Justin Saragueta is the Director of Golf and PGA Junior Golf Camps at The Saticoy Club in Somis, California.

In today’s tech oriented society, it’s harder than ever to shift our kid’s attention away from screens. For many of today’s youth, the fun of outdoor activities is often overshadowed by sophisticated cell phones, computers and iPads.  Are we finding the right activities for our children to lure them away from the high tech world?

How can we incorporate the old adage of mind, body and soul into one activity?  What can we use to entice our children with technology and the outdoors? My answer...golf, of course!

The benefits of the game of golf are endless. The mind is challenged constantly during a round of golf. How strong is the wind actually blowing? Do you lay up or just go for it? Is it a hard 6 iron or a soft 5? Did I add my score correctly or did I actually shoot a 38 not 39?

Then there are the times the soul is challenged and the true character of one’s self is revealed. Did I hit my ball on purpose? Will I call that penalty on myself? Will your child start treating his or her competitors with grace and respect in defeat as well as victory?

What about the body? How can we get our kids to move and work harder than their tech gadgets?  On the golf course all our juniors walk. Some with electrical carts that help carry their bags but they are moving up and down gently rolling hills nonetheless. At times the kids will be out there for hours on end.

And then there is the social aspect of today’s tech world. Emojis seem to speak more than we do. We text, we don’t talk. By socializing our children in an environment which teaches respect, character and manners; we can encourage positive traits that will last a lifetime!   

In my opinion, golf offers the best of both worlds. I have been blessed to be the Director of Golf at the Saticoy Club here in sunny Somis California. Knowing the importance of reaching children, we have incorporated the tech world within our instruction, camps and clinics. I allow my kids to get on and play with Trackman- a radar based system that tracks all aspects of ball flight, swing plan and swing path. We let our kids video themselves allowing the capability to draw smiley faces, lines and stars on each other while they are up on screen hitting shots. We download apps and send email recaps which allow our young students to map out and track their progress through their playing and instructional paths.  The point being- it’s not always about the game but about getting kids to first and foremost just want to come to the course because it’s fun! Think outside the box. Stimulate our youth mentally, physically and emotionally. You will watch your child grow in ways that will make you proud while your child is simply just having a great time!

Sign up for PGA Junior Golf Camps at The Saticoy Club.

Justin Saragueta, PGA | Director of Golf | The Saticoy Club