Junior golfers will soon have a new way to hone their skills and learn to love the game of golf. Operation 36 is a leveled system that allows young golfers to learn the game from expert golfers. The program is being spearheaded by Henderson County High School coaches Austin and Payton Knight, as well as Jessica Grace.
Both Austin and Payton have experience with Operation 36 having worked with it in Austin’s hometown of Hopkinsville. They spent three summers learning the curriculum, calling it “such a good fundamental and developmental program.” After their time with it, they knew they had to bring it to Henderson.
Operation 36 is an eight-week program, in which the goal for all participants is to reach the ability to shoot even par at an early age. According to its website, the game of golf is “taught in reverse.” Golfers begin at Level 1 which is 25 yards from the center of the green until they are able to shoot 36 or better over nine holes. The tee is then moved back incrementally as they progress through six levels until they can shoot par from the full tee box.
“The main goal of the program is to teach kids the short game, which is obviously most important. Everyone wants to whack the driver and hit it far, but a lot of your strokes come from chipping and putting,” said Payton Knight. “Starting at the basics and kind of teaching them up from there is how this program is a little bit different.”
The Henderson Country Club will serve as host. It will be open to members and non-members of HCC.
The Birdie Basics program will be open for children from three to six years old. Children between the ages of seven and 18 will be eligible for Operation 36. Students who are part of Operation 36 will be grouped by age including a seven- to nine-year-old group, a 10- to 13-year-old group, and a 14- to 18-year-old group. There will also be a ladies’ program offered.
While building the skills of the golfers is a main goal of the program, Knight also noted the importance of growing a love for the game. She talked about how many beginning golfers grow frustrated with golf and give up on it too easily because they find it too hard.
“As many youths as we can get out there to fall in love with the game as early as possible is the best,” said Payton Knight. “Starting them at the shorter yardage will build their confidence.”
Not only is Operation 36 a unique way for golfers to begin their journey on the course, but it is also endorsed by Rory McIlroy, one of the most successful PGA Tour golfers of his era.
Payton Knight hopes that they find lots of success which allows the program to evolve over the coming years. They would like to be able to offer spring, summer and fall academies in the future, so that kids can grow throughout the whole year.
Registration for this new program opened on March 15. Those who have questions about Operation 36 or need assistance with getting registered can attend the upcoming orientation session which will be at 5 p.m. on March 22 at the Henderson Country Club. To reserve a spot, those interested can text Payton Knight at 270-724-4803.
