ORILLIA — Golf Ontario’s first Golf Community, Golf Barrie, has nearly completed its inaugural season. The initiative has had a presence at more than 30 events throughout the spring and summer and introduced more than 20,000 people to the game of golf.
A key learning from Golf Barrie has been the importance of programs that bridge TRY, LEARN, and PLAY stages of development.
To wrap up the summer, Golf Barrie, in association with Golf Ontario, is inviting junior golf programs from across Ontario to join them for a day of House League style golf, a format that fits naturally as a transition from the LEARN to PLAY stages. The one-day event is called Golf Jam.
House League style junior golf introduces the individual nature of competitive golf, while maintaining the fun team atmosphere offered by other sports.
Golf Jam will take place on September 11 at Hawk Ridge Golf & Country Club in Orillia, one of the Golf Barrie partner clubs. Teams from golf clubs, other sports or even just friends, are encouraged to sign up. Teams will be made up of four players, between the ages of 8-12, including both boys and girls. Each team is permitted one coach to help them as they play a nine-hole round.
The format is simple: two players from the team will hit drives on a given hole, while the remaining players will hit the second shots. The team will continue to alternate shots until both balls are holed, with the lowest score counting.
To encourage both existing and new players to take part in the Golf Jam, there will be multiple divisions including a novice flight for new players. Teams will also receive a skills clinic with a PGA Professional, participate in a full run through of the Future Links Skills Challenge, receive a unique team jersey, BBQ lunch and the opportunity to win amazing prizes.
“Golf Ontario is committed to supporting local golf junior league formats, or other club designed approaches, that bridge the steps between TRY, LEARN and PLAY experiences for young golfers,” said Andrew Moss, Golf Ontario Director of High Performance.
“Golf Jam will be an exciting wrap up to the summer golf season, with a fun format of House League style junior golf. It is a great way for clubs to celebrate a successful season of junior golf!” added Moss.
For more information or to register your team(s) visit: www.gao.ca/golf-jam
