Skip to content

Golf clinic aims to introduce children to the sport

Kids looking to see what golfing is all about will have their chance with a free clinic Aug. 6 at the Wolf Creek Golf Club.

Kids looking to see what golfing is all about will have their chance with a free clinic Aug. 6 at the Wolf Creek Golf Club.

The event is hosted by Ponoka Ford and the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MLJGT) and is intended to give children a chance to try out the sport without the initial startup costs, which can be high.

“The mandate (of the tour) is to develop junior golf in the community,” explained Elaine Denton, director of marketing for MLJGT.

She says with the help of Ponoka Ford, the event is free for children who sign up. Denton says they have 40 spots available with professional golfers showing kids the ins-and-outs of golfing.

“It’s to see if it’s something the kids like,” she added.

Ponoka Ford general manager Ross North said they jumped at the opportunity to help out once Ford Canada told them about the event.

“I hope the kids have a great time. That’s what it’s all about,” said North.

He says if more than 40 kids sign up, they will try to accommodate the additional players.

Those who wish to register for the clinic should call Jackie Heidt at 403-783-5501.

Raising money for women in golf

Another Ponoka dealership helped sponsor a women’s golf tournament, called the BFF Golf Tourney, on July 21 in Red Deer. Organized by Tera Lee and Lyn Radford, the event was intended to raise money for women’s sports.

Ponoka Dodge Chrysler sponsored the event with two $25,000 prizes — for hitting a hole in one — towards a new vehicle at the dealership. Much to their delight, two golfers made a hole in one.

Hosting an event that supports women’s activities was something Lee feels was important to do and this year everything fell in place to make it happen.

“We just felt that there was a need,” said Lee.

Women athletes at the recent Olympics in Russia inspired Lee and she suggests athletics build a person’s character.

Dodge Chrysler sales manager Maryjane Shirriff said she was pleased and surprised by two hole-in-ones.

“I’ve never heard of anything like that happening…we’re happy we’re getting some new customers coming,” said Shirriff.

Supporting the event was an easy decision for her as she knows both organizers and feels promoting women’s sporting events is important.

“It’s nice to support activities for women,” she added.