Kids tee off in Palm Desert golf contest, family day

Some of the greatest golfers in history started swinging at a young age.

Seven-year-old Sawyer came in second place at the Marriott Family Golf Academy’s putting contest at Shadow Ridge Golf Club in Palm Desert.

“It takes sportsmanship and skill,” said Sawyer.

“Get them started early. It’s a great sport; they’ll have a lot of fun,” said Senior golf instructor Mike Ellis.

Ellis said teaching kids early not only helps build skill, but character, something that lasts well into adulthood.

“It’s a sport you can play all your life. It’s a sport that promotes honesty and perseverance,” said Ellis.

“You have to be nice to other players when you play, and you have to be nice to your friends, also,” said nine-year-old Vanessa Kay.

Kay swung away on the driving range and had some words of advice for her peers getting into golf.

“Don’t worry if you’re not good at it just do your best. It doesn’t matter what other people say. It’s your opinion. Not others,'” Kay said.