Junior golf has exploded over the past couple of years, and the Golf Channel's Drive, Chip & Putt Jr. Golf Skills Competition is helping to keep the game on the rise.
More than 60 youngsters went to Crooked Creek's golf club in Fuquay-Varina to test their stroke in several categories. Points are tabulated for driving distance and accuracy, chipping, precision and putting.
Even though the word competition is in the title, the event is much more than that.
"Some have goals to play professionally or be able to play with their parents on a competitive level, but a number of kids just come and want to have fun," says Steve Sellery of the Golf Channel. "We certainly emphasize fun as the name of the game, but the level of talent is certainly surpassed what we thought we would see."
As the talent level rises, awareness and respect for the game rise as well. The game may also have a carryover effect for some of the competitors.
"I really believe that golf is a microcosm of life and that if you can learn to exist within the game of golf, it goes a long way toward helping you prepare and exist in the game of life," says PGA pro golfer Jimmy Hamilton.
Winners from the local event will progress to the Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals held in Orlando, Fla.
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