Whitemarsh Elementary students take their swing at golf

To prepare for when the PGA Championship eventually returns to Aronimink Golf Club, Whitemarsh Elementary School students have a head start. This spring, the young golfers were honing their skills during gym class.

“It’s fun, because you can hit the ball as hard as you can,” said first grader Riley Thornton.

The kindergarten through third grade students learned the fundamentals of the game, including how to properly hold a club, chip with a half swing, and drive the ball with a full swing. Along the way, they also practiced patience, focus, and coordination.

First grader Ahana Bagga imagined where those new skills could lead. “You get to learn, and then you can be on a fun sports team and then you might win,” she said.

To build accuracy, students aimed their shots at hula hoops on the far side of the gym. They worked together to score points as a team while improving their form.

For first grader Kolbie Zucker, sharing the experience with classmates was the best part. “It’s fun to golf in gym class, because you do it with your friends,” she said.

Physical education teacher Jeff Yeakel included golf as one of the many activities the children experience throughout the year, with the goal of helping them discover sports and hobbies they can enjoy for a lifetime.

“Golf is a lifelong sport, and anyone can play it,” said Mr. Yeakel.

Click here to watch the young golfers in action on YouTube! 

Do you play golf? The Colonial School District Education Foundation is hosting the Food For Thought Golf Classic on Monday, June 29, at The 1912 Club.

The event is raising funds to help children facing food insecurity in the Colonial School District. Sign up as a single golfer or bring your foursome for an exciting day of golf, or simply join the Foundation for a cocktail hour or purchase a ball for the 50/50 ball toss! visit www.colonialsd.org/golf-classic!