Winter 2017
INVESTING IN YOUTH. BUILDING THE FUTURE.
Dave Malone Brings Sticks for Kids to South Lincoln, Nebraska How does one introduce a toddler to the game of golf to offer maximum impact in the future? Easy, take them to PGA Master Golf Professional Dave Malone at the Junior Golf League at Pine Lake Golf & Tennis Club in Lincoln, NE. After a conversation with GCBAA Program & Planning Manager, Samantha Huff and PGA Professional Jeff Porter, Dave decided to apply for a 2017 Sticks for Kids grant. Dave’s Sticks for Kids program includes golfers between the ages of three and 17. With 35 years of experience teaching junior golfers, Dave is extraordinarily dedicated to our youth and offers tried and true coaching techniques, not to mention a great deal of patience. Dave’s Sticks for Kids program has four phases of development that targets each junior golfer: Active Start, Learn to Play, Learn to Compete and Train to Excel. The Active Start helps junior golfers with the fundamentals of movement, while the Learn to Play works on specific golf skills. Learn to Compete and Train to Excel offer coaching and practice skills to enhance the young golfer’s game. Andrea Wilkins, whose son Nolan is an Active Starter was excited to hear about the free junior clubs that were provided to her son through the Sticks for Kids program. “The Sticks for Kids program made it possible for our son to join the Junior Golf League at Pine Lake Golf.”
Dave also encourages participants to get involved in other sports. He is confident that playing other sports will help kids improve their golf skills, saying “Many of the fundamental movements used in sports like soccer, baseball, swimming and the stamina carry over to golf and will benefit them in the long run.” After successfully running both the spring and summer Sticks for Kids programs in 2017, Dave has seen many positive changes amongst the junior golfers and their parents. Many of his junior golfers have already signed up for additional training. Not only that, but the ability to maintain children’s interest has been an encouraging sign. It shows that Dave and his team are taking the proper steps to keep the junior golfers engaged. “These junior golfers weren’t here for one session, they wanted more. They enjoyed being out on the course, practicing and perfecting their skills. Most importantly, they are having fun!” The Sticks for Kids program prides itself on knowing that the equipment being provided to each program is helping educate children on the rules of golf, life values and environmental stewardship. With programs such as the Junior Golf League, junior golfers will continue to learn patience, team building and leadership skills.
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