by Crystal Brookover
8-24-2001

     The Tama Hills Professional Teaching Staff (TPTS) has had a successful year with the addition of two PGA of Japan members, Yoko Sato (LPGA of Japan), and Kazuto Yamaguchi (PGA of Japan), but improvements don't stop there.
     The latest TPTS program benefits children. Tony Lykins (Tama Hills Golf Course General Manager) and Makoto "Hiro" Fujii (TPTS Supervisor) took action when they saw children idle in the clubhouse lounge and restaurant while their parents played golf. Mr. Lykins, Mr. Fujii and the other members of the TPTS designed a program to gain the interest of children to the game of golf.
     Recently, the first Kid's Club met with much success. There were five students between the ages of 8 and 16. Some of the participants had never played the game of golf before, and in the beginning, they were somewhat skeptical, but after the first meeting, everyone walked away with a smile. The day started with a short briefing in the Tee House Restaurant on rules of conduct and introductions of the days instructor (Hiro Fujii) and volunteer (Hide Yamamoto).
     Once the group received instructions on how to conduct themselves on the golf course, they moved to the chipping green to learn the basics: grip and swing. Commenting on his method of instruction, Mr. Fujii said "I decided to start with the chipping green first because I wanted the boys to develop a good grip and swing while hitting the ball softly and in a controlled fashion. I knew if we went to the driving range right away they would hit the ball as hard as they could and concentrate only on power."
     When the instructor's felt the students had a feel for the basics, they moved the children to the driving range. Here they were shown the fundamentals of the golf swing, plus they were able to show how well they could hit the golf ball. Mr. Fujii also talked about different golf clubs.
     Before the students were set to play their first hole, they received a brief lesson on putting and how to care for the greens. As a light rain began to fall over the course, the students made their first trip to the number one tee. The rain didn't discourage the children; most were enthusiastic and wanted to continue play.
     Mr. Lykins was very pleased with the amount of participation and the quality of instruction demonstrated at the first Kid's Club. He summed up the day by saying: "I'm extremely happy with the days events. We've got an outstanding staff and facility here at Tama that gives 100% to see programs like this succeed. I look forward to seeing this grow."
     Now it's your turn to experience the fun and excitement of the Tama Hills Kid's Club. The Tama Golf Kid's Club will meet on select Saturdays at 2pm in the Tee House Restaurant and it will last about two hours. Sign up is only at Tama Hills Golf Course, but interested parties may sign up by telephone. The Kid's Club is a FREE clinic, which features some of the best PGA of Japan instructors in Japan and volunteers from the Tama Hills Golf Course membership. This is a great chance to get your children involved in your favorite pastime while you play golf. Call 224-3426 to sign up or contact our TPTS instructor for more details.