Junior golf program going strong at Green Hill Golf Course

WORLAND - The Green Hills Golf Course junior golf program is having another strong summer under PGA head professional Mike Propp.

The program teaches youth golfers putting, chipping, pitching, pre-swing fundamentals, routine, rules and etiquette every Wednesday morning at Green Hills.

"We've got over 50 kids in our program and we're excited about it, and the best thing is the kids are excited too," said Propp.

In his second year as the golf pro at Green Hills, Propp is thrilled to see the junior program growing.

"Last year we had migrant kids that made up about 12 of our 56. This year we have about 53 and even though that number is down from last year it's actually up because the migrant kids are not here," said Propp.

Helping Propp teach the game of golf are Worland High School golf coach Chad Rose and former WHS standout Sarah Schroefel; who competed in the NJCAA National Tournament for the second time in her collegiate career while golfing for Central Wyoming College in Riverton.

"Chad Rose helped out last year and he's back again this year. We also have Sarah Schroefel who played all of her golf here in Worland and played two year of college golf in Riverton and just got back from nationals.

"She's a great addition. She's been to nationals twice and has played a lot of tournaments. To have her back here and giving back to these kids is excellent," said Propp. "I always do the demonstrating and it is great to hear her take on it. The kids have really taken to her, she's been a breath of fresh air and a real blessing to have."

Propp said it's good to have another voice as well, "It's also nice to have her around for when the kids get tired of hearing me talk."

Getting the young golfers more tee time will be the focus this summer.

"This year there's lots of instruction and we're going to have more golf course time and that's exciting," said Propp.

Also new this year is the Big Horn Basin Junior Golf Tour, which will take place in Worland, Thermopolis, Powell and Cody. The tour, which is in its inaugural year, was put together by Propp in partnership with the golf pros in Cody, Thermopolis and Powell.

"I contacted the other three pros at the other clubs and they were really gracious. They liked the idea and we started talking last fall. We stayed in touch over the winter then earlier this year we met in Powell and hammered out the details," said Propp. "I hope this sticks and that the kids have fun, that way we can keep it going."

The tour will start on June 22 in Thermopolis, move to Powell on July 6, then Cody on July 20 and finish off with the Tour Championship in Worland on Aug. 3.

Golfers will compete for individual tournament prizes as well as the tour prizes. For a golfer to compete for tour prizes they will need to have competed in at least three of the four tournaments. Golfers will receive points for participation and where they finish in each tournament.

"I'm really excited for this tour and we know that a bunch of kids from our club will be attending as well as the other clubs," said Propp.

Teaching the game to a new generation will be its own reward, but most importantly for Propp will be that his young golfers learn important life lessons while in the program.

"They're here for golf and I think like a lot of things in life we want them to become better people. The etiquette is sprinkled all the way through. Like checking in and letting us know they're here. Keeping quiet during the demonstrations, because they have to be quiet while other people are hitting on the golf course. There's a lot of etiquette and we hope will help them with a lot of things in life," said Propp.