Sports
Evergreen Park Officers Tee Up Fun, Life Lessons in Youth Golf Program
The Evergreen Park Police Department is hosting two sessions of Hook A Kid On Golf this summer. And sergeant Jack McCarthy is thrilled to introduce youngsters to the game.
While Evergreen Park police sergeant Jack McCarthy is usually out doing his duty keeping the village safe and in order, for two weeks during the summer his job description is altered somewhat by the "Hook A Kid On Golf" program.
McCarthy gets to enjoy teaching golf to Evergreen Park youngsters who usually wouldn’t get a chance to learn the game. It’s helping kids learn a sport so they can grow and connect with their families that has McCarthy excited about the opportunity.
“I was talking to one of the boys yesterday, and he was saying that his grandpa’s hoping that he can start golfing with him,” McCarthy said. “So, grandpa’s going to have a partner now for the rest of the summer.”
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The Evergreen Park Police Department is hosting Hook A Kid On Golf, a program designed for 8-13 year-olds to learn the game of golf, many who have little to no experience, at Water’s Edge Golf Club in Worth.
The program’s aim is to introduce kids to the game who might not necessarily have had that chance before. It’s is funded by grants with the difference covered by the Village of Evergreen Park, so it doesn’t cost the kids anything and they get to keep clubs used during the week at the end of the four-day session.
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This summer, Evergreen Park is putting on two sessions, one this week, and one from July 18-21.
“Some of the kids start out with never having a golf club in their hands,” McCarthy said. “And by the time the four days are over, they’re hitting the golf ball at the driving range and putting and chipping.”
Chris Vander Naald, a former assistant golf professional at Water’s Edge, is leading the instruction. This is Vander Naald’s fourth year with the program.
He enjoys seeing the kids’ progression and watching them learn to enjoy the game of golf.
“I’ve had kids that swung a golf club like they were swinging an ax,” Vander Naald said. “And by the end of the 3-4 days, they’re hitting the ball perfectly well about 50 or 60 yards.”
In addition to the fundamentals of the game, the kids are taught about golf course etiquette, wellness and life lessons.
