JUNIOR GOLFER CAMPS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
PART ONE: General Information & Registration
How old should my child be in order to register for Camp?
TOTS; 4-6 years old BOGEYS; 7-10 years old*
PAR SHOOTERS; 11-14 years old*
*Depending on the numbers and ages of Campers, we try to place older/more experienced players with players of similar skill levels within their BOGEY and PAR SHOOTER groups; i.e. 7&8’s; then 9 &10’s....11&12’s; 13 &14’s.
Q. What topics are taught at camp?
A. Topics include a wide range of Age-Appropriate Lesson Plans developed by PGA Teaching Professional, Chuck Lynch. Our teaching method takes a “step-by-step” approach that allows our students to internally “visualize”.... and then “apply” the basic physical movements of the swing.
We focus on Three Basic Learning Tracks:
1.The Theory of The Golf Swing: “Why” certain movements/actions always cause other certain actions to take place... and ‘How” the Player can learn to control those actions.
2. Golf Skills: Putting, Chipping, Pitching, plus various Partial and Full Swings.
Our PAR SHOOTER (advanced classes) also include preparing students for Competitive High School Play, including topics such as situational, on-the-course shot/club selections.
3. Personal Character Building and Golf Etiquette: We are committed to delivering our instruction utilizing “Positive Coaching Techniques”, combined with instilling “Personal Player Responsibility” into every student. We request Parent Participation with regard to helping us to better understand any special needs your child may require in this regard.
Within Tracks no. 1 & 2, we utilize a Teaching Process we’ve developed called the PBGA Building Blocks of The Golf Swing. This is a step-by-step learning process that begins by introducing players to “the putting stroke”; and eventually builds up to the Full-Swing.
We strongly encourage Parents to read our complete Building Blocks and individual ‘Parent’s Guide” booklets to learn more about this Teaching Process.
Q. My child has played a lot of golf and possesses an advanced set of golf skills for his/her age. Can I register my Child for a class with older, more advanced players?
A. Moving a Camper “Up”, into the next oldest age group is not typically encouraged; however, exceptions may be able to be accommodated.
Factors our Staff will take into consideration in making this decision include;
a) has your child completed other introductory Play Better Golf Camps or Clinics, and
b) has your child received private lessons from one of our PGA professionals?
Here again, we recommend that the Parent/Player examine the information described in our “Building Blocks of The Golf Swing” brochure; please use it as a Reference Guide to help you establish the proficiency level of your young player before requesting that they are placed into a more advance camper setting.
Q. Where are Classes conducted?
A. SUMMER CAMPS and SMALL GROUP SUMMER CLINICS are conducted at the Addison Links and Tees OUTDOOR Facilities. (MAY 1st through OCTOBER 31).
Campers can be dropped off at the Circular Drive located in front of the GOLF SHOP located at the west end of the DRIVING RANGE (look for bright colored PBGA WELCOME CAMPER BANNERS)
Players bring their clubs up the steps and meet under the PBGA protective canopy, located just west of the GOLF SHOP.
From there, they are met by PBGA Staff and will be escorted to any of the following areas: PUTTING or CHIPPING GREEN; DRIVING RANGE; GOLF COURSE.
FALL, WINTER and SPRING Indoor Camps and Small Group Clinics are conducted INSIDE of the Addison Links and Tees GOLF DOME. After passing through the revolving door entrance to the Dome, campers meet just inside the revolving door, in the staging area immediately to the right, between the Front Desk and the Practice Green.
From there, they are met by PBGA Staff and escorted to either a practice station or over to a Hitting Bay.
NOTE! PLAYERS ARE NEVER ALLOWED TO ENTER THE HITTING BAY AREA WITHOUT RECEIVING PERMISSION FROM A PBGA STAFF MEMBER!
PBGA REQUIRES ALL PLAYERS TO STRICTLY FOLLOW THE SAFETY RULES AND REGULATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE LINKS AND TEES GOLF DOME, PLUS ANY PLAYER SAFETY RULES ESTABLISHED BY PBGA.
REPEATED AND/OR WILLFUL DISREGARD OF PLAYER SAFETY RULES AND REGULATIONS MAY RESULT IN A PLAYER NEEDING TO BE SUSPENDED FROM PARTICIPATION IN OUR PROGRAMS.
Q. What is the Ratio of Instructors to Students?
Generally speaking, PBGA maintains an average ratio of One Instructor / Four Students.
Our Instructors, as best they can, will be moving about, working with students (either individually or in pairs) following through with skills demonstrations and/or swing corrections that support the information previously demonstrated by our Lead Instructor.
Please note that we work hard to try and spread out our time with each student as equally as possible; giving every student a fair amount of attention. If you/your child feels we may have “missed you” during classtime....we apologize; LET US KNOW....we will do our darndest to “equal out the learning time” during the next class(es)!
Q. Who will be teaching the Classes?
PBGA Classes are taught by some of the top Golf Teaching Professionals in Illinois.
Our Founder and Director of Instruction, Chuck Lynch, PGA has been teaching golf for over thirty years. He is responsible for developing the PBGA teaching methodologies as well as creating the many fun-filled activities that our players enjoy taking on!
Our Senior Instructor, David Hannon, PGA possesses over twenty years of experience in
teaching as well as competitive PGA play; He is currently recognized as one of the Top 5 Players in the Illinois Section PGA.
Chuck and David are supported by a tremendously deep and talented group of teaching assistants as well as Guest PGA Teaching Professionals....on any given day/night, you might expect to run into the likes of Gary Pinns, PGA; Bill Sakas, PGA; Bivv.......; or Matt Lynch.
Q. How long do classes last?
A. Please refer to the Schedule of Classes for this information. Generally speaking FALL, WINTER and SPRING indoor clinics run for 60 minutes.
Q. Should I plan to remain on the premises while class is in session?
A. PBGA encourages any parent to remain and observe/participate in our classes; this is particularly important for our TOTS (youngest/first time) Players....they like having you there....so do we! As the players get older, this really becomes a personal choice.
Q. Who needs to be present to pick-up my child after class?
A. Unless other arrangements are made in advance, your child may only be released to the Parent/Person as designated on your registration paperwork.
Q. How do I RESERVE a ROSTER SPOT for my child for camp/class?
A. IN PERSON: pick up an application form; fill it out; return it to Chuck
ON LINE: download/print out/complete the app. form; return it to Chuck
Q. How do I REGISTER/PAY make final payment for camp/class?
A. IN PERSON: cash, check or credit card* payment to Chuck
*a 3% convenience fee will be added to credit card payments
Q. Is Tuition Payment (or any portion of payment) refundable.
A. No; Alternate class dates or double class sessions may be arranged
PART TWO: Preparing for Camp
Q. What time should my Camper Arrive?
A. 10-15 minutes ahead of the scheduled Class Time
Q. What time should I Pick-Up my Camper?
A. Camp Sessions will typically conclude within 5 minutes of the scheduled Class Time.
Please be timely in this regard; we allow 30 minutes between Camp Sessions. We use
this time to set-up equipment and training stations; review lesson plans and begin
receiving the next group of Campers.
Q. Who can Pick-Up my Camper?
A. Unless other arrangements are agreed upon with you in advance, the only person we
will release your Camper to, is you (the responsible Parent/Guardian of the Camper)
Any special instructions regarding who you may wish to designate on your behalf must
be received in writing by Play Better Golf Academy.
Q. How will I be notified of any weather-related or other Camp Cancellations?
A. Always check in on the PBGA Website the night before and morning of Camp. In addition, we try as best we can to send out text message notifications if we have permission to contact you via your cell phone.
Q. How should I notify PBGA if my Camper needs to make a Last-Minute Cancellation?
A. It is preferred that you call or send a text message to Chuck Lynch: 847-436-1652 at least 30 minutes ahead of your scheduled Camp Time. Things usually are quite busy just before classes begin, so don’t be surprised if you’re asked to leave a voice message. Someone will get back to you to discuss options for a make-up class.
Q. How should my Camper Dress for Camp?
A. SUMMER CAMPS: be sure to check the weather forecast. Dress your camper appropriately for the forecasted TEMPERATURE and POTENTIAL FOR RAIN. We always recommend that your Camper carry a water-resistant Wind Breaker in his/her Golf Bag; sometimes the weather can change in a hurry!
On hot/sunny summer days, loose fitting shorts and tee shirts are fine; sun-visors
and/or baseball caps are recommended for added protection from the sun.
INDOOR/DOME CAMPS: the temperature in The Dome is usually maintained
at a comfortable 68 degrees F. However, during winter temperature extremes
(January and February) we recommend that Campers wear comfortable long-pants,
warm leggings, or sweatpants with a layered set of top-gear; (t-shirt; sweat shirt; plus
a light vest or jacket). Snow caps or golf hats are also acceptable (and kinda FUN!)
Q. What types of GOLF EQUIPMENT should my Camper bring to Camp?
A. TOTS: a Putter; a Lofted Wedge, plus a 7 Iron; comfortable gym/training shoes
(if they have them, TOTS Campers are welcome to bring their entire set)
We will be showing Campers how to organize their clubs in their bag!
BOGIES & PAR SHOOTERS: Full set of clubs, incl’dng fairway metal and driver, Golf Glove; Golf tees; Ball Markers; Green Repair Tool; gym/training or golf shoes
Q. What other items should my Camper bring to Camp?
A. Written Instructions re: ALLERGIES or MEDICAL CONDITIONS Note: PBGA Staff cannot administer medications (such as insulin) to Campers; please take care to make sure your Camper is properly medicated and hydrated prior to arriving at Camp.
PART THREE: CAMP SAFETY
Camper Safety is something all of us here at PBGA take very seriously.
The Safety of your Child, other Campers, as well as PBGA and Links and Tees Staff
is our Number One Priority.
If we observe a Camper (or Campers) displaying chronic disregard for Safety, our first intervention with that Camper (those Campers) will be to quietly take them aside and issue them a gentle, but informative lecture regarding how their behavior might result in an un-intended injury.
After having been lectured, if the same Camper/Campers repeat the same behavior (the same disregard for Safety) that Camper (those Campers) will once again be taken aside, and be verbally reprimanded on-the-spot; they will be issued a stern warning that the next time (third time) they display unsafe behavior, they will be temporarily suspended from participation in the Camp.
The responsible Parent and/or designated Guardian will then be required to attend a meeting with PBGA Staff members to determine the best course of action for the Camper.
Following are what we consider to be the PBGA GOLDEN RULES.
Please review them with your Camper.
How old should my child be in order to register for Camp?
TOTS; 4-6 years old BOGEYS; 7-10 years old*
PAR SHOOTERS; 11-14 years old*
*Depending on the numbers and ages of Campers, we try to place older/more experienced players with players of similar skill levels within their BOGEY and PAR SHOOTER groups; i.e. 7&8’s; then 9 &10’s....11&12’s; 13 &14’s.
Q. What topics are taught at camp?
A. Topics include a wide range of Age-Appropriate Lesson Plans developed by PGA Teaching Professional, Chuck Lynch. Our teaching method takes a “step-by-step” approach that allows our students to internally “visualize”.... and then “apply” the basic physical movements of the swing.
We focus on Three Basic Learning Tracks:
1.The Theory of The Golf Swing: “Why” certain movements/actions always cause other certain actions to take place... and ‘How” the Player can learn to control those actions.
2. Golf Skills: Putting, Chipping, Pitching, plus various Partial and Full Swings.
Our PAR SHOOTER (advanced classes) also include preparing students for Competitive High School Play, including topics such as situational, on-the-course shot/club selections.
3. Personal Character Building and Golf Etiquette: We are committed to delivering our instruction utilizing “Positive Coaching Techniques”, combined with instilling “Personal Player Responsibility” into every student. We request Parent Participation with regard to helping us to better understand any special needs your child may require in this regard.
Within Tracks no. 1 & 2, we utilize a Teaching Process we’ve developed called the PBGA Building Blocks of The Golf Swing. This is a step-by-step learning process that begins by introducing players to “the putting stroke”; and eventually builds up to the Full-Swing.
We strongly encourage Parents to read our complete Building Blocks and individual ‘Parent’s Guide” booklets to learn more about this Teaching Process.
Q. My child has played a lot of golf and possesses an advanced set of golf skills for his/her age. Can I register my Child for a class with older, more advanced players?
A. Moving a Camper “Up”, into the next oldest age group is not typically encouraged; however, exceptions may be able to be accommodated.
Factors our Staff will take into consideration in making this decision include;
a) has your child completed other introductory Play Better Golf Camps or Clinics, and
b) has your child received private lessons from one of our PGA professionals?
Here again, we recommend that the Parent/Player examine the information described in our “Building Blocks of The Golf Swing” brochure; please use it as a Reference Guide to help you establish the proficiency level of your young player before requesting that they are placed into a more advance camper setting.
Q. Where are Classes conducted?
A. SUMMER CAMPS and SMALL GROUP SUMMER CLINICS are conducted at the Addison Links and Tees OUTDOOR Facilities. (MAY 1st through OCTOBER 31).
Campers can be dropped off at the Circular Drive located in front of the GOLF SHOP located at the west end of the DRIVING RANGE (look for bright colored PBGA WELCOME CAMPER BANNERS)
Players bring their clubs up the steps and meet under the PBGA protective canopy, located just west of the GOLF SHOP.
From there, they are met by PBGA Staff and will be escorted to any of the following areas: PUTTING or CHIPPING GREEN; DRIVING RANGE; GOLF COURSE.
FALL, WINTER and SPRING Indoor Camps and Small Group Clinics are conducted INSIDE of the Addison Links and Tees GOLF DOME. After passing through the revolving door entrance to the Dome, campers meet just inside the revolving door, in the staging area immediately to the right, between the Front Desk and the Practice Green.
From there, they are met by PBGA Staff and escorted to either a practice station or over to a Hitting Bay.
NOTE! PLAYERS ARE NEVER ALLOWED TO ENTER THE HITTING BAY AREA WITHOUT RECEIVING PERMISSION FROM A PBGA STAFF MEMBER!
PBGA REQUIRES ALL PLAYERS TO STRICTLY FOLLOW THE SAFETY RULES AND REGULATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE LINKS AND TEES GOLF DOME, PLUS ANY PLAYER SAFETY RULES ESTABLISHED BY PBGA.
REPEATED AND/OR WILLFUL DISREGARD OF PLAYER SAFETY RULES AND REGULATIONS MAY RESULT IN A PLAYER NEEDING TO BE SUSPENDED FROM PARTICIPATION IN OUR PROGRAMS.
Q. What is the Ratio of Instructors to Students?
Generally speaking, PBGA maintains an average ratio of One Instructor / Four Students.
Our Instructors, as best they can, will be moving about, working with students (either individually or in pairs) following through with skills demonstrations and/or swing corrections that support the information previously demonstrated by our Lead Instructor.
Please note that we work hard to try and spread out our time with each student as equally as possible; giving every student a fair amount of attention. If you/your child feels we may have “missed you” during classtime....we apologize; LET US KNOW....we will do our darndest to “equal out the learning time” during the next class(es)!
Q. Who will be teaching the Classes?
PBGA Classes are taught by some of the top Golf Teaching Professionals in Illinois.
Our Founder and Director of Instruction, Chuck Lynch, PGA has been teaching golf for over thirty years. He is responsible for developing the PBGA teaching methodologies as well as creating the many fun-filled activities that our players enjoy taking on!
Our Senior Instructor, David Hannon, PGA possesses over twenty years of experience in
teaching as well as competitive PGA play; He is currently recognized as one of the Top 5 Players in the Illinois Section PGA.
Chuck and David are supported by a tremendously deep and talented group of teaching assistants as well as Guest PGA Teaching Professionals....on any given day/night, you might expect to run into the likes of Gary Pinns, PGA; Bill Sakas, PGA; Bivv.......; or Matt Lynch.
Q. How long do classes last?
A. Please refer to the Schedule of Classes for this information. Generally speaking FALL, WINTER and SPRING indoor clinics run for 60 minutes.
Q. Should I plan to remain on the premises while class is in session?
A. PBGA encourages any parent to remain and observe/participate in our classes; this is particularly important for our TOTS (youngest/first time) Players....they like having you there....so do we! As the players get older, this really becomes a personal choice.
Q. Who needs to be present to pick-up my child after class?
A. Unless other arrangements are made in advance, your child may only be released to the Parent/Person as designated on your registration paperwork.
Q. How do I RESERVE a ROSTER SPOT for my child for camp/class?
A. IN PERSON: pick up an application form; fill it out; return it to Chuck
ON LINE: download/print out/complete the app. form; return it to Chuck
Q. How do I REGISTER/PAY make final payment for camp/class?
A. IN PERSON: cash, check or credit card* payment to Chuck
*a 3% convenience fee will be added to credit card payments
Q. Is Tuition Payment (or any portion of payment) refundable.
A. No; Alternate class dates or double class sessions may be arranged
PART TWO: Preparing for Camp
Q. What time should my Camper Arrive?
A. 10-15 minutes ahead of the scheduled Class Time
Q. What time should I Pick-Up my Camper?
A. Camp Sessions will typically conclude within 5 minutes of the scheduled Class Time.
Please be timely in this regard; we allow 30 minutes between Camp Sessions. We use
this time to set-up equipment and training stations; review lesson plans and begin
receiving the next group of Campers.
Q. Who can Pick-Up my Camper?
A. Unless other arrangements are agreed upon with you in advance, the only person we
will release your Camper to, is you (the responsible Parent/Guardian of the Camper)
Any special instructions regarding who you may wish to designate on your behalf must
be received in writing by Play Better Golf Academy.
Q. How will I be notified of any weather-related or other Camp Cancellations?
A. Always check in on the PBGA Website the night before and morning of Camp. In addition, we try as best we can to send out text message notifications if we have permission to contact you via your cell phone.
Q. How should I notify PBGA if my Camper needs to make a Last-Minute Cancellation?
A. It is preferred that you call or send a text message to Chuck Lynch: 847-436-1652 at least 30 minutes ahead of your scheduled Camp Time. Things usually are quite busy just before classes begin, so don’t be surprised if you’re asked to leave a voice message. Someone will get back to you to discuss options for a make-up class.
Q. How should my Camper Dress for Camp?
A. SUMMER CAMPS: be sure to check the weather forecast. Dress your camper appropriately for the forecasted TEMPERATURE and POTENTIAL FOR RAIN. We always recommend that your Camper carry a water-resistant Wind Breaker in his/her Golf Bag; sometimes the weather can change in a hurry!
On hot/sunny summer days, loose fitting shorts and tee shirts are fine; sun-visors
and/or baseball caps are recommended for added protection from the sun.
INDOOR/DOME CAMPS: the temperature in The Dome is usually maintained
at a comfortable 68 degrees F. However, during winter temperature extremes
(January and February) we recommend that Campers wear comfortable long-pants,
warm leggings, or sweatpants with a layered set of top-gear; (t-shirt; sweat shirt; plus
a light vest or jacket). Snow caps or golf hats are also acceptable (and kinda FUN!)
Q. What types of GOLF EQUIPMENT should my Camper bring to Camp?
A. TOTS: a Putter; a Lofted Wedge, plus a 7 Iron; comfortable gym/training shoes
(if they have them, TOTS Campers are welcome to bring their entire set)
We will be showing Campers how to organize their clubs in their bag!
BOGIES & PAR SHOOTERS: Full set of clubs, incl’dng fairway metal and driver, Golf Glove; Golf tees; Ball Markers; Green Repair Tool; gym/training or golf shoes
Q. What other items should my Camper bring to Camp?
A. Written Instructions re: ALLERGIES or MEDICAL CONDITIONS Note: PBGA Staff cannot administer medications (such as insulin) to Campers; please take care to make sure your Camper is properly medicated and hydrated prior to arriving at Camp.
- Water bottle; filled
- Sun Block; Insect Block (please apply prior to arriving at Camp)
- A Clean, Soft Hand-Size Towel (will be used as a cooling towel on hot days)
PART THREE: CAMP SAFETY
Camper Safety is something all of us here at PBGA take very seriously.
The Safety of your Child, other Campers, as well as PBGA and Links and Tees Staff
is our Number One Priority.
If we observe a Camper (or Campers) displaying chronic disregard for Safety, our first intervention with that Camper (those Campers) will be to quietly take them aside and issue them a gentle, but informative lecture regarding how their behavior might result in an un-intended injury.
After having been lectured, if the same Camper/Campers repeat the same behavior (the same disregard for Safety) that Camper (those Campers) will once again be taken aside, and be verbally reprimanded on-the-spot; they will be issued a stern warning that the next time (third time) they display unsafe behavior, they will be temporarily suspended from participation in the Camp.
The responsible Parent and/or designated Guardian will then be required to attend a meeting with PBGA Staff members to determine the best course of action for the Camper.
Following are what we consider to be the PBGA GOLDEN RULES.
Please review them with your Camper.
- NO “ROUGH-HOUSING”; (no pushing; shoving; wrestling or other forms of physical or verbal antagonizing of another Camper is allowed.
- NO SWINGING or WAVING golf clubs when Campers are moving about; Clubs must be held by the club-head and carried about as if they were a “Cane”.
- DRIVING RANGE AREA; Campers shall never enter the Driving Range unless they are accompanied by a PBGA Staff member; only ONE PERSON at a time can be in a Bay.
- DOME; Same RULE as RULE NO. 3; plus...CAMPERS moving about behind the Hitting Bay Area may NEVER CROSS OVER THE YELLOW LINE without permission.
- LISTENING TO COACH’S INSTRUCTIONS; Campers must agree to follow the coach’s instructions; when a Coach directs a Camper to ‘STOP SWINGING” they must do so.