Kalona

At the most recent Kalona Optimist Club meeting on Thursday, Mid-Prairie girls’ golf coach Tracy McArtor and golfer Olivia Swartzendruber, who will be a senior this fall, spoke about the upcoming Junior Golf Camp and accepted a donation from the Optimists to support the program.

The annual Kalona Optimist Club Junior Golf Camp will be held later this summer. During the presentation, McArtor shared details about the camp, while Swartzendruber was recognized for her accomplishments.

Among her honors were conference medalist of the year, conference player of the year, a top 20 state ranking, second-team all-state recognition and a 10th-place finish at the state tournament.

McArtor said the camp typically attracts around 70 participants each year, although attendance reached nearly 95 campers in 2020. 

Many area high school golfers volunteer at the camp, including players from Mid-Prairie and Hillcrest Academy. McArtor noted that nearly 90% of the girls’ team helps along with the boys’ golf team as well.

Campers rotate through at least five stations, including the driving range, short-game area and multiple putting stations. Each station lasts about 30 minutes.

McArtor joked that younger campers often need a break after each session.

“We send them into the clubhouse, and after a pop and a couple candy bars, they come back out energized and ready for the next station.”

When asked what the most difficult skill is to teach young golfers, McArtor pointed to putting.

“Putting is one of the hardest parts of the game to teach because it takes so much touch and feel,” he said. “Some players have a natural ability for it, while others have to work at it, but we try to make it fun. I enjoy helping kids improve and seeing them succeed is what makes it rewarding.”

He also praised the support the camp receives from the Kalona Golf Club and community volunteers.

“Having the support of the golf course means a lot,” McArtor said. “They come out and help, and we also have many community members who volunteer their time to assist with the camp.”

While many campers come from Mid-Prairie and Hillcrest Academy, participants also travel from Iowa City, Washington, Keota and other surrounding communities.

McArtor said that although he does not have formal teaching credentials, years of coaching have helped him identify and address many common issues young golfers face.

“I tell parents that while I can help fix a lot of things, there may come a point where a player needs instruction beyond what I can provide,” he said. “When that happens, I encourage them to work with a teaching professional, and I often attend the lesson so I can understand what is being taught and help reinforce those skills afterward.”

Members also asked Swartzendruber when she first started golfing. While she did not recall her exact age, she said she was very young when she picked up the game.

“I remember using these tiny Nike golf clubs that had belonged to my brother,” she said. “We didn't have much, so you just used what you had and went out and played.”

Toward the end of the meeting, the Kalona Optimist Club presented the Kalona Golf Club with a $2,500 donation to support this year's camp.

McArtor also presented Swartzendruber with additional honors, including second-team all-state, second-team all-tournament and Academic All-Conference recognition.

The four-day camp will feature three days of instruction followed by a tournament on the final day. Awards will be presented following tournament play.

Children ages 7-15 are eligible to participate and will have the opportunity to learn the game while having fun.

Parents interested in registering a child or learning more about the camp can call 319-656-3844 or visit the Kalona Golf Club website.