Two simple ideas fuel Hawaii Junior Golf Day, which celebrates its third anniversary March 22 on all the major islands.

First, golf numbers are down and that includes kids, despite all the success Hawaii has had this millennium. This one day, which offers free clinics to beginners between the ages of 5 and 18, is an effort by the Aloha Section PGA and Hawaii State Junior Golf Association to try to reverse that trend.

Second, there really is nothing like the first time you hit the golf ball pure high and precisely the way you pictured it, much to your astonishment.

Ko Olina director of golf Greg Nichols, who oversees the Aloha Section pros’ work with juniors, says the "thrill of swinging and hitting a pure golf shot high into the air or making a long putt is fun for both the student and the teacher and never gets old."

Nichols expects 100 kids at Ko Olina on March 22. Kauai pro Kellie Hines remembers some 40 kids participating at Puakea last year and is contemplating a "banner on a busy corner" to entice more this time.

For her, the moment of truth that day is almost identical to what Nichols looks for.

"Seeing the juniors smiling and laughing," Hines says. "Hitting their first shot in the air or making a putt and acting like a pro. It was also great to see my fellow golf professionals all helping out."

More than 1,200 kids have been introduced to golf the first two years, at 13 Hawaii golf facilities. Some 60 PGA pros and more than 100 volunteers have donated time and talent.

This year, Hawaii Junior Golf Day will take place at five sites across Oahu, two each on Kauai and the Big Island, and three on Maui. Two munis are involved Hilo and Waiehu, where pro Art Rego is bringing in his sister, pro Brenda Rego, and the Maui High golf team to help.

Art Rego and Hines are stressing about selecting the perfect snack, and plan to use SNAG (Start New at Golf) clubs along with regular golf clubs. Rego has been taking the SNAG program into Maui schools for two-week programs.

He expects the majority of his kids to be 12 and under, so his focus will be on fun, which is a common theme.

"We are planning on talking to the kids and parents about the benefits of being involved in golf," says Hilo Muni pro Lance Taketa, who has been promoting junior golf on the Big Island for 35 years. "But more importantly, we want the kids to simply have fun. We try to teach the virtues of the game.

"The most fun part for the kids are the laughing and playing. They are enjoying a day where they can experience something new instead of playing video games and being on their cellphones. As for me, I simply enjoy watching the kids having fun and learning a bit about golf. I also imagine and hope that this activity will steer them away from society’s evils."

Ko Olina sets up four stations: for putting, chipping, full swing and a "sports station" that includes running, throwing, jumping and kicking. Nichols wants kids and parents to "understand that the best golfer will generally be the best overall athlete." Each station will stress simplicity and fun.

"Our first priority is making sure we’re providing a safe environment," Nichols says. "Right after that, our goal is to make the game as fun as possible. We want them to catch the golf bug’ and keep it for life. Young kids, in particular, have short attention spans, so it’s important to keep activities short, fun, very interactive and constantly change them around to keep the kids engaged. Slow play isn’t allowed at any age."

The first 40 kids to register online at each site get a tee gift. Golfers can also register the day of the event at 8:30 a.m. Clinics run by LPGA and PGA pros go from 9 to 11 a.m. Participants and volunteers can register at hsjga.org or aspga.com.

Parents attending can get information on the Roadmap to Junior Golf, a free online resource to help easily find opportunities for kids in Hawaii golf. It has information for every junior program, golf course and association in the state. The Roadmap can be found online at the ASPGA, HSJGA and HSGA (hawaiistategolf.org) websites.

ACES