Junior Players Learn All About Golf Through Towers Clinic

North Shore Towers Golf Pro Bob Guido and Assistant Golf Pro Brian Gerowski are teaching important lessons to some young golfers through a weekly junior’s clinic they have been hosting this summer.
This marks the first summer that such a clinic has been held at the Towers. Guido said that he was previously at a country club where he worked with kids and decided to try having a golf clinic for children at the Towers. It began near the end of April and beginning of May, and Guido said he hopes to run it through the fall.
The children, who range in age from 8 to 14, have been coming every Saturday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. It is open so that children may come any weeks they want to. Guido said they have had a group as large as 12 and as small as one.
Guido and Gerowski have been teaching the young golfers fundamentals, such as grip, posture and stance. They have also been going on the Towers course to learn other aspects of the game, including etiquette, scoring, and taking care of the golf course. Guido said the sport also instills values about honesty, integrity and discipline.
“It’s a great way to start,” Guido said. “It’s something they’re going to have with them the rest of their lives.”
Jimmy Quinn, son of Towers resident Jim Quinn, has two children participating in the clinic, 10-year-old James Quinn and 12-year-old Mikayla Loscalzo. He said that they look forward to it every week and love going to the clinics.
“I wish I started at this age,” Quinn said. “This is a great way to learn the game - get good habits starting at a young age.”
Mikayla said that it has been fun and that she has improved the most when it comes to hitting the ball for a long distance. She said that she likes having to concentrate the most, adding that being around the people has been the best part.
James said that the two major reasons he likes golf is that it has been passed down in his family from many generations and because the Clearview Golf Course is in his backyard. He said that his hitting and driving are where he has improved.
“What I like most about this sport is it’s like a family sport that’s been passed on for six generations,” James said. He added, “The best part [of the clinic] was having fun. There’s something to do and I love coming here.”
Brothers Michael and Joseph Randazzo got involved with the clinic because their grandfather works at North Shore Towers. Joseph, 13, said that the highlight has been going out on the golf course and playing with Guido, Gerowski and the other children. He said that he has noticed his game getting better, particularly when it comes to putting.
Michael, 12, also said that his favorite part of the summer clinic has been playing on the golf course. He said the biggest difference has been in his putting and that he wants to learn more about chipping.
“It’s a slow process but in the long run it’s going to be something that’s well worth it,” Guido said. “You’re basically giving them a gift for a lifetime.”
Guido said that he is already planning on having the junior golf clinic again next year. Anyone wishing to find out more about it can contact the pro shop at 718-279-1848.