YWCA Bethlehem, the local affiliate of the national LPGA-USGA Girls Golf program, kicked off its nineteenth season at Southmoore Golf Course in Bath May 11. Girls ranging in ages from 7 to 14 enjoyed their first clinic with PGA Pro Jim Muschlitz despite some threatening clouds and a brisk breeze. The first lesson focused on putting, a skill that many junior and adult players neglect in their eagerness to perfect their full swing. Future clinics will introduce chipping, driving, bunker shots, tough lies, rules, and etiquette. In addition to weekly clinics throughout the summer Girl Golfers enjoy a mini-putt party, on-course play events, mentoring, and an end-of-season glow golf party.

Since 2003, the YWCA has introduced hundreds of local girls to golf in a fun, supportive setting while building important skills and confidence. The national LPGA-USGA Girls Golf program promotes personal growth and wellness through “The Five E’s” – empower, enrich, engage, energize, and exercise. While some participants learn the game to enjoy it casually with family or friends, other girls develop a more serious interest and return season after season to improve their game and prepare to play in competitive tournament play or on high school teams.

There is still space available for the 4:30 p.m. clinic at Southmoore on Tuesdays, and new golfers are welcome to join in the coming weeks. Clinics at Wedgewood in Coopersburg will begin on Wednesday, June 16th with a one-hour session starting at 4 p.m with PGA Pro Dawn Roberts. The program will launch at Bethlehem Golf Club on Thursday, June 17th with a one-hour session starting at 3:30 p.m. led by PGA Pro Mark Csencsits. All sessions include weekly instruction with PGA Pros, on-course play, and the following special events through mid-August; Mini-Putt Party, Six Hole Classic, Bring A Friend Day, and a Glow Golf Party.

Registration fee is $295 and financial assistance is available for qualified families. For more information, please email Jasmeen Wesler at programcoordinator@ywcabethlehem.org.

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