Columnist Peter Benton: Private golf school helps juniors learn game

Peter Benton

Wednesday, May 19, 2004 | 9:16 a.m.

Peter Benton's golf column appears Wednesday.

At its awards banquet in January, the Las Vegas Chapter, Southwest Section, PGA of America, named Tom Carlson of Higher Education Golf Schools as the unanimous selection for the 2003 Las Vegas Junior Golf Leader award.

Carlson and his staff will continue the program this year, with summer golf camps being offered each week throughout June, July and August at Craig Ranch Golf Course. Morning camps will be from 9 a.m. to noon, afternoon camps 4-7 p.m.

Craig Ranch and Carlson have created a state-of-the-art facility for junior golf, complete with shade and a misting system to make the time spent outdoors as pleasurable as possible.

Carlson's junior golf program's teaching method does not look down on the youngsters as "mere children," but instead treats them as if they were young adults. The instructors' intent is to prepare their charges -- golfing-wise -- for high school, college and even beyond.

Classes are offered at introductory, intermediate and advanced levels, in either group or individual instruction.

"We are the private school of junior golf instruction," Carlson said. "We offer small classes, well-informed instructors and a curriculum second to none. I teach what (PGA touring pro) Jim Colbert and his master teacher have taught me, and I share that with my pupils. That is my mission."

Camps never exceed a 7-to-1 teacher ratio and are offered to youngsters between 9 and 18. Special instruction is also available to exceptional young players.

Each group invariably includes a knowledgeable high school golfer who is pursuing a college scholarship working with Carlson. These young players help demonstrate the swing and show the respective classes exactly what can be achieved with the correct guidance, dedication and hard work.

Students of all skill levels will thoroughly enjoy a week of learning and fun, Carlson said. Time is devoted to video and classroom instruction, along with practice drills for putting, chipping and the full swing, and, oh yes, practice, practice, and more practice. All participating youngsters will get to play the Craig Ranch course on their final day of camp.

Carlson and his staff are among the most knowledgeable and well-informed in the industry. Carlson himself brings more than 30 years of teaching experience, having worked with some of the finest players in the Las Vegas area. He works with an average of more than 100 junior golfers each week, has done so since 1985.

Jane Carlson, who has a degree in early childhood education and is involved in the biomechanics and training of golfers, is Tom's "right-hand person." Her golfing credits include three Nevada state amateur championships.

Rounding out Tom's crew is Harry Hamel, who has studied the swing in detail for 15 years.

The price of the class is $175. For more information, call Jane Carlson at 300-4673.