Snow is finally leaving most of the floor of the valley and that means golfers of all ages will be heading back to the links. Once again this year Tim Hortons has joined up with the Copper  Point Golf Club to create a junior golf program that is intended to introduce local youth to the game.

Owner of the local Tim Hortons, Donna Chen, said she is very happy to continue being involved with the program.

“Basically what we want is to give all children the opportunity for local kids to come out and try to golf.”

The program is open to participants between the ages of 5-18. The students will be instructed at the camp by Canadian Professional Golf Association professionals who will focus on the general rules, on course etiquette, putting, chipping, sand play and swing.

“This gives the young players the chance to work with a great professional.”

Though the players will be learning a great deal Chen said it is more about children having the chance to get out, be active, meet new people and have a lot of fun at the same time.

“We want to see every child have the chance to play. This has been a successful program in the past and we hope any child who wants to play will come out,” Chen said. She went on to explain that everyone involved with the program will do what they can to make it a fun learning experience.

“At the end of the classes the players will get to have a fun tournament in July. They will get to play nine holes and everyone is a winner. It is a nice way to wrap everything up. The kids will have bonded through this. They will not just be meeting people but will also see that everyone can play. It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or an elite athlete,” she said.

The sessions will start on May 4 this year. The classes are held once a week on Wednesday for the 5-9 year olds and Thursdays for the 10-18 year olds. The cost of the course is $49 for the younger camp and $69 for the older camp. Even though there is a cost for the camp Chen stressed that anyone who is interested should contact the club to learn more about the program.

“I think it is a fun sport and helps children develop good skills both on and off the course,” Chen said about why this is a beneficial course for young people.

For more information about the course call 1-877-418-4653.