Growing the Game a Priority at Patriots Point Links

(Mt. Pleasant, SC) - When nine-year old Zach Adams fired a 58 at the Mt. Pleasant Junior Open at Patriots Point Links recently, the milestone shined a light on a venue that fulfills the promise of growing the game of golf, teaching its fundamentals and giving back to the community.

Managed by Atlanta-based Affiniti Golf Partners, Patriots Point Links has one of the most comprehensive junior golf instruction calendars in the country. The course offers year-round programming, both through national organizations like The First Tee and U.S. Kids Golf, as well as custom in-house instructional programs. The course also vitally supports Mt. Pleasant Special Olympics golf athletes.

Brad Parker, general manager at Patriots Point, describes the club's commitment to junior golf as organic and undeniable. Says Parker, "The dedication to growing the game through junior and family golf programs is and always will be part of the fabric of Patriots Point Links. It's our responsibility and honor to help perpetuate the game."

Junior and family golf programs at Patriots Point include:
The First Tee
Patriots Point Links is the anchor course for The First Tee of Greater Charleston, whose mission is to positively impact the lives of local youth by providing structured educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.

The course regularly donates instruction time, practice facilities and the golf course to The First Tee and its dedicated volunteer staff, which conduct a variety of quarterly programs at the club.

Club members and frequent players at Patriots Point also support The First Tee by donating golf clubs and other equipment for use by young golfers.

U.S. Kids Golf 
Patriots Point works closely with U.S. Kids Golf to help children have fun learning the lifelong game of golf and encourage family interaction that builds lasting memories.

Brandon Ray, a golf teacher at Patriots Point and a U.S. Kids Golf Certified Instructor, spearheads the program at the club. This includes setting up a "Family Course" roughly 2,000 yards in length for nine holes, designated by special tee plates set in the fairway. The Family Course is perfect for younger children or beginner adults, ensuring that all family members are able to enjoy their round.

Patriots Point also makes available U.S. Kids Golf equipment, designed to be 25% lighter than adult and most junior golf clubs, leading to a more natural golf swing.

Special Olympics
The entire staff at Patriots Point has been significantly active in planning, hosting and coaching athletes competing in the Mt. Pleasant Special Olympics Golf Tournament, a qualifying event for the national tournament.

The staff spends time in the spring teaching golf fundamentals. Then in the fall, the athletes and Patriots Point employees gear up for qualifying and competing in the 14th annual Special Olympics North America Golf Invitational Tournament, to be held October 17 - 20 at the Seaview Resort in Galloway, New Jersey.

Mt Pleasant Junior Open 
For the last two years Patriots Point has worked hand-in-hand with the Mt. Pleasant Recreation Department to host the Mt. Pleasant Junior Open, the tournament that young Zach Adams won in his age division. Patriots Point donates the course for the tournament, which is contested in four different age group divisions.

For more information on golf instructional programs or tee times at Patriots Point Links contact the club at 843-881-0042 or visit online at www.patriotspointlinks.com.

Contact: NEOhioGolf@yahoo.com