OTTAWA – The Thunderbird Sports Centre in concert with the Kevin Haime Golf School have announced the launch of the Little Thunderbirds Golf Tour, the first golf program at a public facility aimed at children 10-and-under.
The program is designed to provide a place for younger golfers – who may not be able to access other golf courses on a regular basis – with a place to have fun while playing golf at Thunderbird’s par-3 layout. The program is designed to give children instruction and an introduction into the competitive aspect of golf.
“We are excited to be partnering with Kevin and his junior golf initiative to give young golfers the same opportunity that older junior golfers have,” explained Rob Knights, VP, TMSI Sports Management. “The focus will be on fun and giving the kids a taste of competition.”
Over 12 weeks, beginning May 16th, participants will compete in a variety of nine-hole competitions. Prizes will be awarded each weekend in two age groups: 7-and-under and 8-and- over. Participants will also be provided with a golf shirt, hat and sleeve of golf balls at the beginning of the season. Parents will also be encouraged to caddy for their children.
It’s just another way the Thunderbird Sports Centre is committed to growing the game of golf by connecting with youth in the Ottawa area.
In 2014, Thunderbird was the first course in Eastern Ontario to introduce FootGolf at its facility, along with being the first course in Ottawa to introduce larger, 8-inch cups. Thunderbird is also the only course in Ottawa where golfers of all ages can play golf after dark, with an innovative “night golf” program.
“It’s important for golf courses and the golf industry to be flexible and try new ideas to help bring more people to the game,” Knights said. “Getting kids involved and providing affordable, consistent access to golf is another way we feel we can help grow the game of golf.”
Instruction for the Little Thunderbirds Golf Tour will be provided by a group of qualified PGA of Canada professionals at the Kevin Haime Golf Centre in Kanata, Ont.
Haime, the 2000 Canadian PGA national teacher of the year, has lead a junior golf initiative in Ottawa for the past eight years. In that time, he has helped nearly 500 junior golfers join golf clubs and help them to realize their golfing dreams.
The Little Thunderbirds Golf Tour is another way Haime is excited to get involved with the golf lives of youth in Ottawa.
“Growing the game has always been a high priority for me,” said Haime. “We’re giving so many lessons and clinics to kids as young as four years old. Those kids need to have a place to play and even to learn to score and compete. Thanks to TMSI and the Little Thunderbirds Golf Tour, now they do!”
Parents interested in signing their children up for the Little Thunderbirds Golf Tour, or, interested in learning more, can do so at www.thunderbirdsportscentre.com. The Tour begins May 16, and will sell out shortly.
