LPN Junior Golf School Marks 20th Anniversary

Gary Babcock, LPN head golf professional, spent individual time with junior golfers on the putting green during the first week of the annual LPN Golf School. Gary Babcock, LPN head golf professional, talks about putting with junior golfers ages eight and nine. He encouraged them to keep their putters flat on the green, and to be confident in their putting skills. Junior golfers in the eight- and nine-year-old group took turns practicing their chipping by aiming at buckets placed 25-feet away. Assisting the players with their grips and stance, and high fiving to celebrate good shots, were George Appleseth and Kolby Schackelford. George Appleseth, who played on the Kirkwood Community College golf team this season, demonstrates proper chipping techniques for the group that included eight- and nine-year-old golfers at the LPN junior golf school. Kolby Schackelford, a member of the Panorama School boys golf team, helped with the chipping session.

By Susan Thompson

The Lake Panorama National Junior Golf School marked its 20th anniversary this year. Young people ages 5 to 17 are eligible to attend the school, which takes place each Wednesday morning in June.

There are 40 participants this year. During the school, juniors learn full swing, pitching, chipping and putting fundamentals along with golf etiquette and rules of golf. Participants are divided into three age groups, and rotate between the putting green, chipping area and driving range. At the end of the hour, the juniors head to Spikes to choose a free drink.

This year the school is being led by Michael Kleinwolterink, LPN pro shop manager. Assisting are Gary Babcock, LPN head golf professional, plus several current and past players from the Kirkwood Community College golf team and the Panorama High School boys golf team.

On the last day of school, June 27, the juniors will play a few holes at the Panorama West golf course, followed by a pizza party and distribution of gift bags.

The Junior School has two sponsors that have supported the school for many years — the Lake Panorama Association and Guthrie County State Bank. These sponsors make the pizza party and gifts possible. 

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