Greetings golfers!  I will be conducting a series of clinics on Wednesday afternoon and evenings at Olney Golf Park, starting next week, September 8th. 

On Wednesdays, I will be conducting full swing clinics for junior golfers, ages 10 to 17, from 3:30 to 4:30.  The cost is $15, plus your range balls.  Also on Wednesdays, I will be conducting Vital Signs putting clinics from 5:30 to 6:30.  The cost of this clinic is $15.

Next Saturday, September 11th, I will be conducting a Fix Your Slice clinic from 3 pm to 5 pm for $20.  This clinic is limited to twelve participants. 

To sign up ahead of time, call the Olney Golf Park pro shop at 301-570-6600.  See you there!

Scott Cole

Greetings!  I will be spending my first full weekend at Olney Golf Park in Olney, Maryland this weekend.  My first order of business is to assist Jim Estes with his soldier clients in the Salute Military Golf Association (SMGA).  Jim created this foundation to introduce the game to military vets, including our wounded warriors.  I look forward to helping Jim teach this great game to the men and women who serve our country in the greatest capacity.

After Saturday morning’s work with the veterans, I will be on hand to give lessons and tips while at the same time I will be working on some videos and such for my website.  If you have the opportunity, come and check out the Olney Golf Park this weekend, and be sure to say hello!

Scott Cole

Congratulations to Jonathan Heydt of Moselem Springs, who withstood the 100 degree heat for two days and fired rounds of 69 and 70 on the vaunted Hershey East Course to win the PA Junior Golf Championship by 5 strokes.

I wanted to take the time to comment on this tournament because I noticed some very strong play, particularly on the first day.  There were five scores of par or better in round one, and several one over par scores as well.  Heydt was the only player to maintain form for in second round among the leaders.

What I did notice in this tournament is that most of the kids finishing in the top 20 play out of some of the best clubs in the state.  In fact, four of the kids in the top five play at clubs that have held State Amateur and State Opens.  Two of these kids play out of Merion and Oakmont.  You just can’t give a kid a better opportunity to develop his game.

However, I see a need for kids such as several of my students to have the opportunity to play at some of these facilities.  In the current economic environment, many kids just don’t have the opporunity to play or practice every day, much less play or practice at a U.S. Open caliber golf course.  As a result, they find themselves at a distinct disadvantage. 

I think it is time for a program to be developed to allow these kids more opportunity, so they are not at such a disadvantage when it comes to competing in these events.  This is something I intend to work on over time, and if anyone else out there has some ideas, I welcome them.

Scott Cole