Summer Golf Tutorial:
Third Eye, Inc. has a summer golf tutorial program it runs at Belle Isle that lasts for 10 weeks. The program teaches girls and boys 6-17 the fundamentals of the game 2 hours a day, once a week. The program emphasizes knowledge of the game, skill development and provides an opportunity for out-of-school learning.

The purpose of Third Eye’s summer golf tutorial program is to expose urban youth to non-traditional sports and physical activities. In our program we focus on three areas: knowledge; skills and fun.

Our primary component we think is important is to impart knowledge of the game. Through the program, participants learn on many levels. The children that participate in our program will learn about the different types of golf clubs and when they are used, they will learn about the general rules of the golf and how to keep score of the game. But most importantly, the children will learn about themselves as they go through the program. Exposure to new things helps to promote the natural curiosity in children and this helps them prepare to continuously accept and be ready for the continuous change they will be presented in life.

The program will also focus on a second key component – skills. The summer program teaches 50 kids, two hours a day, once a week for ten weeks. After a pre-instruction assessment, participants are typically placed into one of three categories: Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced. Beginners use the driving range to practice driving the ball and getting comfortable handling the clubs while focusing on proper posture and other fundamentals. Intermediates also use the driving range to improve distance and also learn chip shots and putting fundamentals. The Advanced participants utilize the learned skills in course play. This group will go out and play as many holes as time allows during the session.

The third aspect we focus on in our golf program is fun. One way to provide fun is to ensure participation. In our program every participant actually participates. Children cannot learn and develop by sitting on the bench. Regardless of the skill level or age, all children participate. The children get out and swing the clubs and hit the balls and really enjoy being outside in the summer. They get a chance to meet new friends and learn something at the same time, and at the end of each session we supply refreshments. We emphasize fun and skill development because it keeps children involved and active.