Carterville (WSIL) -- Golf has given Former PGA Pro Andy Church the opportunity to travel around the world playing the sport he loves. Now Church turns his focus on helping the next generation of Golfers.
"Obviously getting the kids started with junior golf is extremely important to try to grow the game," said Andy Church. "That's what we do as PGA professionals, so that's a big part of it. The kids have a ball and that really turns into the best part."
Carterville native Andy Church has a unique way of teaching kids to love the game. He keeps things fun. After a week long camp, Church gives them a special surprise on what he calls graduation day. Church believes this is a fun way for his campers to put together everything they learned that week.
"I learned that your stance is the letter of an A, because you need to stand like a box." said camp participant Olivia. "You have to hold your golf club like a Y."
"I learned chipping, putting, and driving," said camp particpant Tess.
"How to swing better," said camp participant Colton.
"You got to talk to them like an adult," said Church. "They don't want to be talked to like kids, so when you have conversations when you are sitting there like an adult, they remember more of what you are talking about."
It's full circle for Church coaching the next generation of golfers on the same land that he started his own golf career on when he was just 11 years old, starting as a junior before eventually turning pro.
I started hear under Steve Heckel and it was a junior clinic, not quite all the color. I certainly didn't get to hit golf balls at Steve Heckel, but I would have liked to," said Church. " So, this is where I started and I'm finishing up here too."
Now Church just loves igniting a passion for golf in the community.
"Just get them started having a good time and they'll devlop their own swing and develop their own passion for the game if they have one," said Church. "Ypu'll see the,m out here. I've got them out here every morning they are doing it on their own and begging their parents to bring them here. That's what you want to see."
"I like it," said Olivia. "So, I'm going to come here like every week, so it's fun."
