No failure to Launch at Diamondhead
Calling all junior golfers. This Sunday, the Golf Academy of Diamondhead and the Junior Golf Academy of Diamondhead invite all juniors to participate in the Diamondhead Junior Golf Launch from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free.
"We just want to introduce more kids to the game," said Director of Golf Chris Altese. "We've brought in some of the best instructors in the business, and they are all donating their time so that more kids can enjoy the game," he added.
Director of Instruction and Player Development Hoppy Smith always tries to introduce the latest in technology and instruction at the academy, and he'll offer his expertise this Sunday. The PGA professional and Golfing Machine Authorized Instructor has recently been certified as an Eyeline Golf Putting and Short Game Instructor. Kids who show up are in for a treat.
US Kids instructors Jimmy Headrick and Jason Gibson, as well as Golfing Machine instructor Theo Reshew will join the Diamondhead staff Laura McCann, Chris Altese, Maury Hodgins, Hoppy Smith and Gregg Altese in what should prove to be a successful blastoff for kids 3-18.
Altese, whose girls Karstyn and Katelynn will compete in the National US Kids Tournament at Pinehurst, wants more girls and more juniors to learn the advantages of playing golf. Smith joins him in making the game more fun for young golfers.
To infinity and beyond! Smith will soon introduce the FocusBand to his students. "It's incredible for kids with putting," said Smith. After all, this is the 21st Century, and what's good for Jason Day's right brain just might be good for all golfers. According to the website, the FocusBand enables you to self-regulate your emotional levels. Now you are able to view and verify your shift to a calmer state.
For this Sunday, they'll focus on teeing off smiles and introducing kids to the game that has given them so much.
Tommy Snell, golf coach at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, writes a column for the Sun Herald.
This story was originally published February 21, 2016 at 12:33 PM with the headline "No failure to Launch at Diamondhead ."