On a warm Saturday evening at The Woodford Club, young golfers cheered each other on, shared laughs between holes, and listened to their coach as they learned together.
Parents watched closely as junior golfers learned about their swings, putting, and how to behave on the course. Rather than the usual quiet people expect from golf, this inter-squad match felt as lively as any other youth team sport.
That’s exactly the kind of atmosphere The Woodford Club’s PGA Junior League aims for.
This national program gets kids into golf with a team setup that focuses on fun, sportsmanship and learning. Players wear team jerseys, play with friends, and compete against other local clubs in short matches. The format makes golf easier for beginners to try while still giving experienced players a challenge.
The program continues to grow at The Woodford Club.
“We’re above what we did as far as participants in the spring,” said PGA Professional John Dickson. “I think the word’s finally getting out that there’s this great program for juniors not only in Woodford County, but we have people from Fayette and surrounding counties too.”
Dickson is glad to see more kids joining because it shows that more families are finding a program that breaks down the usual barriers to golf.
He actually thinks the program’s name is the biggest hurdle.
“What I don’t like about PGA Junior League is the fact that it has PGA in it,” Dickson said with a laugh. “When you put those three letters up there, a lot of families truly believe that you have to be at this certain level to participate. It’s actually the complete opposite.”
The program welcomes kids of all skill levels.
Some kids have played for years, while others are trying golf for the first time.
“We have beginners, we have intermediate players and even players at this age that have played for a couple of years, (but) they’re still beginners,” said Dickson.
The Woodford Club also makes sure not having equipment doesn’t keep any child from joining.
“If a family doesn’t have clubs or tees or whatever, we provide all that if they need it,” said Dickson. “Actually, we prefer that because being mis-fitted for clubs is detrimental to a junior.”
Instead of asking families to buy equipment before knowing if their child likes golf, The Woodford Club gives young players what they need to start and learn the right way.
The way the games are played is also different from what most people expect.
Rather than playing a full 18 holes and tracking their own scores, players take part in team matches divided into three-hole segments. They earn points for their team and cheer for each other during the round. This shorter format keeps things moving and helps young golfers stay engaged as they learn the basics in a relaxed setting.
For 10-year-old Theo, the biggest draw is simple. “Golfing is just a really fun sport in general,” he said. “I feel like playing golf just makes me feel good.”
Theo has played in Junior League before and says he’s happy to keep coming back.
“Junior League is very fun,” he said. “I would definitely do it again.”
Like many young golfers, his favorite club is the driver.
Whether he’s watching a long shot fly down the fairway or cheering for a teammate, Theo enjoys every moment on the course.
For 12-year-old Emily, it’s the friendships that matter most.
“My favorite thing about Junior League is having fun with the other kids,” she said.
Golf also lets her carry on a family tradition.
“My dad played golf, too,” Emily said.
Like Theo, her favorite club is the driver, but for her golf is about more than just hitting the ball. Junior League has given her a place to learn with other kids and build confidence every week.
Those are the experiences Dickson hopes kids remember long after their last putt.
As more kids have fun in the program, they tell their friends, leading to the kind of growth that advertising can’t buy.
“I know it sounds corny, but that’s kind of an honor,” Dickson said. “You know the team that’s working is doing such a good job that people are telling others.”
Sometimes, Dickson said, that excitement spreads in ways you wouldn’t expect.
“The brother or sister that’s just being dragged to practice, they see how much fun people are having,” Dickson said. “The next thing you know, they’re joining.”
That word-of-mouth growth has Dickson thinking about more than just filling up the next Junior League team.
He recently met with parents to talk about starting Operation 36, a player development program that gives kids another step to keep improving before they move on to middle or high school golf.
His goal is to create a path where kids can start as beginners, build their skills, and keep playing as they get older.
“We’re always looking for ways to be as inviting as we can,” Dickson said, “but also to give the kids what they need to develop and keep going.”
For now, though, success isn’t just about lower scores or longer drives.
It’s seen in the smiles on the practice tee, the high-fives after a good shot, and the excitement of kids who can’t wait to return next week.
For Theo, it’s a game that simply makes him feel good.
For Emily, it’s the chance to spend time with friends while carrying on a family tradition.