Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — Teaching young golfers the basics of the game is what the Junior Golf Academy at the Sheraton Steamboat Golf Club is all about.
"We teach every aspect of the game," Sheraton's golf pro Gary Crawford said. "We teach young players about hitting out of the sand, chipping, putting and driving. But we also teach them how to act on the course, and the etiquette of the game."
The Sheraton's Junior Golf Academy will hold its first session this Sunday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. There will also be sessions Monday through Thursday from 8 to 11 a.m. Each day, the young golfers will meet on the driving range and the staff will teach the players what they need to know to be successful on the course. On Thursday, the players will venture onto the fairways and greens for an informal tournament.
"This is the kickoff to our junior program," Crawford said. "It's a lot of fun and it's a great way to open the junior season."
The academy costs $100 for the week.
The academy is open to the public and anyone between the ages of 6 and 18 can take part. For more information or to sign up call 879-1391.
The Sheraton's junior program will begin Sunday. Players interested in taking part should show up at the driving range from 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for instruction. Players should show up in proper golf attire: no jeans or jeans shorts will be allowed and participants should be wearing a collared shirt. They can return to the course Monday morning at 7 a.m. to play. The program will continue throughout the summer.
Each session in the junior program is $2 or $4 per week to take part in both sessions.
The Sunday night session is not mandatory. However, golfers who have not taken part in the golf academy must attend a Sunday night session before they will be allowed to play Monday morning.
"We just want to make sure they understand the rules and what is expected of them before they head out on the course," Crawford said."

To reach John F. Russell call 871-4209 or e-mail jrussell@amigo.net