Sarah Jane Hornes is proof positive that you may never know how good you could be at a sport unless you try it.
The new golf professional at the 麻豆社国产Valley Golf and Country Club dropped her first sports love, ski racing, for golf at age 15.
She now says it was a decision that changed her life.
"Ski racing is pretty expensive and golf was a lot more affordable for me," she said. "I had gone to junior lessons before and I picked the game up pretty quickly. I played a ton that summer and it really got me hooked on golf."
Hornes used her skills to further her education, gaining a golf scholarship to James Madison University in Virginia, where she played on the college team for two years, eventually completing her education at the University of Calgary.
She now wants to pass on that very same passion through junior golf lessons, which begin in mid-September.
"Golf is a great way to prepare and teach children about life," said Hornes. "Not only is it a sport kids can involve themselves with competitively, but it is also a sport that influences their complete character development."
Golfers are divided by age and receive four 30-minute sessions over four weeks from Sunday to Thursday. But with only four spots in each age category, Hornes recommends signing up early.
The lessons start off with a full swing examination, followed by chipping, putting and finally, the kids hit the links.
"There is no special athletic ability required to perform the basic fundamentals and motion of the golf swing. Therefore golf is a very user-friendly sport for any age or ability with an assortment of positive learning experiences," said Hornes.
"It's a sport kids can enjoy with family and friends, as well as an activity to enjoy for the rest of their lives. So no matter how old your junior is, or how co-ordinated or unco-ordinated an individual may be, golf is a sport for all of us to learn and enjoy."
For ages four to six, the cost to register is $39, seven to 11-year-olds pay $49, and 12 to 15-year-olds pay $59. The first set of lessons begin the week of Sunday, Sept.12.
For more information on the lessons, visit www.squamishvalleygolf.com. To register, contact the club or Hornes via e-mail at [email protected].
