60 or lower three times to advance. This group will play a two-day season ending tournament.

18-Hole Championship Group: On Fridays, this group plays the Championship Course Holes 1 through 18. The girls play from the silver or red tees and the boys play from the blue or white tees. This group will play a two-day season ending tournament.

Placement Evaluation for Playing Levels

Seven year old golfers will automatically be placed in the entry level Skills Challenge Group. Older golfers ages nine and older and new to the program will need to make an appointment with the Golf Shop for evaluation prior to Saturday, May 6 or may show up to the Golf Shop on Saturday, May 6 at 9:00 am for evaluation

2023 Junior Golf Photos

Dress Code

The Forest Hills dress code, as outlined in the Club Rules, will strictly be adhered to for not only the junior golfers, but parents and paid scorers as well during the Junior Golf Program. Denim is prohibited at all times. All golfers must wear golf shoes or tennis shoes. Boys must wear collared shirts (tucked in) and proper golf shorts. Girls may not wear tank tops tee shirts, denim, or athletic wear. Shorts and skorts must also be an appropriate length. Hats are to be worn with the bill facing forward. Golfers and scorers will be sent home if they are not dressed appropriately.

Future Juniors

Future Juniors provides an introduction to golf for our youngest members at Forest Hills Country Club. The Future Junior Golf Program is for boys and girls who are looking to get a head start into becoming a junior golfer. This program is available to youngsters ages 4-6 years of age who are interested in learning the basics about the game of golf, being introduced to the spirit of the game, and develop important skills to become a junior golfer. In addition, our goal is to build familiarity and confidence for the young juniors both on and off the golf course, allowing them to build friendships and have fun at Forest Hills Country Club! Please note, sign up for Future Juniors will be on the ForeTees event page, not on the website. A separate registration will come out for future juniors. Sign up will be shared at a later date. Please note, Future Juniors is handled by the Golf Shop and is not part of the Junior Golf Program.

Personal Push Cart Information

Push carts are not allowed on the putting greens. Personal push carts are permitted with the applicable push cart fee.

Privilege Card

Privilege Cards will be granted to junior boys playing 9 holes on the Championship Course with the basis of five (5) rounds of 50 or better from the white tees. Privilege Cards will be granted to junior girls playing 9 holes on the Championship Course with the basis of five (5) rounds of 57 or better from the red tees.

Privilege Card qualifying scores are only counted during Junior Golf play days.

Privilege Cards can be awarded to girls and boys playing in the 9-Hole Championship Group or higher. All decisions will be made or confirmed by the Head Golf Professional.

These cards are a privilege that can be revoked at any time because of poor golf course etiquette. Once your privilege card is obtained, it is encouraged that all boys play from the blue tees and all girls play from the silver tees.

Season Ending Tournament

Each golfing group will participate in the annual season ending tournament held the last Thursday and Friday of the season (Thursday, July 20th - Friday, July 21st). This is an important event for all the children to demonstrate their growth for the season. The tournament also determines the Junior Club Champions from the 18- Hole Group. The Skills Challenge and Valley Course Groups play a one-day tournament on their assigned play days. The Championship Course skill levels will play a two-day tournament on Thursday and Friday to determine the group winners. It is important that the children arrive on time and are prepared for the event. There are potential tie-breakers and playoffs during the tournament, so it is important to remain on Club grounds should your child be in contention.

Awards Banquet

The Awards Banquet culminates the junior golf season. This is an evening of trophy presentations by the Professional Staff followed by dinner. This is a special evening for the junior golfers where various awards, including Junior Club Champions, are presented.

The banquet is held in the evening on the last Friday of the Junior Golf program. The Parent Child winners are also presented at the banquet. It is a casual family event that everyone looks forward to attending.

The 2023 Junior Golf Awards Banquet is scheduled for Friday, July 21st at 5:45 pm.

Golf Shop Information

Golf Shop: (636) 227-1528

Director of Golf: Jimmy Bals | (636) 207 - 3525 | jimmyb@foresthillscc.net

Head Professional: JT Tierney | (636) 227 - 1528 | jtt@foresthillscc.net

Player Dev. Director: Matt Swanson | (636) 227 - 1528 | matts@foresthillscc.net

Assistant Professional: Nick Jones | (636) 227 - 1528 | nickj@foresthillscc.net

Director of Instruction: Ryan Martin | (636) 227 - 1528 | ryanm@foresthillscc.net

Assistant Professional: Matt Hood | (636) 227 - 1528 | matthewh@foresthillscc.net

2023 Junior Golf Chairpersons

Jeanne Flowers and Judy Malpiedi

How to Register Your Child(ren) for Junior Programs:

Registration Available from April 1st - 30th, 2023

1. Use your username and password to log in to www.foresthillscc.net. Please note, using a desktop computer is the easiest way to do this. If you do not know your username or are having difficulty getting logged in, please contact Ali Kaplan at (636) 207-3545.

2. Junior Program Registration is the very first tab you will see on the left upon logging in. Make sure your screen is maximized, and then click on the tab.

3. Here you will see links to sign up for all three junior programs (swim and dive team, tennis and golf). You must complete a form for each category in which you would like to register your child. To register multiple children, you will need to fill out individual forms. Please note, sign up for Future Juniors will be on the ForeTees event page, not on the website.

4. Upon completion of the form, you will receive a confirmation email from the Club.