Youth golf program a hit

JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers SWEET SWING-Michele Matsuoka, 7, hits a drive at Ladera Elementary School on Monday afternoon. Michele takes part in an after school class conducted by Total Golf Adventures. The way 9-year-old John Ruiz sees it, miniature golf is tougher than real golf.

"Putting is not very easy for me," said John, a fifth-grader at Ladera Elementary School in Thousand Oaks. "Mini golf was a lot of putting, and I'd miss a lot."

Frustrated by the perplexity of the anthill and stubbornness of the windmill house, John decided to work on his all-around game.

John's parents paid for him to join an after school enrichment program at Ladera that's taught by Total Golf Adventures (TGA), an El Segundo-based company that conducts local classes at Cypress, University, Pinecrest and Wethersfield elementary schools in Newbury Park and Thousand Oaks. Willow Elementary in Agoura Hills also has classes.

It's been a month and a half since John began fine tuning his skills and learning course etiquette with his instructor, Ryan Branning, and the young golfer has seen his hard work pay some early dividends.

"I thought I wouldn't be so good at the beginning, but I'd get better by the end," John said. "I've gotten a lot better at the big swings. I just haven't gotten better at the putting."

Learning the terminology has been a breeze.

"We learned about pars, birdies, eagles and boogies," John said. "It's pretty easy for me."

According to Branning, the TGA's West Valley director, the after school program has five levels that are designed to help newcomers advance to a stage in which they have knowledge of the rules of the game and are capable enough to play on a course.

Golf also provides an interesting afternoon alternative for some kids, Branning said.

"Most of the time the kids are starving for something different," Branning said. "Golf is kind of a new, fresh program for them, and most of the time they want to get involved.

"Our demographic is beginners. A lot of kids get their start in golf with TGA."

As she lined up putts on an artificial green Monday afternoon, 7year-old second-grader Michele Matsuoka smiled and laughed.

Over and over, Michele meticulously moved her ball to the top of the 8-foot green and struck it with her 3-foot putter. Some shots went in and some didn't-not that it mattered much to Michele.

"I've never played on a real course before," she said.

Unlike John, Michele prefers to putt, but she also enjoys hitting drivers and woods "a little bit."

A short way from Michele, 9year-old Evan Saravis was giving his driver a workout. Although inconsistent, Evan, a second-grader at Ladera, hit several Point 3 light practice balls well past the netting Branning had set up.

"At the driving range, I can probably hit it to that fence," said Evan, pointing approximately 250 yards away. "All the way down there."

Instructing kids on the rules, ethics and skills needed to play golf is an important part of the program, Branning said, adding that the TGA also stresses character development and having a good time.

"Golf is a unique sport, unlike any other," Branning said. "You learn a lot of life values. I can teach a golf swing and teach life values as well."

The TGA will continue to conduct local after school classes following the holiday break. Sessions range from six to eight weeks and prices vary. Class sizes generally fluctuate from five to 25 students and golfing equipment is provided.

For more information on the TGA's after school programs, email Branning at ryan@totalgolfadventures.com or call (818) 889-1158, Ext. 112.

During winter break the TGA will conduct three separate youth clinics at Lake Lindero Country Club. Sessions run Dec. 18-22,

Dec. 26-29, and Jan. 2-5. Visit www.totalgolfadventures.com or contact Lake Lindero for more information.