The winter may have hung on a little long for many, but young golfers looking for a challenge will be able to warm up on the links starting this Saturday.
The West Kootenay Junior Golf Circuit kicks off its season at Balfour with the first tournment of the 2012 season.
“The goal of the circut is to get as many kids as possible playing junior golf,” says Rob McKay, co-ordinator of the circuit. “It’s a great deal for kids, $15 for each event and they get to meet kids from all over the area.
“In the end we hope that some of the kids develop a real passion for the game and advance to the next level. We have had numerous kids graduate from the program to college programs and some have gone on to become professionals in the golf industry.”
Golf can be intimidating for those just picking up the clubs, but McKay says the emphasis is on friendly competition and improving abilities.
The skill levels vary a great deal,” he says. “There is no real score that is required [to be able to enter an event]. Some kids cannot break 120 for 18 holes, but it is a requirement that the kids can keep up to the pace of play. We like to see all events played in a reasonable allotment of time for 18 holes.”
The golf circuit includes players from all around the region that stretches from Grand Forks to Nakusp to Creston.
“The last couple of years has seen the numbers remain fairly steady,” McKay says. “We would really like to see more younger kids joining, 12 and under, but we also encourage kids older than this to play as well.”
Some of the Granite Pointe young players who are looking to make an impact this season include Nolan Taylor, Carsen Arcuri and Nolan Renwick.
The junior circuit runs until early June. Granite Pointe will host a stop on May 5. The BC Junior qualifer goes in mid-May.
For more information contact McKay at zone1juniorgolf@yahoo.ca.