At Nancy Lopez Legacy Golf & Country Club recently, Camp Villages members absolutely loved one of the community’s most favorite pastimes.
At the Full Swing Clinic, ten campers-turned-golfers learned the basics and got training from The Villages Golf Academy.
Players joined their grandparents and guardians for a 90-minute workshop taught by PGA professional David Sherman, which covered everything from appropriate technique to playing like a pro on the course.
“Golf bringing family together. That’s primarily what this group and Camp Villages session is all about,” Sherman said. “We hopefully taught them a thing or two that they can take back home, of course, but really it’s about family sharing something together.”
On the driving range, the hour-and-a-half session covered a variety of issues, including good grip, stance and posture.
Sherman also set aside time for one-on-one training with each camper, allowing The Villages Golf Academy’s full-time coach to focus on and build skills and abilities for each participant.
“Some of the kids might take to it right away — and some might not — and that’s OK,” Sherman said. “I like to say kids are like pieces of popcorn, and they all pop for something like they do eventually. Hopefully, we can grab some of them to enjoy the game of golf, too.”
Swinging for the loft was one of the key emphasis points of his lesson, according to the teacher, who has more than 35 years of experience. Direction and distance came next.
“I definitely gave them a few tips on getting the golf ball in the air,” Sherman said. “I thought they did a beautiful job of getting the ball in the air almost right away, and that’s when I saw the smiles come across their faces. And the smiles are always nice to see, because we all know how golf can be a frustrating game sometimes.”
Sherman had one main point he wanted to convey to the attendees, aside from the on-course teaching.
“When you go play golf with a loved one or family member, even just nine holes, that’s a couple of hours together,” Sherman said. “No devices, cell phones or anything like that — just you and family. That’s the main thing I hope they take away. That the game of golf is one way to spend time with family.”
Vicky Mitchell of the Village of Linden heard that message loud and clears as she watched her 14-year-old granddaughter, Zoe Smith, learn the essentials of the sport.
“I can’t believe she can hit it as well as she does,” Mitchell said. “She’s been with me for a month — this is her last week — and it’s a great way for us to end her visit. It’s been great watching, her get out there and try it.”
Smith, who resides in Little Rock, Arkansas, selected golf lessons after her initial attempt at the sport didn’t go as planned.
“I went to Top Golf with my sister once, and I didn’t hit it well at all,” said Smith, who also participated in archery and dragon boating events with Camp Villages this summer. “So I wanted to give it another shot, and I had a lot of fun with it. I’d definitely play again when I get back home.”