Growing golf, learning tennis

A total of 60 campers ages 7-14 attended the Tuesday through Friday sessions that ran the span of the camp from June 29 to Aug. 20. From 1:45 to 3:30 p.m., the girls split time between golf and tennis lessons provided by the club’s pros.  

The children learned basic golf skills such as putting, chipping, pitching, iron play and driving. In tennis, they learned to return serves, as well as serve using their backhand and forehand.

Peter Procops, the club’s golf pro, who worked with the girls, said over the past 11 years, the sport of golf has lost ladies and juniors from playing the game. “Programs like this are a shot in the arm,” he said. “We’re growing the game. A lot of girls aren’t exposed to golf. Because of this, when they are older and start playing, they wish they had started younger. Learning the game while they’re young makes the transition easier into playing the sport.”

Shana Pollack, the head Hillel counselor, said the girls really enjoyed their lessons. “With tennis, what’s really cool is how they’re progressing,” she said. “Their progress in their volleys, their backhands and getting the ball over the net is amazing. What’s also great is seeing their teamwork, how they help each other with the skills.”

Samalie Snyder-Feintuck, 12, of North Woodmere, remembers how hard golf and tennis were her first time trying them. “I just kept trying to get it right, and kept trying,” she said. “Before I knew it, I’d had more fun, with the more experience I’ve gotten.”