NRPA has partnered with Player Development Products, LLC to bring the SNAG® (Starting New at Golf) G-Ball program to park and recreation agencies. G-Ball is best described as golf’s version of T-Ball, focused on children 5 to 8 years old. It can be conducted by parent-coaches in gymnasiums, on soccer fields, and throughout other open spaces - with or without a golf course.
G-Ball has been several years in the making to ensure age-appropriate programming to develop a child’s golf motor skills as well as the culture of the game. Dr. Robert Pangrazi, author of more than 50 physical-education textbooks, and Dr. Vanessa Anton developed the curriculum and activities so that parent-coaches can deliver the content effectively. The program is intended to be activity-based with progressive instruction to occur as the child develops. Play is the focus of the program in a non-competitive format.
In 2011, the SNAG® G-Ball program is being piloted (read the press release) to 5 and 6 year olds through 15 park and recreation agencies with grants to provide equipment and support funding:
- Glendale Parks and Recreation – Glendale, Ariz.
- Carson Parks and Recreation – Carson, Calif.
- Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation – Manhattan Beach, Calif.
- Santa Clarita Parks, Recreation, and Community Service – Santa Clarita, Calif.
- Hyland Hills Parks and Recreation – Federal Heights, Colo.
- Miami-Dade County Park and Recreation – Miami, Fla.
- Orange County Parks and Recreation – Orlando, Fla.
- Treasure Island Recreation – Treasure Island, Fla.
- Indian River County Recreation – Vero Beach, Fla.
- Lawrence Parks and Recreation – Lawrence, Kan.
- Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation – Ann Arbor, Mich.
- Springfield-Greene County Parks and Recreation – Springfield, Mo.
- Roseville Parks and Recreation – Roseville, Minn.
- Los Alamos County Recreation – Los Alamos, N.M.
- West Allis-West Milwaukee Recreation – West Allis, Wis.
For more information about the SNAG G-Ball grant, contact Jimmy O'Connor.
For more information about SNAG Golf, visit www.snagpros.com and connect via LinkedIn.