The City of Knoxville, partnering with the Knoxville Municipal and Whittle Springs Golf Courses, is hosting a junior golf program this summer for only $10. 
 
The program will be held on Tuesdays at alternate courses for middle school students from June 16-30. It will be held for high school students from July 14 - August 11.

The effort to encourage youth to start golf early has been spearheaded by the Knoxville City Council Golf Course Committee, chaired by Councilman Joe Bailey and the Parks and Recreation Department. The committee joined with the Whittle Springs and Knoxville Municipal golf courses to develop the program. Volunteer program coordinator Phil Hatcher, Sr. is handling the program's fundamentals.

A priority of the program is to allow all youth to have an opportunity to learn to play the game of golf. The introductory sessions are designed for all skill-levels and are only $10 for four sessions. Golf clubs, balls, and even lunch are all included in this price. 
 
"Any time we can invest in Knoxville youth, we jump on the opportunity," said Joe Walsh, Director of Knoxville Parks and Recreation. 
 
"Our golf courses are managed by a nationally-renowned golf management company. Working with Phil Hatcher, Billy Casper Golf has arranged for several local teaching pros to help with instruction," Walsh added. "This is a great chance for kids to try something new without their parents having to invest in the equipment or pay high dollars for instructors." 
 
Walsh says golf not only provides an opportunity for the kids to get active, but also develops focus, discipline and patience from the sport.

Sessions will run 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tournaments and clinics will be held each week along with the sessions.

To sign up for the junior golf program or to get more information, please call Phil Hatcher, Sr. at 865-207-4564. Information is also available by calling the Whittle Springs Golf Course 865-525-1022 or Knoxville Municipal Golf Course at 865-691-7143.