Preschoolers Take a Swing at Golf

Local preschoolers took a swing at golf Thursday morning when Pro Golfer Chris Mazzuchetti visited their summer camp at Goddard School in Matawan.

Mazzuchetti, who has been a professional golfer for eighteen years, spent time teaching the three to five-year-olds how to hold a club, how to position themselves around the tee, and how to swing.

The most important lesson, however, was that golf can be fun, just like soccer, basketball, or other popular sports.

Mazzuchetti's appearance was part of the New Jersey Golf Foundation's "Golf in Schools" program, the charitable arm of the New Jersey section of the Professional Golfer's Association.

"'Golf in Schools' has been unbelievable in building the future of my profession," Mazzuchetti said.

"Golf in Schools" has visited over 160 schools in New Jersey and impacted about 90,000 students in grades all the way up through high school, according to the foundation.

Mazzuchetti explained that golf is a great way to learn life lessons, build strong character, and even reach across generational gaps.

"This game teaches so many life lessons. Golf really taught me about etiquette, courtesy, and respect," he said.

He enjoys spreading the sport, and especially appreciates when he has the opportunity to visit inner city schools.

"Golf is unfortunately a sport for the more affluent community. We teach the teachers so they can give the kids the exposure. It shouldn't be money that keeps you from the game," Mazzuchetti said.

Nicole O'Connell, the head teacher at Goddard in Matawan, noted that the children have shown an interest in golf.

"It's fun for them to do something different and to broaden their horizons," she said. "They really like doing it."

In addition to learning the techniques, golf has been another way to reinforce what they learn in the classroom, including color recognition, listening skills, and understanding directions, O'Connell said. 

Only time will tell if there were any future professional golfers among the preschoolers, however as they excitedly sent their colored tennis balls flying at a large velcrow target, it seemed their love of golf might just stick.